Geo-Spatial Insights into Heavy Metal Contamination and Ecological Implications in River Sediments: Identifying Agrochemical Impacts Through Pollution Indices in Morocco’s Sidi Allal Tazi Region, Sebou Basin
Abstract
Sediments
in
agricultural
ecosystems
serve
as
critical
indicators
of
environmental
pollution,
particularly
regions
subjected
to
intensive
practices.
This
research
evaluates
the
hazards
and
implications
heavy
metal
(HM)
contamination
river
sediments
from
Sidi
Allal
Tazi
area
within
Morocco’s
Sebou
basin.
Twenty
sediment
samples
were
extracted
strategically
designated
locations,
levels
analyzed
using
a
multi-index
integration
approach,
multi-statistical
analyses
(MSA),
Geographic
Information
Systems
(GIS).
The
results
revealed
considerable
spatial
variability
HM
concentrations,
with
Cd
As
displaying
highest
levels.
Statistical
analysis,
incorporating
Principal
Component
Analysis
(PCA),
identified
anthropogenic
activities
primary
contributors
contamination.
Hierarchical
Cluster
(HCA)
categorized
metals
based
on
common
pollution
pathways,
while
GIS
mapping
distribution
across
vulnerable
areas.
Pollution
like
Geo-accumulation
Index
(Igeo)
well
Load
(PLI).
that
75%
sites
under
“very
high
pollution”,
emphasizing
severity
Contamination
Factor
(CF)
classified
90%
100%
contamination”.
Risk
indices
indicated
significant
ecological
threats,
contributing
an
RI
exceeding
600
many
areas,
signifying
risk”.
These
findings
highlight
urgent
need
for
targeted
mitigation
strategies
sustainable
methodologies
provides
comprehensive
framework
assessing
managing
contamination,
offering
insights
policymakers
managers.
Published: April 18, 2025
Language: Английский