Heavy Metal Contamination of Sediments in the Inaouène Watershed (Morocco): Indices, Statistical Methods, and Contributions to Sustainable Environmental Management

Marouane Laaraj (), Yassine Ait Brahim, Valerie Mesnage, Fadwa Bensalem, Ikram Lahmidi, Mohammed Mouad Mliyeh, Hamid Fattasse, Khalid Arari and Lahcen Benaabidate
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Marouane Laaraj: Laboratory of Geo-Resources and Environment, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Sidi Mohammed Ben Abdellah, Route d’Imouzzer, P.O. Box 2202, Fez 30000, Morocco
Yassine Ait Brahim: International Water Research Institute, University Mohammed VI Polytechnic, Benguerir 43150, Morocco
Valerie Mesnage: Laboratory of Continental and Coastal Morphodynamic (M2C), University of Rouen-Normandy, Place Emile Blondel, 76281 Mont-Saint-Aignan, Cedex, France
Fadwa Bensalem: Laboratory of Natural Resources and Environment (LRNE), Multidisciplinary Faculty, University of Sidi Mohammed Ben Abdellah, P.O. Box 1223, Taza 35000, Morocco
Ikram Lahmidi: Laboratory of Intelligent System, Georesources and Renewable Energies, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Sidi Mohammed Ben Abdellah, Route d’Imouzzer, P.O. Box 2202, Fez 30000, Morocco
Mohammed Mouad Mliyeh: Laboratory of Geo-Resources and Environment, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Sidi Mohammed Ben Abdellah, Route d’Imouzzer, P.O. Box 2202, Fez 30000, Morocco
Hamid Fattasse: Laboratory of Space, History, Dynamics, and Sustainable Development, University of Sidi Mohammed Ben Abdellah, Route d’Imouzzer, P.O. Box 2202, Fez 30000, Morocco
Khalid Arari: Department of Geography and Planning, Pluridisciplinaire Faculty, University Mohamed Premier, P.O. Box 300, Selouane, Nador 62700, Morocco
Lahcen Benaabidate: Laboratory of Geo-Resources and Environment, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Sidi Mohammed Ben Abdellah, Route d’Imouzzer, P.O. Box 2202, Fez 30000, Morocco

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 10, 1-28

Abstract: The Inaouène watershed (3600 km 2 ), part of the Sebou River’s upper valley in northern Morocco, faces urban, agricultural, and industrial discharges. This research investigates the environmental impact of heavy metal contamination in sediments and its implications for sustainable watershed management and long-term ecological protection. Sediment samples were collected from six sites along the river and the Idriss 1st dam. A combined approach of geochemical analyses and multivariate statistical methods (PCA, HCA) identified metal sources and grouped sites by contamination patterns. Additionally, pollution indices ( I geo , EF , PLI ) were used to assess contamination levels and infer potential sources. Results revealed variable metal concentrations: upstream (Ech1) showed high levels of chromium (133 mg/kg) and copper (32.5 mg/kg) linked to urban discharges and erosion, while downstream (Ech6) exhibited high barium (3245 mg/kg) and strontium (505 mg/kg) concentrations due to dam sedimentation. Pollution indices confirmed moderate to high contamination, particularly at Ech1 and Ech6. Multivariate analysis identified three main clusters influenced by both anthropogenic and geological factors. These findings underline the need for integrated sediment management, regular monitoring, and environmental protection strategies to preserve the watershed and the aquifer’s ecological balance.

Keywords: Inaouène watershed; heavy metals; geochemical analysis; sediment quality indices; sustainable watershed management; environmental protection (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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