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The article discusses a study on the progress and transition towards a green economy in Morocco. Topics covered include the environmental communication practices of Moroccan companies, challenges that have hampered the country's efforts to anchor the principles of sustainable development, such as the adverse effects of climate change and the loss of biodiversity, and environmental report or a sustainable development report that Moroccan companies are obliged to publish.

This paper introduces an optimized evaporation technique for leachate treatment. For this purpose and in order to study the feasibility and measure the effectiveness of the forced evaporation, three cuboidal steel tubs were designed and implemented. The first control-tub was installed at the ground level to monitor natural evaporation. Similarly, the second and the third tub, models under investigation, were installed respectively at the ground level (equipped-tub 1) and out of the ground level (equipped-tub 2), and provided with special equipment to accelerate the evaporation process. The obtained results showed that the evaporation rate at the equipped-tubs was much accelerated with respect to the control-tub. It was accelerated five times in the winter period, where the evaporation rate was increased from a value of 0.37 mm/day to reach a value of 1.50 mm/day. In the summer period, the evaporation rate was accelerated more than three times and it increased from a value of 3.06 mm/day to reach a value of 10.25 mm/day. Overall, the optimized evaporation technique can be applied effectively either under electric or solar energy supply, and will accelerate the evaporation rate from three to five times whatever the season temperature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

After studying the waste management opportunities in small and medium companies of natural casings, composting has proved more viable and cost effective solution for the valorization of these types of waste, but its feasibility depends on the final product value. This paper investigated a pilot scale program for the windrow co-composting of natural casings waste with sheep manure and dead leaves incorporation. Processing, characterization and application of the final compost were described and the final compost was analyzed for pathogens, metals, nutrients, maturity, and agronomic parameters. The results showed that all test result levels were below the limits specified in the EPA regulations published in Title 40, Section 503, of the Code of Federal Regulations (40 CFR 503). Moreover, the agronomic value tests which include nutrients, organic matter, pH, electrical conductivity, etc. showed that the compost had high organic-matter content and low salt content, all of which indicate good compost characteristics. The ratio of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K), or NPK ratio, was measured at 1.6–0.9–0.7. Reported units are consistent with those found on fertilizer formulations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Composting is considered as a sustainable strategy for organic waste management, yet the choice of suitable technology makes its sustainability disputable. The subject under investigation concerns the sustainability assessment of large-scale composting technologies using surrogate weights and PROMETHEE method. In this regard, six composting systems, including open, enclosed and reactor technologies, were evaluated in terms of environmental, financial/economic, social and technical criteria. Firstly, ten internationally endorsed experts assigned their preferred rankings for the groups of criteria as well as the sub-criteria. The application of the additive combination of sum and reciprocal weight functions on these rankings allowed calculating the corresponding weights for each group of criteria and each sub-criterion. Secondly, the PROMETHEE method was applied, taking into account the alternatives' performance with regards to each criterion, to calculate the outranking flows for each alternative. The obtained rankings revealed that reactor technologies are more sustainable than enclosed technologies, which in turn are more sustainable than open technologies. Overall, the rotating drum is ranked as the most sustainable composting technology achieving the optimal balance among the environmental, financial/economic, social, and technical criteria. However, the turned windrow seems to be the least sustainable composting technology. Image 1 • Sustainability assessment of large-scale composting technologies was investigated. • Surrogate weights and PROMETHEE method were used. • Environmental, economic, social and technical criteria were considered. • Reactor technologies are more sustainable than enclosed and open technologies. • Rotating drum achieved the optimal balance among the considered criteria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Abda region in western Morocco is currently grappling with unpredictable hazards related to the occurrence of collapse dolines. These hazards have inflicted notable harm on the local population, infrastructure, and agricultural lands, causing substantial environmental repercussions. Given the gravity of this situation, the present research systematically investigates the processes and mechanisms of the genesis of collapse dolines within the study area, employing an integrated approach that combines fieldwork, geological survey, and geophysical techniques. More than thirty collapse dolines were identified, characterized by a prevailing NE–SW orientation and a close alignment with major faults. Field observations provided essential insights into doline composition and susceptibility, with Quaternary formations exhibiting the highest vulnerability, followed by the Plio-quaternary and evaporitic complex formations. The integration of electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) and Seismic refraction tomography (SRT) techniques yielded further geological understanding. The results highlighted distinct discontinuities in both ERT and SRT profiles, confirming the presence of faults and fractures linked to collapse dolines. The combination of these geophysical findings with lineament analysis from satellite data further revealed a correlation between doline alignments and major faults. Overall, the susceptibility of the Abda region to collapse events is driven by a combination of geological composition, structural elements, and hydrological patterns. These factors collectively amplify the risk of surface subsidence due to continual erosion and dissolution processes. In light of these insights, it is imperative to address the potential risks posed by collapse dolines through comprehensive mapping and meticulous delineation of the influential factors to ensure the safety and stability of vulnerable regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to establish susceptibility maps for the Moroccan Safi region, which is affected by karstification processes. This process is the predisposing factor for various landslide types such as debris flows and rock falls. In the first phase of this study, a landslide inventory was prepared by geomorphological approach based on visual interpretation of aerial photographs combined with direct observations in the field. The obtained inventory included 234 landslides: 14 rock slides and 75 debris flows in Brown Clay Formation, 74 rock falls in sandstone and 71 rock topples in Dridrat Limestone Formations. The inventory map showed that landslide phenomena occur mainly in the northwest and along the active coastal cliffs in the south of Safi. In the second phase, four landslide susceptibility maps were realized using the bivariate statistical method of Geographical Information System (GIS) matrix method (GMM). The established landslide susceptibility maps were validated by the degree of fit method. Obtained results showed that landslide phenomenon occurs mainly in the northwest and along the coastal cliffs in the south of the study area. Moreover, very high and high susceptibility levels were limited to the area including industrial and touristic activities as well as historical monuments. Overall, landslides were associated to karstification, lithology, karstic rocks and karstic spring presence, which are considered as predisposing and causal factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to assess the evolution of seawater intrusion between 1992 and 2011 periods in the coastal aquifers of Oualidia. To achieve this objective, the combination of geoelectrical and hydrochemical methods was adopted. Apparent resistivity maps, using 74 Vertical Electrical Sounding (VES) performed on 1992, allowed to distinguish two different zones. The conductive one, with apparent resistivity ranging between 4 and 86 Ω·m, is limited to 1 km with respect to the ocean. Meanwhile, the resistant one is much farther from the coastline. Besides, results of Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT) profiles performed during 2011 are in good agreement with those obtained by apparent resistivity maps. The ERT profiles show a conductive level characterized by low resistivity below 30 Ω·m assigned to seawater intrusion effect. Moreover, hydrochemical analysis, performed on 19 wells during three different periods, on June, December 2010 and May 2011, indicates that the most affected part with marine waters was at that time localized in the first kilometer from the ocean, with high amounts of Na + and Cl − ions. Beyond this fringe, mineralization becomes very weak. Overall, the comparison of old VES with recent ERT coupled with hydrochemical results suggest no important evolution of the salt wedge since 1992. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to identify groundwater salinization origin and to determine seawater intrusion extension toward the inland in Chaouia, Morocco. To reach these objectives, firstly, 46 groundwater samples were analyzed for major chemical elements during January 2012 and, secondly, 10 electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) profiles were performed perpendicularly to the coastal fringe. Statistical analysis provided the distinction between three Clusters reflecting different hydrochemical processes. Cluster I and Cluster II-a showed a high water electrical conductivity (EC) (from 2.3 to 11.2 mS/cm) with the dominance of Na + (668 mg/L on average) and Cl − (1735 mg/L on average) ions as a consequence of seawater intrusion. However, Cluster II-b presented low ECs (from 0.5 to 1.7 mS/cm) and Ca 2 + (99.6 mg/L on average) and HCO 3 2 − (235.2 mg/L on average) ions dominance. Water chemistry in these wells was controlled by water-rock interaction, cation exchange, and anthropogenic activities. The Hydrochemical Facies Evolution Diagram highlighted the succession of different water facies developed between intrusion and freshening phases. The formation of Na-HCO 3 facies, which characterizes the last facies of freshening phase, followed the succession of Na-Cl, MixNa-MixCl, MixCa-MixCl, MixCa-MixHCO 3 , and Na-HCO 3 . In contrast, Na-Cl facies formation, which characterizes the last facies of intrusion phase, followed the evolution of Ca-HCO 3 , Ca-MixHCO 3 , Ca-MixCl, MixCa-MixCl, MixCa-Cl, and Na-Cl. Moreover, the obtained ERT results allowed determining the extent of different hydrochemical facies and provided more details about seawater intrusion extension. The conductive level assigned to seawater contamination showed a resistivity less than 36 Ω.m, which remains limited to 3000 m from the ocean, where Na-Cl water type dominates. The seawater intrusion depth varied between 5 and 40 m from the surface. Overall, this original study in Chaouia region demonstrated the effectiveness of combining hydrochemical and ERT methods to investigate seawater intrusion, particularly in areas with restrictive water chemistry data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study is to identify the influence of different hydrochemical processes, potential salinity sources, and seawater intrusion on groundwater quality in the coastal region of Oualidia. For this purpose, chemical analyses were performed on 19 wells sampled during three campaigns: June and December, 2010 and May, 2011. Investigations were conducted to identify the significant chemical variations between different campaigns. In addition, chemical variations were controlled by two main factors, which are the distance from the coast and the morphological aspect. Furthermore, statistical analysis allows the identification of two clusters of samples. The first groups, near the ocean, are highly mineralized with dominance of Na + and Cl − ions, while the second group, much farther from the coast, are slightly mineralized with dominance of Ca 2+ and H C O 3 − ions. Besides, ionic ratio, ionic delta, saturation index, and Gibbs diagram were applied to evaluate geochemical processes responsible for groundwater mineralization. Results showed that salinity was due mainly to seawater intrusion, especially in the first kilometers from the ocean covering the first group of wells. Moreover, cation exchange between Na + , Ca 2+ , Mg 2+ , and K + , evaporation, and evaporate dissolution are principal processes, which also contribute to groundwater salinization. In overall, this investigation provided a basis of geochemical data to effectively manage groundwater resource and efficiently mitigate impacts on aquifers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The coastal aquifer system of Chaouia is recognized as one of the most important aquifers in Morocco that is affected by salinization in the coastal fringe. The purpose of this study is to highlight the origin of salinization by sampling and analyzing groundwater from 44 wells for major elements. This study was carried out in May 2011. The results indicate that, in the central and downstream parts, the dominant facies are Mg 2+ , Na + and Cl − , while Ca 2+ and HCO 3 − dominate in the upstream zones. Ion exchange processes, under seawater intrusion, control the concentration of ions such as calcium, magnesium and sodium. Moreover, groundwater is oversaturated with respect to carbonate minerals (calcite and dolomite), and under-saturated with respect to evaporate minerals (gypsum, halite). The contribution of dissolved halite and gypsum in the groundwater mineralization is revealed by their positive correlation between (Na + Cl) and (Ca + SO 4 ), respectively. Furthermore, the comparison of the hydrochemical results to drinking water quality standards by World Health Organization (2008) shows that more than a half of the water sampled is not suitable for drinking purposes, especially with respect to high levels of EC, TDS, Cl − and NO 3 − . In addition, high mineralization is found to be a consequence of seawater intrusion and anthropogenic activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Moul El Bergui area has been known since the 1980s for its high agricultural potential and its permanent irrigation systems. Recently, this area has suffered significant material damages due to collapse dolines that still threaten the population, infrastructures, and agricultural lands. Accordingly, this study was carried out aiming at identifying the mechanism and triggering factors of their occurrence through field inventory and geophysical survey. In the first phase of this study, a collapse dolines inventory was established using geomorphological approach. From the nine inventoried collapse dolines, five have occurred before 1962 and four have occurred after this date. They were found to be aligned following the main tectonic structures characterizing the study area. Moreover, the comparison of aerial photographs revealed that their diameters have expanded from 1962 to 2010. In the second phase, six electrical resistivity tomography profiles (ERT) were performed between the identified collapse dolines. The ERT profiles highlighted the different hydrogeological karst components and proved the presence of underground cavities as well as fractured zones. The obtained results demonstrate that the collapse dolines around the study area occur as a result of various associated processes, including dissolution of carbonated bedrock and presence of fractures and/or faults that facilitate the infiltration of meteorological and irrigation waters. Therefore, the heavy rainfall, consolidated dunes barriers, and irrigation may be considered as the main triggering and aggravating factors to collapse dolines occurrence. For this reason, using collapse dolines as outlets for any irrigation canal or floodwaters will necessarily lead to a faster and significant erosion process. In this case, catastrophic collapse and significant subsidence may occur in areas subject to water flows from irrigated plains. • Collapse dolines occurrence was assessed using electrical resistivity tomography. • Collapse dolines were aligned following the main tectonic structures. • ERT profiles proved the presence of underground cavities and fractured zones. • Results indicated that hydrologic and geologic factors promote ground collapsing. • Using collapse dolines as outlets for excess water accelerated the erosion process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]