Geostatistical Approach for Evaluating Heavy Metal Contamination in Groundwater in the High Ziz Basin (Morocco)

In the south of morocco, especially the Ziz basin, access to the drinking water becoming a concern for the populations. In addition, it is the main factor in the economic development of the region and the key to improving the standard of living of people and improving their health and ensure their stability in the region. Hence, the objective of this study is to evaluate the concentration of the heavy metal (Cd, Cu, Fe, Ni, Pb and Zn) and determine the pollution sources of the studied groundwater. After filtration, the solubility of heavy metals in Groundwater is evaluated by atomic emission spectroscopy with an inductive coupled plasma (ICP-AES) using a JY-type spectrometer. For a better evaluation of mineral deposits and the geological formations impact on groundwater quality, we have analyzed the different variables through their correlations, orientation in the correlation circle and factorial plan to find the main factors which influence the quality of aquifer in the study region. Based on this fact, we have adopted a multi-tool approach based mainly on hydrochemical studies and geostatistical techniques. Indeed, the Principal Component Analysis (PCA) shows four groundwater groups according to the contamination degree and the nature of the metal pollutants.