Accepted Manuscript

Contribution of hydrochemical and geoelectrical approaches to

investigate salinization process and seawater intrusion in the
coastal aquifers of Chaouia, Morocco

Saliha Najib, Ahmed Fadili, Khalid Mehdi, Joëlle Riss, Abdelhadi

Makan

PII: S0169-7722(16)30144-9
DOI: doi: 10.1016/j.jconhyd.2017.01.003
Reference: CONHYD 3274
To appear in: Journal of Contaminant Hydrology
Received date: 31 July 2016
Revised date: 6 January 2017
Accepted date: 26 January 2017

Please cite this article as: Saliha Najib, Ahmed Fadili, Khalid Mehdi, Joëlle Riss,
Abdelhadi Makan , Contribution of hydrochemical and geoelectrical approaches to
investigate salinization process and seawater intrusion in the coastal aquifers of Chaouia,
Morocco. The address for the corresponding author was captured as affiliation for all
authors. Please check if appropriate. Conhyd(2017), doi: 10.1016/j.jconhyd.2017.01.003

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 ACCEPTED MANUSCRIPT

Contribution of hydrochemical and geoelectrical approaches to investigate salinization

process and seawater intrusion in the coastal aquifers of Chaouia, Morocco

Saliha NAJIB a, Ahmed FADILI a,*, Khalid MEHDI a, Joëlle RISS b, Abdelhadi MAKAN c

a
Marine Geoscience and Soil Science Laboratory (URAC-45), Earth Sciences Department, University
of Chouaïb Doukkali, Faculty of Sciences, El Jadida, Morocco.

b
I2M UMR 5295 Laboratory, Environmental Civil Engineering Department, Bordeaux University,

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Bordeaux France.

c
Water and environment laboratory, University of Chouaïb Doukkali, Faculty of Sciences, El Jadida,

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Morocco.

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*
Corresponding author: E-mail faahmed81@yahoo.fr (A. FADILI)
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Contribution of hydrochemical and geoelectrical approaches to investigate salinization

process and seawater intrusion in the coastal aquifers of Chaouia, Morocco

Abstract

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

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and, secondly, 10 electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) profiles were performed

perpendicularly to the coastal fringe. Statistical analysis provided the distinction between

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three Clusters reflecting different hydrochemical processes. Cluster I and Cluster II-a showed

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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
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intrusion. However, Cluster II-b presented low ECs (from 0.5 to 1.7 mS/cm) and Ca2+
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(99.6 mg/L on average) and HCO32- (235.2 mg/L on average) ions dominance. Water

chemistry in these wells was controlled by water-rock interaction, cation exchange, and
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anthropogenic activities. The Hydrochemical Facies Evolution Diagram highlighted the

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succession of different water facies developed between intrusion and freshening phases. The
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formation of Na-HCO3 facies, which characterizes the last facies of freshening phase,
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followed the succession of Na-Cl, MixNa-MixCl, MixCa-MixCl, MixCa-MixHCO3, and Na-

HCO3. In contrast, Na-Cl facies formation, which characterizes the last facies of intrusion
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phase, followed the evolution of Ca-HCO3, Ca-MixHCO3, 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

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and ERT methods to investigate seawater intrusion, particularly in areas with restrictive water

chemistry data.

Keywords: Groundwater hydrochemistry, HFE-Diagram, electrical resistivity tomography

1. Introduction

At present, the freshwater resources management becomes increasingly important for natural

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reserve managers. Among these resources, coastal aquifers constitute a vital water resource

largely operated to provide population needs. Knowing that almost 70% of the world

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population lives in coastal areas (Bear et al., 1999), these ecosystems are particularly

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vulnerable as a result of both seawater proximity and intensive pumping.
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In fact, coastal aquifers are mainly vulnerable to salinization caused by seawater intrusion,

especially the unconfined ones. The intensified global problem rising from seawater intrusion
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is due to the increasing freshwater supply in coastal areas (Werner et al., 2013; Kazakis et al.,

2016). Generally, freshwater level decrease induces lateral and/or vertical saline water
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migration and, consequently, water quality deterioration (Barlow and Reichard, 2010; Han et
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al., 2014). Seawater extension toward the coastal areas depends on many factors such as
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aquifers lithology, hydraulic gradient, coastal topography and groundwater recharge rate
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(Freeze and Cherry, 1979; Kouzana et al., 2010; Kazakis et al., 2016, Fadili et al., 2016).

In addition to seawater intrusion, several sources recognized around the world may cause
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coastal aquifers salinization. Agricultural practices using fertilizers and, sometimes, irrigation

using treated wastewater are the most important sources of aquifer pollution (Giambastiani et

al., 2013). Evaporation and evaporite leaching, mobilization of salts within the soil, and

polluted surface water infiltration also threatened the freshwater quality (Barbecot et al.,

2000; Giambastiani et al., 2013). However, salinization sources can be masked by water-rock

interaction, which can activate different chemical processes in groundwater and,

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consequently, changing the groundwater chemical composition (Belkhiri et al., 2012; Han et

al., 2014).

Therefore, the coastal aquifers seem to be a complicated environment requiring multi-

approach investigations to appropriately acknowledge their salinization sources. Major

chemical elements are the most useful tracers for water chemistry characterization and

seawater intrusion identification (Vinson et al., 2013; Zhang et al., 2015). In the last decade,

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electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) become widely used for the identification of marine

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intrusion extension toward the coastal aquifers (Atwia and Masoud, 2013; Naidu et al., 2013;

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Sonkamble, 2014; Kazakis et al., 2016). Moreover, combination between hydrochemistry and

ERT survey is often used to analyze seawater intrusion effect on Moroccan coastal aquifers
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(Benkabbour et al., 2004; El Yaouti et al., 2009; Zouhri, 2010; Re et al., 2013; Fadili et al.,

2015). According to these studies, the combination between hydrochemistry and ERT
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methods allows an optimal understanding of water mineralization sources.

The coastal Chaouia, subject of this study, is located on Moroccan Atlantic coast, at 60 km
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southwest of Casablanca city. In this region, groundwater constitutes the only water resource
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available to ensure domestic and agricultural requirements. This aquifer became increasingly

vulnerable to salinization as a consequence of intensive exploitation for agricultural irrigation

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and industrial purposes (Bentayeb, 1972; Marjoua, 1995; Younsi et al., 2001; Fakir et al.,
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2001; Najib et al., 2012). Therefore, the current situation became critical and required more

knowledge improvement about groundwater quality.

The aquifer mineralization in the coastal Chaouia is a problem which has been discussed by

several authors. Using geochemical approach based on Cl-, Br- ions and 18
O, 2H, 3H, 14
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isotopes, Marjoua et al. (1997) have found that the high groundwater salinity is mainly due to

chlorinated fertilizers leaching and sea spray. These authors have excluded the participation of

halite dissolution and seawater intrusion in the aquifer salinization. In contrast, the studies
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conducted by Fakir et al. (2001) and Younsi et al. (2001) using respectively the isotopic

approach by O18 and major chemical elements analysis demonstrate that coastal Chaouia

groundwater salinization is mainly due to seawater intrusion and irrigation water recycling.

The study conducted by Moustadraf et al. (2008) proposed that water table quality

degradation in this region is mainly due to marine intrusion as a consequence of intensive

pumping. The recent study of Najib et al. (2016) suggests that groundwater salinization in this

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coastal region was a consequence of seawater intrusion, evaporation, ion exchange, water-

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rock interaction, and anthropogenic activities. However, the weakness in these last studies

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consists in using only one approach, which cannot accurately understand and assess the most

important geochemical processes responsible of groundwater salinization. Consequently,

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groundwater salinization sources and seawater intrusion extension in this region remains

undefined, and they were the subject for further discussions.

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The current study aims to investigate the coastal Chaouia aquifers in order to determine the

dominant geochemical processes controlling groundwater chemistry. Therefore, the principal

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objectives are: (1) investigating the main processes and chemical reactions responsible of
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groundwater salinization in this coastal area, (2) identifying the impact of natural factors and

anthropogenic activities on groundwater chemistry change, and (3) determining seawater

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intrusion extension toward the inland. For these purposes, comparison between different

hydrochemical methods and ionic ratios were used in this study. The ERT profiles performed
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perpendicularly to the coastal fringe were calibrated with geological borehole data,

hydrochemical results and Archie formula.

2. Materials and methods

2.1 Overview of the study area

The coastal Chaouia represents an important hydrogeological unit from Moroccan coastal

Meseta. This hydrogeological unit is bounded to the southwest by Oum Er-Rbia River, to the
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northwest by the Atlantic Ocean, to the northeast by Casablanca city and to the southeast by

Berrechid plain (Fig. 1). The only available water resource in this area is the unconfined

aquifer. Consequently, groundwater exploitation for agricultural activities and population

supply were favored.

Fig. 2 represents lithological boreholes located in the coastal Chaouia. The region stratigraphy

includes Paleozoic and Cretaceous formations, which are covered by the Plio-quaternary

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deposits (Lecointre and Gigout, 1950; Bentayeb, 1972). In the southwestern part, between

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Azemmour and Tnine Chtouka cities, Plio-quaternary formations rest on the Cenomanian

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limestone (Cretaceous). Plio-quaternary deposits are generally composed of marine

sandstones and consolidated dunes, and they form the important hydrogeological unit of the
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coastal Chaouia.
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The Paleozoic substratum is an impermeable or semi-permeable layer, formed by altered

schist and sandstones. The upper part of these altered schists represents favorable conditions

for groundwater flow, which depend on the thickness and the degree of alteration. According
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to previous works, the altered schist part can reach a maximum of 30 m thickness (Bentayeb,
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1972; Marjoua, 1995; Moustadraf et al., 2008). In the northeast part of the study area, the

Paleozoic substratum is covered by Plio-quaternary sandstone and limestone, which are

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presented as permeable formations.

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In the south-western part, the Cretaceous limestones are covered by the Plio-quaternary

layers. When it is formed by marls, the Cretaceous formation can be considered as an

impermeable layer, however, when it is formed by limestones, it allows groundwater

circulations. The Plio-quaternary calcareous and sandstones are characterized by high

permeability. As consequence to its limited thickness, comprises between 10 and 15 m, and its

vertical fracturing, this formation allows the recharging of Paleozoic schist.

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Toward the northeast, the ascent of Paleozoic substratum creates a hydraulic barrier, which

appears as a water drainage line passing through Tnine Chtouka and perpendicular to the

coastal fringe (Fig. 1). This line separates between water circulations in Cretaceous formation,

in the west, and those in Plio-quaternary and altered schists in the east (Moustadraf et al.

2008; Najib, 2014).

Therefore, the coastal Chaouia water table exists in Paleozoic, Cretaceous or Plio-Quaternary

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aquifers. In the northeastern part of coastal Chaouia, the unconfined aquifer is formed by Plio-

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quaternary sandstone-limestone and Paleozoic weathered schists. In the southwest part,

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between Azemmour and Tnine Chtouka, the aquifer is formed by Cretaceous limestone (Fig.

1). These aquifers are in lateral hydraulic communication (Younsi et al., 2001). The aquifers
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permeability is ranging between 10-6 and 10-4 m/s, where values greater than 3.10-4 m/s

correspond to the Plio-quaternary sandstone and limestone (Younsi et al., 2001).

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The piezometric map of May 2011 period was obtained using data from 98 wells (Fig. 1). The

groundwater flows toward the sea from the southeast to northwest. Perpendicular to the coast,
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a drainage line passing through Tnine Chtouka was observed. It separates water circulations
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in Cretaceous limestone to the west and in Plio-quaternary to the east. A piezometric curve of

0 m was observed toward the hinterland, which indicates potential seawater intrusion. This
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occurrence was also observed on piezometric maps of 2001 and 2009 (Najib, 2014). In
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addition, the hydraulic gradient is relatively strong in the northeast (1.6‰) and low in the

southwest (0.3‰) as a consequence of groundwater exploitation and aquifer permeability

variation.

2.2 Sampling and hydrochemical analysis

Water samples were taken in the southwest part of the study area, between Azemmour and

Tnine Chtouka, where the aquifer is formed only by Cretaceous limestone (Fig. 2). This part
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of the study area is the most affected by mineralization and most vulnerable to pollution

(Najib et al. 2012).

Groundwater samples were collected during January 2012 from 46 wells distributed in the

study area (Fig. 1). Water pH, temperature (T) and electrical conductivity (EC) were

measured in situ using a multi-parameter analyzer (Hanna HI9829), which presents an

accuracy of ± 0.01 units for pH and ± 1% (or ±1 µS/cm) for EC. Bicarbonates were also

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titrated in situ by volumetric method on 100 mL of water sample using sulfuric acid (H2SO4

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1.6 N) as a titrand. After in situ measurements, samples were subsequently filtered through

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0.45 µm membranes. The filtered samples were collected in two replicated polyethylene

bottles, which were prewashed with acid and rinsed by sampled well water. One bottle is
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designed for cation analysis where water samples were acidified by HCl (pH<2) and the other

bottle is designed for anions analysis. Concentration analysis of major chemical elements
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(Table 1) were performed using chromatography method in I2M UMR 5295 Laboratory of

Bordeaux University. This method was used to determine concentrations of major chemical
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elements: Na+, K+, Ca2+, Mg2+, HCO32-, Cl-, Br-, NO3- and SO42-. The ionic charge balance
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error for the obtained result was ranging from 5% to 10%, which is an acceptable error for

this study purposes and indicates the accuracy of chemical analysis (El Yaouti et al., 2011;
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Belkhiri et al., 2012; Choi et al., 2014).

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2.4 Hydrochemical Facies Evolution Diagram

Based on major ions concentration percentage, the triangular diagrams are among the most

known representations of water facies. Until now, Piper diagram still the most used for water

facies representation. Generally, these diagrams do not allow good acknowledgment of water

facies evolution occurred during seawater intrusion and freshening stages. However,

Giménez-Forcada (2010, 2014) proposed a new diagram called Hydrochemical Facies

Evolution Diagram (HFE-D), which can offer an easy way to identify different water facies
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produced during seawater intrusion and freshening periods (Fig. 7). Hydrochemical facies and

the mechanisms responsible of their modification are identified through the anion and cation

percentages distribution using square diagram. Detailed description of HFE-D realization

procedure using Excel is given in Giménez-Forcada and Sánchez San Román (2015).

2.5 Electrical resistivity tomography

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The ERT measurements were performed along 10 profiles perpendicular to the coastline (Fig.

1). The objective is to determine seawater intrusion extension from the coastal fringe toward

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the hinterland. Data recording was performed by Syscal-Junior from IRIS Instruments, using

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72 electrodes spaced at intervals of 5 m. Each ERT profile had a total length comprises

between 355 m and 535 m, therefore, a maximum penetration depth of 67 m. Wenner-

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Schlumberger array configuration was used in this study. This configuration is characterized
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by noise reduction, good deeper penetration (Loke et al., 2010) and is appropriate to

investigate saltwater intrusion (Kazakis et al., 2016). Data inversion was carried out by
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Res2Dinv software using L1 robust inversion (Loke and Barker, 1996).

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The aquifer electrical resistivity is mainly influenced by formation porosity and water EC
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(Niwas and Celik, 2012, Fadili et al., 2015). Therefore, ERT investigation in hydrogeology
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aims to define the aquifer parameters associated directly or indirectly to the measured

resistivity (Guerin, 2004). For this reason, Archie (1942) proposed an empirical formula (Eq.
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1) which permits determining aquifer resistivity knowing the water EC and the aquifer

porosity:

Eq. 1

With ρf the formation resistivity (Ω.m), ρw the water resistivity (Ω.m), φ the formation

porosity (dimensionless), S the saturation, and a, m, n are respectively the coefficient of

saturation that depends on lithology (0.5≤ a ≤ 2.5), cementation factor which depends on the
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pore shape and the rock compaction and varies between 1.3 and 2.2 for unconsolidated

cemented limestone sands, and saturation exponent which is close to 2.

For better calibration of the ERT data obtained in this study, electrical profiles were calibrated

by the nearest geological borehole and by Archie formula using aquifer porosity and

groundwater ECs.

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3. Results and Discussions

3.1 Chemical characterization of groundwater

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Table 2 presents the statistical summary of major chemical element concentrations in the

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study area. The ECs of groundwater samples range from 0.5 to 11.2 mS/cm with an average
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of 2.5 mS/cm higher than the median of 1.3 mS/cm. The pH values are between 6.9 and 8.4

with a mean value of 7.5, which equals the median. Na+ and Ca2+ seem to be the dominant
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cations (Na>Ca>Mg>K), while Cl- and HCO3- are the dominant anions

(Cl>HCO3>NO3>SO4). Concentrations of Na+ vary from 17.7 to 1514.8 mg/L with an

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average of 263.5 mg/L, whereas Ca2+ concentrations are comprised between a maximum of
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694.7 mg/L and a minimum of 30.4 mg/L with an average of 177.0 mg/L. In addition, Cl-
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concentrations vary from 22.0 to 3648.8 mg/L with an average of 660.4 mg/L higher than the
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median of 259.1 mg/L, while HCO3- concentrations vary between a maximum of 450.0 mg/L

and a minimum of 156.5 mg/L with an average value of 248.2 mg/L slightly above the
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median of 238.3 mg/L. The presence of Cl− and Na+ in groundwater with high concentrations

can be attributed to seawater intrusion effect or anthropogenic activities, as will be

demonstrated later. However, the possible source of calcium and bicarbonates in groundwater

is the geological nature of the aquifer.

The SO42- concentrations are comprised between 13.3 and 538.9 mg/L. The increase of

sulphate concentrations in groundwater may be due to evaporite minerals (CaSO4)

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dissolution, seawater intrusion effect, and fertilizers application. Nitrate concentrations vary

from 46 to 521.1 mg/L with an average of 160.4 mg/L. In comparison with the WHO (2008)

guidelines, which suggest that the acceptable limit for NO3- is 50 mg/L, most samples are not

recommended for drinking purposes. Therefore, the possible sources of high NO3-

concentrations are numerous irrigation wells located along the study area used for agricultural

activities as well as fertilizer application. However, Nitrate increase in groundwater was also

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observed during the last decade in the coastal Chaouia (Younsi et al., 2001, Najib et al.,

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2016).

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3.2 Correlation of chemical elements

The correlation coefficient between chemical elements can be used to determine geochemical
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processes responsible of groundwater salinization (Qin et al., 2013; Jabbal et al., 2014). The
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correlation matrix between analyzed parameters is presented in Table 3.

Positive correlations were observed between SO42- and K+ (0.75), SO42- and Na+ (0.95), SO42-
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and NO3- (0.86). These results can be explained by industrial or agricultural activities and
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paleo-seawater intrusion (Qin et al., 2013). Moreover, the positive correlation between Ca2+
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and Mg2+ (0.97) indicates that these elements are provided from carbonate and dolomite
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dissolution as well as by cation exchange under seawater intrusion (Qin et al., 2013; Jabal et

al., 2014). However, the weak positive correlations between HCO3- and Ca2+, HCO3- and
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Mg2+ (0.34 and 0.36 respectively) confirm carbonate mineral dissolution. Furthermore, the

correlation between Na+ and Cl- is generally used to identify the salinity mechanism in arid

and semiarid regions (Ganyaglo et al., 2010). In this study, the correlation between Na+ and

Cl- ions is positive (0.96) suggesting that both seawater intrusion and evaporites dissolution

are the important factors contributing to groundwater enrichment by these chemical elements

(Quin et al., 2013; Askri et al., 2015; Cruz et al., 2015). Seawater intrusion effect can be also

confirmed by the positive correlation between K+ with respect to Cl- and SO42- (0.61 and 0.75
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respectively) and between Br- and Cl- (0.94) (Mtoni et al., 2013). Moreover, this latter

correlation indicates that anthropogenic processes such as agricultural fertilizers, sewage

effluents, septic tank and industrial wastes also contribute to groundwater chemistry (Rekha et

al., 2011; Güler et al., 2012; Quin et al., 2013). The positive correlation between Ca2+ and

NO3- (0.79) demonstrates that the high nitrate concentrations in groundwater are a result of

wastewater contamination and agricultural activities in consequence to fertilizer leaching

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through water irrigation surplus (Jabal et al., 2015).

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In order to identify possible groundwater sample groups, hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA)

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was performed using the obtained hydrochemical data. This method aims to classify

observations into hydrochemical groups according to their similarities and differences. It joins
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successively the most similar observations from the gravity center (Davis, 1986; Daniel et al.,

2011; Zhang et al., 2012). The HCA study is conducted using chemical analysis result for the
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following elements: Ca2+, Mg2+, Na+, K+, Cl–, HCO3-, SO42- and EC. The classification was

done by Ward liaison method with Euclidean distance, which is most recommended for water
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pollution and environmental studies. However, during Euclidean distance calculation, the
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variance for each variable was standardized.

In this study, the HCA results show the presence of two main groups (Fig. 3). Cluster I
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includes 7 samples characterized by high water ECs ranging between a minimum of

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6.0 mS/cm and a maximum of 11.2 mS/cm with an average of 8.5 mS/cm. These samples are

characterized by the dominance of Na+ (1010.7 mg/L on average) and Cl- (2701.6 mg/L on

average) ions. Whereas, Cluster II samples are characterized by low to medium water ECs.

They vary between a maximum of 4.3 mS/cm and a minimum of 0.5 mS/cm with an average

of 1.4 mS/cm. Dominant ions in these waters are HCO3- (241.8 mg/L on average), Cl-

(294.1 mg/L on average), Na+ (129.4 mg/L on average) and Ca2+ (115.4 mg/L on average).

However, the founded Cluster II samples show a confusion between waters with high and low
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mineralization. Consequently and in order to separate these well groups, Cluster II samples

were the subject of a second HCA analysis using the same parameters as previously

described. This second statistical study yielded to more information about Cluster II chemical

characteristics. Once more, obtained result shows the subdivision of two main clusters as

presented in Fig. 3. The first cluster, named Cluster II-a, includes 6 samples characterized by

a medium salinity, with water ECs comprise between 2.3 mS/cm and 4.3 mS/cm with Na+

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(325.4 mg/L) and Cl- (768.3 mg/L) ions dominance. The second cluster, named Cluster II-b,

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regroups 33 wells with low salinity, where ECs vary between 0.5 mS/cm and 1.7 mS/cm. This

second cluster shows the dominance of Ca2+ (99.6 mg/L) and HCO3- (235.2 mg/L), which

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characterizes freshwater.
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3.3 Hydrochemical facies
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In order to define the different water facies in the region under study, groundwater samples

were classified according to Piper (1944) classification method. The Piper diagram was made

using DIAGRAMMES software (Simler, 2004). To identify seawater intrusion, Kelly (2005)
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constructed a modified Piper diagram using seven different grading criteria from freshwater to
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conservative mixing water. In this study, chemical results were compared to the superposition

of Kelly (2005) and Piper (1944) diagrams (Fig. 4). The obtained results show that most
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samples are characterized by CaCl and CaMgCl facies. The wells 8 and 40 show successively
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CaHCO3 and NaHCO3 facies dominance. Finally, the wells 4 and 32 are characterized by

NaCl facies. In addition, cations diagram indicates a migration from Na-facies to Ca-facies by

moving from the closest well (Cluster I and Cluster II-a) to the far one (Cluster II-b) with

respect to the coastal fringe. Which concern anions diagram, water facies change from Cl-

facies to HCO3 facies dominance moving from the coastal fringe toward the hinterland.

Furthermore, Kelly (2005) diagram indicates that Cluster I and Cluster II-a wells, near to the

coastal fringe, are the most influenced by seawater intrusion. By moving toward the
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hinterland, the seawater intrusion effect becomes weak. Even they are the most distant from

the ocean, wells 15, 31, 33 and 41 present slight intrusion character, while wells 32 and 42

present slight mixture with seawater character as a consequence of cation exchange (Fig. 4).

However, the well 8 is characterized by freshwater, while the well 40 is characterized by

freshening process. Therefore, water facies modification is a consequence of several factors

such as interaction between water and aquifer material, human activities influence and aquifer

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system overexploitation (Giambastiani et al., 2013; Fadili et al., 2015, Najib et al., 2016).

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3.4 Ionic ratios analysis and geochemical processes evolution

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Different ionic ratios can be used to determine chemical processes controlling groundwater

salinization. Since the study area is a coastal region, these ratios can be used successfully to
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assess the seawater impact on the aquifer quality (Hem, 1985; Revelle, 1941; Vengosh et
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Rosenthal, 1994). In this study, ionic ratios are calculated using chemical element

concentrations in milliequivalents per liter.

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3.4.1 Cl/HCO3 ratio

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The Cl/HCO3 ratio is used to classify the degree of seawater intrusion effect. Revelle (1941)
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classification suggests that unaffected, slightly to moderately, and strongly affected

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groundwater by seawater intrusion have ratios respectively lower than 0.5, in the range 0.5-

6.6 and superior to 6.6 as presented in Fig. 5 (Mtoni et al., 2013; Sappa et al., 2015). In this
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study, Cl/HCO3 ratio range from 0.17 to 22.75 with positive trend compared to Cl-

concentrations (R2=0.90). This linear relationship indicates freshwater-seawater mixture (Aris

et al., 2007). Indeed, eight wells are strongly affected by seawater (Cluster I wells and the

well 3 from Cluster II-a). These wells are characterized by NaCl, MgCl and CaCl water facies

due to reverse ion exchange under seawater intrusion. However, the well 31 and four wells

from Cluster II-a are injuriously affected by seawater intrusion. Whereas, the wells 8 and 40
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are not affected presenting freshwater character. The remaining groundwater samples range

from slightly to moderately affected by seawater intrusion.

3.4.6 Graphs of Cl+SO4 vs Na+K and Ca+Mg vs SO4+HCO3

Aquifer lithology contribution in groundwater salinization can be identified referring to

Cl+SO4 vs Na+K and Ca+Mg vs SO4+HCO3 graphs (Fig. 6a and Fig. 6b). The representation

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of (Cl+SO4) in function of (Na+K) shows that most groundwater samples are above the [1:1]

equilibrium line, which indicates chloride and sulphate ions dominance (Fig. 6a). This result

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suggests that the enrichment by these ions is due to agricultural activities and fertilizer

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application inducing high concentration of Cl-, NO3-, SO42- and K+ ions (Srinivasamoorthy et

al., 2014). In contrast, samples aligned near or below the [1:1] equilibrium line suggest, in this
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case, the contribution of gypsiferous minerals dissolution (Fadili et al., 2015).
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Furthermore, if Ca2+, Mg2+, HCO3-, and SO42- ions are derived from calcite and dolomite

dissolution, equilibrium should exist between Ca+Mg cations and HCO3+SO4 anions and,
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consequently, samples will be aligned or closest to the [1:1] equilibrium line. However, ion
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exchange or silicate alteration moves samples to the right side of equilibrium line, while the
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reverse ion exchange moves samples toward the left side (Isa et al., 2012; Nasher et al., 2013;
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Ledesma et al., 2015). Fig. 6b illustrates the correlation of Ca+Mg in function of HCO3+SO4.

Cluster I and Cluster II-a samples are above the equilibrium line [1:1] confirming the
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contribution of ion exchange, under seawater intrusion, to the Ca+Mg enrichment with respect

to HCO3+SO4. However, the first part of Cluster II-b samples is aligned close to the [1:1]

equilibrium line confirming also that Ca2+, Mg2+, HCO3-, and SO42- ions are derived from

calcite, limestone and gypsum dissolution (Najib et al., 2016). Whereas, the second part is

above the [1:1] equilibrium line suggesting the implication of ion exchange process.

3.5 Groundwater hydrochemical facies evolution

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The representation of samples on Piper (1944) classification show that Cluster I and Cluster

II-a wells are characterized by hydrochemical facies indicating seawater intrusion effect.

While, Cluster II-b samples suggest the aquifer recharging with a minimal seawater effect.

However, these classifications do not permit a detailed acknowledgment of hydrochemical

facies succession achieved during intrusion and freshening phases. Hence, differentiation

between diverse steps and sub-hydrochemical facies, acquired between intrusion and

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freshening phases, may be possible using HFE-D. Fig. 7 illustrates the coastal Chaouia

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samples representation using HFE-D. The diagram shows that 76% of samples fall in the

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intrusion field characterized by Ca-Cl facies dominance. The same result was found by Piper

(1944) classification. In this step, it appears that the aquifer recharging by Ca-HCO3 facies is
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insufficient to initiate the ion exchange reactions, which lead to the formation of Na-HCO3

facies characterizing the freshening phase. In this case, the freshening process will be
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represented by the MixNa-MixCl facies. In addition, HFE-D shows continuous alternation of

different hydrochemical processes within the aquifer and extending between freshwater (FW)
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and seawater (SW) fields. Freshwater corresponds to Ca-HCO3 facies (13), which
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characterizes mainly the well 8, while seawater corresponds to Na-Cl facies (4), which
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characterizes the well 4. All samples follow the facies succession along the mixing line (4-7-
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10-13) indicating a mixture with seawater and involvement of ion exchange reactions in

groundwater facies modification.

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At the beginning of seawater intrusion phase, water salinity increases in parallel to ion

exchange between Na and Ca leading to Ca-Cl facies formation (16). Then, the process

evolves in the following evolution: Ca-HCO3, Ca-MixHCO3, Ca-MixCl, MixCa-MixCl and

MixCa-Cl (13-14-15-11-12). In its turn, the MixCa-Cl facies evolves toward Na-Cl facies

illustrating seawater presence. In this case, the change will follow the evolution from MixCa-

Cl to MixNa-Cl and finally to Na-Cl (12-8-4). During the freshening phase, Ca2+ ions are
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adsorbed in the aquifer matrix and Na+ ions are released in the water leading to Na-HCO3

facies formation (1). In general, this variation is reached following the facies change: Na-Cl,

Na-MixCl and Na-HCO3 (4-3-1). However, in the coastal Chaouia, groundwater evolves

toward the facies, which characterize freshwater recharging (13), passing from Na-Cl,

MixNa-MixCl, MixCa-MixCl, MixCa-MixHCO3 and finally Na-HCO3 (4-7-11-10-13).

In summary, recharging the coastal Chaouia aquifer is mainly located in the upstream area

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and toward the southeast. In addition, seawater intrusion was identified along the coastline

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over a maximum distance of 3000 m from the ocean (Cluster I and Cluster II-a wells).

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Moreover, water salinization is a consequence of anthropogenic activity mainly in the

upstream area (Cluster II-b wells).

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3.6 ERT profiles interpretation
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The ERT profiles were executed along perpendicular lines to the coastal fringe (Fig. 1). The

purpose is to determine seawater intrusion extension toward the inland. In literature, seawater
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is characterized by an average resistivity of 0.2 Ω.m (Nowroozi et al. 1999), while resistivities
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of saturated formation by seawater are comprised between 8 and 50 Ω.m (Bauer et al., 2006;
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Satriani et al., 2012; Fadili et al., 2015; Kazakis et al., 2016). Based on these values, ERT
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profiles interpretation and calibration was carried out using Archie formula (Eq. 1), closest

geological boreholes lithology and water EC of the adjacent wells.

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The Profile 1 (Fig. 8) was performed at 700 m from the ocean over 355 m length. Inverted

model presents an average RMS error of 2.7% indicating a good quality of the obtained result.

This profile shows in the first 10 m thick a resistant level with high resistivity values ranging

between 100 and 800 Ω.m. Beyond 10 m depth, low resistivity values are observed (4-36 Ω

m). Besides, the profile calibration by 1388/19 borehole attributes a resistant level to dry Plio-

quaternary formation (sand and alluvium), while it attributes a conductive level to Cretaceous

aquifer (marl and limestone) encroached by seawater. Close to this profile, water EC is
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10.7 mS/cm measured at 9 m depth, which corresponds perfectly to the conductive roof

observed in Profile 1. Taking into account the aquifer porosity comprises between 2% and

12% (Moustadraf, 2006; Younsi, 2001) and the measured water EC, Archie formula can

provide resistivities in the range of 3.7-63.3 Ω.m, which are consistent with those obtained by

Profile 1.

As an extension of Profile 1 toward the inland, Profile 2 was performed at 1 000 m from the

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coastal fringe with 445 m length (Fig. 8). This profile shows an average RMS error of 3.2%

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suggesting the obtained results accuracy. A resistant level was observed on the profile surface

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with resistivity values ranging between 70 and 700 Ω.m. This level is attributed to Plio-

quaternary dry sandstone before calibration using borehole 1388/19. From 40 m depth, low
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resistivity values (4-36 Ωm) corresponding to Cretaceous aquifer saturated by seawater are

recorded. In addition, a water EC of 8.9 mS/cm was measured at 15 m depth nearby to this
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profile. The obtained resistivities by Archie formula, using aquifer porosity of 2-12% and

water table EC, are comprise between 4.4 and 76.1 Ω.m: This finding confirms the resistivity
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values obtained by Profile 2, and therefore, approves that the conductive level corresponds to
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seawater intrusion.

Moreover, Profile 3 was executed at 2300 m from the coastal fringe over 355 m length. It
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forms the Profile 2 extension toward the southeast (Fig. 8). The Profile 3 shows an average
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RMS error of 1.1% indicating good quality of the ERT results. The borehole 4102/19 was

used for Profile 3 calibration. It shows a resistant level (76-700 Ω.m) attributed to dray Plio-

quaternary sandstone. However, a conductive level was observed beyond 40 m depth,

characterized by low resistivity (17-36 Ω.m), and attributed to Cretaceous formations

saturated by fresh to brackish water. The conductive formation observed in Profile 3 is

characterized by higher resistivities compared to those observed in Profiles 1 and 2. This

finding suggests the attenuation of seawater intrusion effect on this groundwater part. Since
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the measured water EC close to this profile at 36 m depth is 4.6 mS/cm, resistivities obtained

by Archie formula range from 8.4 to 147.1 Ω.m, which are in agreement with those obtained

by Profile 3.

Correlation between Profiles 1, 2 and 3 shows that the conductive level resistivities increase

from the coastline toward the inland. This finding suggests that marine intrusion, within the

Cretaceous aquifer in this part of the study area, still limited to 2600 m from the coastal

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fringe.

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Profiles 4, 5 and 6 are executed perpendicularly to the coastal fringe at 1200 m, 1800 m, and

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2800 m respectively. Profile 4 performed over 535 m length shows an average RMS error of

4.7% (Fig. 9). This profile displays a resistant formation over 10 to 20 m depth with
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resistivities ranging between 159 and 700 Ω.m. Furthermore, a conductive level was observed
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beyond 10-20 m depth with resistivity comprises between 4 and 17 Ω.m. The Profile 4

calibration, using the lithological borehole 3267/19, allows attributing the resistant level to

dray Plio-quaternary formation and the conductive level to Cretaceous aquifer encroached by
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seawater. Water table EC of 6 mS/cm was measured close to this profile at 10.4 m depth. The
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conductive formation roof corresponds exactly to the measured water table depth. Based on

Archie formula calculation, lower resistivities ranging from 6.5 to 112.8 Ω.m are obtained for
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porosities ranging between 2 and 12 %, which characterize the water salinization.

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Profile 5 performed over 445 m length shows an average RMS error of 12.0% (Fig. 9). A

resistant formation (76 to 700 Ω.m) appears at the surface over 25 m depth and is followed by

a conductive level (4 to 36 Ω.m). These low resistivities still limited at a distance note

exceeding 160 m from the profile beginning. According to the lithological borehole 4104/19,

the resistant level corresponds to dry Plio-quaternary sand and alluvium. However, the upper

and the bottom parts of the conductive level correspond respectively to Plio-quaternary and

Cretaceous aquifers encroached by seawater. Indeed, a water EC of 5.2 mS/cm was measured
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at 27 m depth, which corresponds correctly to the conductive roof observed in Profile 5. The

aquifer porosities (2-12%) and the measured water EC integration in Archie equation provide

resistivities ranging from 7.4 to 130 Ω.m, indicating the aquifer saturation by saline water.

Therefore, the correlation between Profile 4 and 5 indicates that the marine intrusion effect is

limited at 2000 m from the ocean, which is explained by the increase of the conductive level

resistivity. This finding is confirmed by Profile 6 inversion, which represents an extension of

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Profile 5, performed over 355 m length. Profile 6 model shows an average RMS error of 1.1%

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indicating good quality of the obtained results. However, Profile 6 is characterized by a

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resistant formation with resistivity ranging between 76 and 700 Ω.m. It illustrates no low

resistivities, observed in previous profiles, which can correspond to seawater intrusion effect.
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At 30 m depth, water table EC of 4.4 mS/cm measured near to this profile indicates that the

aquifer, in this area, is beyond the seawater intrusion effect.

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Profile 7 performed over 355 m length at 1000 m perpendicularly to the coastal fringe

indicates an average RMS error of 2.9%, which suggests a good accuracy of the obtained
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resistivities (Fig. 10). A conductive level was observed on this profile, where resistivities are
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comprised between 4 and 36 Ω.m. Lithological calibration using 1358/19 borehole attributes

the conductive level to Cretaceous aquifer saturated by brackish to saltwater. Whereas, water
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EC of 9.1 mS/cm measured at the beginning of Profile 7 at 2.5 m depth, corresponds to the
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conductive roof. Furthermore, the calculated apparent resistivities based on Archie formula,

considering aquifer porosities and water table EC, vary from 4.3 to 74.4 Ω.m indicating the

presence of brackish to saltwater. High resistivities, ranging from 100 to 700 Ω.m, were

recorded up to 10 m from the soil surface and from 40 m depth. The first resistant level

corresponds to Plio-quaternary formation, while the second to Cretaceous clays.

Profile 8 was carried out at 1100 m from the ocean with a length of 445 m (Fig. 11). The

obtained ERT model presents an average RMS error of 4.1%. This profile shows a resistant
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formation at the surface, where resistivities vary between 300 and 800 Ω.m, followed by a

conductive level from 15 m depth, showing low resistivities comprise between 4 and 36 Ω.m,

which grows deeper toward the inland. The water EC measured near to Profile 8 at 31 m

depth is 4.3 mS/cm, characterizing the presence of brackish water. Profile 8 calibration using

4044/19 borehole allows attributing the conductive formations to Cretaceous aquifer saturated

by brackish to saltwater. The resistant formations correspond, in one first part, to dray Plio-

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quaternary formation and, in a second part, to Cretaceous aquifer without any seawater

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intrusion effect. Resistivities obtained by Archie formula vary between 9.0 and 157.4 Ω.m

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confirming the presence of brackish to saltwater in the aquifer.

Profile 9 and Profile 10 are carried out in the continuity of Profile 8 respectively at 1200 m
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and 2400 m from the coastal line over 355 m length (Fig. 11). They present RMS errors of

4.0% and 1.7% respectively. The pseudo-section shows resistivities between 76 and 800 Ω.m
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corresponding to dry Plio-quaternary and Cretaceous aquifer. Moreover, water ECs measured

in close to Profile 9 and 10 are 3.2 and 1.5 mS/cm respectively. Therefore, these profiles show
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no influence of seawater intrusion either on the Plio-quaternary or Cretaceous aquifers.

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Consequently, in this part of the region, these ERT Profiles suggest the attenuation of

seawater intrusion at a maximum of 1200 m from the coastal fringe.

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The previous results allow the classification of ERT profiles in two main groups. The first one
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includes Profile 1, 2, 4, 5, and 8 showing the presence of conductive formation with low

resistivities, less than 36 Ω.m, attributed to seawater intrusion. The second group includes

Profile 3, 6, 9 and 10 showing higher resistivity with respect to the first group of profiles.

Moreover, calibration of the obtained ERT models using lithological boreholes, measured

water depth and water EC allows suggesting a model of seawater intrusion extension toward

the hinterland. The first ERT line, regrouping Profile 1, 2 and 3, shows that seawater intrusion

into Cenomanian aquifer still limited at about 2600 m from the coastline. Towards the
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northeast, the second ERT line correlating Profile 4, 5 and 6 indicates that marine invasion

effect, within the Cenomanian and the Plio-quaternary aquifers, reaches a distance of 2000 m

from the ocean. However, the third ERT line, including Profile 8, 9 and 10, shows seawater

intrusion decrease at a distance not exceeding 1200 m from the shoreline.

Therefore, the ERT investigation provides more information about groundwater quality and

confirms those obtained by hydrochemical study. Comparison of resistivity data to

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hydrochemical data increases reliability and reduces uncertainty of ERT result interpretation.

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In fact, the depth of seawater intrusion varies between 5 and 40 m from the surface with an

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extension that reaches a maximum of 2600 m from the coastal fringe. Using hydrochemical

investigation, Najib et al. (2016) suggest that seawater intrusion effect on groundwater quality
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remain limited at 2000 m from the coastal fringe during the campaign of May 2011.

Moreover, ERT profiles were executed in the area where groundwater samples, Cluster I and
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Cluster II-a, indicate high mineralization (2.3 and 11.2 mS/cm) and NaCl water type

dominance. This finding is specific to seawater intrusion processes as it was demonstrated by

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HFE-Diagram. However, chemical analyses and ionic ratio values suggest that Cluster II-b
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wells salinization is primarily a consequence of agricultural activity, surface salt water

recycling and evaporites dissolution. Consequently, combining geophysical and

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hydrochemical data allows to confirm that seawater intrusion effect remains limited to a

maximum distance of 3000 m from the coast. Beyond this distance, anthropogenic activity
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and water-rock interaction are the main factors that modify the groundwater chemistry.

4. Conclusion

This study combined hydrochemical and geoelectrical methods in order to determine

processes inducing groundwater salinization in the region of coastal Chaouia, Morocco, which

represents an original work in this coastal area. Therefore, the novel contribution of this study
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with respect to previous ones, lean on highlighting the current issue of seawater intrusion

using the combination between hydrochemical study and ERT profiles.

The seawater intrusion was significant in the coastal fringe a maximum distance of 3000 m

from the ocean. This area regroups highly mineralized wells, with water ECs ranging between

2.3 mS/cm and 11.2 mS/cm, where Mg2+, Na+, and Cl- ions dominate. These wells are

characterized by the presence of brackish to saltwater and the dominance of Na-Cl and Mg-Cl

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water facies. In the upstream area, water salinization becomes weak with Ca2+ and HCO32-

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ions dominance, where water ECs vary from a minimum of 0.5 mS/cm to a maximum of

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1.7 mS/cm. These waters are fresh to brackish indicating a dominance of Ca-Cl, Na-Cl, Na-

HCO3 and Ca-HCO3 water facies as a consequence of ion exchange and anthropogenic
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activity. Moreover, the seawater intrusion influence was confirmed by ionic ratios. The

obtained results suggested that seawater intrusion was dominant in the coastal fringe, and
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groundwater chemistry was mainly influenced by water-rock interaction and anthropogenic

activities (fertilizer application, septic tank ...) in the upstream area. Indeed, the HFE-D results
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supported the hypothesis of ion exchange with respect to fresh-saltwater mixture line. During
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the freshening phase, which characterizes the upstream wells, the ion exchange process

between Na+ and Ca2+ led to Na-HCO3 facies formation because of the aquifer recharging by
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freshwater. This facies formation was developed following the evolution: Na-Cl, MixNa-

MixCl, MixCa-MixCl, MixCa-MixHCO3 and finally Na-HCO3. When seawater intrusion

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began, groundwater was characterized by Na-Cl facies abundance. The cation exchange

between Na+ and Ca2+ led to Ca-Cl facies formation following the evolution: Ca-HCO3, Ca-

MixHCO3, Ca-MixCl, MixCa-MixCl, and MixCa-Cl. This variation was followed by MixCa-

Cl, MixNa-Cl and finally Na-Cl facies formation, which characterizes seawater dominance.

Hydrochemical results were confirmed by the ERT investigation, which provided more details

about seawater intrusion extension. The obtained results showed that seawater effect was
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represented by a conductive level with resistivity less than 36 Ω.m. The correlation between

different ERT profiles indicated that the conductive level, assigned to seawater intrusion

contamination, remains limited at a maximum of 3000 m from the ocean. This area is the

most mineralized presenting the dominance of Na-Cl water facies.

5. Acknowledgements

This study received financial support from Franco-Moroccan Mixed Committee (MA/08/191)

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in charge of partnership projects Hubert Curien Volubilis.

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Figure Caption

Fig. 1. Geographic localization, geological and piezometric map for May 2011 period of the
coastal Chaouia (Najib et al., 2016)
Fig. 2 Geological cross section of the coastal Chaouia
Fig. 3 Hierarchical clustering analysis: dendrogram of individuals
Fig. 4 Water chemical facies in coastal Chaouia based on Piper (1944) and Kelly (2005)
diagrams
Fig. 5 Cl/HCO3 ratio versus Cl-

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Fig 6 Graphs of Cl+SO4 vs Na+K and Ca+Mg vs SO4+HCO3

Fig. 7 Representation of coastal Chaouia groundwater samples in HFE-Diagram

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Fig. 8 Profile 1, 2 and 3 of electrical resistivity tomography

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Fig. 9 Profile 4, 5 and 6 of electrical resistivity tomography
Fig. 10 Profile 7 of electrical resistivity tomography
Fig. 11 Profiles 8, 9, and 10 of electrical resistivity tomography
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Table 1 Groundwater Physicochemical characteristics from different wells

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Table 2 Statistical summary of chemical element concentrations

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Table 3 Correlation matrix between chemical elements

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Fig. 1 Geographic localization, geological and piezometric map for May 2011 period of the
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coastal Chaouia (Najib et al., 2016)

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Fig. 2 Geological cross section of the coastal Chaouia

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Fig 3 Hierarchical clustering analysis: dendrogram of individuals
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Fig. 4 Water chemical facies in coastal Chaouia based on Piper (1944) and Kelly (2005)
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Fig. 5 Cl/HCO3 ratio versus Cl-
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Fig. 7 Representation of coastal Chaouia groundwater samples in HFE-Diagram

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Fig. 8 Profile 1, 2 and 3 of electrical resistivity tomography

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Fig. 9 Profile 4, 5 and 6 of electrical resistivity tomography

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Fig. 10 Profile 7 of electrical resistivity tomography

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Fig. 11 Profiles 8, 9, and 10 of electrical resistivity tomography

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Table 1 Groundwater Physicochemical characteristics from different wells

Water
Distanc/sea T EC Na+ K+ Mg2+ Ca2+ Cl- Br- NO3- HCO3- SO42-
Wells depth pH
(m) (°C) (mS/cm) (mg/l) (mg/l) (mg/l) (mg/l) (mg/l) (mg/l) (mg/L) (mg/l) (mg/l)
(m)
1 32 4040 7.6 21.9 1.5 99.0 4.8 47.6 95.9 197.3 0.5 95.4 262.5 48.1
2 21.02 2400 7.4 20.5 2.6 241.1 7.5 90.6 194.7 457.0 1.0 232.5 353.2 110.8
3 25.31 2300 7.3 21.5 4.3 534.8 6.9 164.8 229.2 1226.6 3.9 321.6 183.3 169.9
4 6.22 367 7.5 20.3 9.2 1514.8 98.5 244.4 186.9 2665.2 7.1 353.6 258.9 538.9
5 11 1114 7.1 20.9 6.5 616.9 11.7 322.0 449.0 1918.7 6.6 276.7 195.1 307.3
6 15.35 4380 7.4 20.2 3.1 236.6 6.2 112.9 185.7 657.5 2.0 188.1 212.0 123.0
7 18.9 4600 7.5 21.1 1.1 88.9 3.9 45.0 82.6 166.2 0.6 91.9 220.1 72.7
8 16.88 4982 7.7 19.1 0.5 17.7 5.1 13.3 65.6 22.0 0.1 90.4 217.0 28.2

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9 40.7 3897 7.5 21.6 1.3 116.4 4.6 62.2 113.6 234.2 0.6 113.5 260.5 94.9
10 34.97 2840 7.5 21.2 1.5 122.1 4.1 75.9 130.3 334.3 1.2 111.8 253.6 77.1
11 7 1100 6.9 20.8 8.5 954.0 18.1 571.8 541.3 2706.7 8.8 444.6 389.8 470.5

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12 24.18 1800 7.3 20.4 6.0 468.4 7.8 513.8 491.9 1920.0 5.7 342.7 269.4 282.0
13 37 4230 7.6 21.4 0.9 53.6 3.0 40.8 108.7 152.9 0.4 71.0 259.5 29.9
14 35.8 4230 7.7 21.6 0.7 52.5 3.7 36.1 78.7 114.1 0.3 63.6 236.4 30.2

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15 49.1 5100 7.6 20.2 1.4 99.6 4.6 75.0 140.9 331.7 0.9 111.9 207.8 40.9
16 31 5880 7.5 20.1 1.4 120.3 3.5 68.1 120.2 343.8 0.8 90.5 256.6 56.9
17 26 4820 7.5 21.2 1.0 87.2 2.9 34.6 89.6 149.2 0.4 83.2 221.7 45.2
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19 44.78 5716 7.8 21.3 1.1 111.2 5.3 40.3 92.9 197.1 0.5 115.2 259.9 44.1
20 42.57 4480 7.6 22.0 1.3 118.6 2.8 58.8 121.1 272.1 0.8 116.4 262.5 69.6
21 11.22 248 7.0 20.7 9.2 1134.4 20.9 465.9 591.3 2935.5 9.7 521.1 225.2 367.6
22 8.3 1074 7.3 18.5 9.1 998.8 38.0 516.6 688.3 3116.0 10.0 303.8 235.8 334.3
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23 13.9 1425 6.9 20.7 11.2 1387.3 18.8 516.7 694.7 3648.8 11.6 248.9 411.1 380.0
24 21.21 1800 7.3 20.7 3.5 373.5 28.2 194.4 215.0 854.2 2.4 356.3 283.0 269.3
25 25.4 2330 7.6 21.7 2.3 247.7 6.2 107.1 144.8 595.5 2.3 215.4 189.6 77.2
26 34 4100 7.4 21.6 1.3 113.2 4.6 59.3 120.1 286.9 1.0 108.8 222.0 72.5
27 16.3 4200 7.6 20.9 1.2 101.8 5.8 43.0 96.0 218.3 0.7 156.9 207.2 73.3
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28 27 5078 7.4 21.7 1.1 77.0 2.9 44.6 107.9 198.4 0.8 186.7 211.3 60.7
29 41.52 5545 7.8 21.3 0.7 47.4 8.0 19.1 78.0 63.4 0.3 46.0 198.6 92.6
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30 41.6 6220 7.7 22.2 1.2 87.3 2.9 46.7 96.6 254.8 0.8 79.9 224.5 51.9
31 45.3 6500 7.6 22.1 1.7 119.3 5.6 75.5 171.2 418.9 1.3 179.5 176.1 54.5
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32 32.55 7600 7.6 21.0 0.8 151.7 28.4 32.0 68.7 187.7 0.6 71.4 285.2 62.6
33 37.31 7900 7.9 21.4 1.3 76.3 3.4 47.8 126.8 323.6 0.9 92.9 183.1 35.4
34 37.25 8500 7.6 21.3 1.1 110.4 3.6 51.5 97.8 231.3 0.7 90.6 257.3 61.7
35 30.69 8630 7.8 21.4 0.8 63.2 2.7 31.3 67.6 122.8 0.4 96.4 176.3 13.3
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36 40.2 9300 7.9 21.0 0.5 49.0 2.2 20.8 47.5 78.3 0.3 56.7 156.5 17.8
37 34.34 3740 7.4 22.1 1.1 90.9 2.6 47.0 84.0 179.4 0.5 96.3 255.9 51.1
38 26.8 4475 7.6 20.7 1.1 62.7 3.8 41.2 141.1 174.1 0.6 138.9 289.6 85.1
39 47.93 5456 8.3 22.5 1.0 102.8 3.4 32.2 66.6 170.6 0.6 72.3 202.8 67.5
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40 47 5600 8.4 22.6 0.9 157.2 2.0 18.2 30.4 87.3 0.3 72.1 316.3 30.1
41 54 6830 7.9 22.3 1.7 132.9 4.3 72.3 135.1 386.8 1.3 139.8 231.2 62.4
42 34.49 7500 7.5 22.0 1.1 124.9 3.1 33.4 67.4 166.2 0.5 80.2 245.1 78.8
43 23.25 2267 7.6 19.2 3.1 318.9 5.1 174.1 244.9 819.1 2.4 243.8 450.0 125.9
44 27.2 3060 7.3 19.7 1.3 111.3 3.9 69.8 121.1 263.4 0.8 133.1 254.8 68.6
45 31.5 4840 7.4 21.7 1.3 113.7 4.4 69.3 126.3 272.1 0.8 121.9 307.4 68.4
46 39.5 5740 7.7 22.1 0.7 53.2 1.6 27.6 100.0 129.3 0.3 78.7 200.9 32.7
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Table 2 Statistical summary of chemical element concentrations

EC Na K Mg Ca Cl Br NO3 HCO3 SO4

pH
(mS/cm) (mg/L) (mg/L) (mg/L) (mg/L) (mg/L) (mg/L) (mg/L) (mg/L) (mg/L)

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Minimum 6.9 0.5 17.7 1.6 13.3 30.4 22.0 0.1 46.0 156.5 13.3
Maximum 8.4 11.2 1514.8 98.5 571.8 694.7 3648.8 11.6 521.1 450.0 538.9

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Average 7.5 2.5 263.5 9.2 119.8 177.0 660.4 2.1 160.4 248.2 116.7
Median 7.6 1.3 113.5 4.5 55.2 120.2 259.1 0.8 112.7 238.3 68.5

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St. dev. 0.3 2.8 360.4 15.5 152.9 166.3 930.8 3.0 111.1 60.3 126.0

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Table 3 Correlation matrix between chemical elements

Variables EC Na K Mg Ca Cl Br NO3 HCO3 SO4

EC 1
Na 0.97 1
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K 0.63 0.75 1
Mg 0.94 0.85 0.44 1
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Ca 0.92 0.82 0.35 0.97 1

Cl 0.99 0.96 0.61 0.95 0.94 1
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Br 0.99 0.95 0.56 0.96 0.95 1.00 1

NO3 0.85 0.80 0.52 0.84 0.79 0.83 0.82 1
HCO3 0.36 0.35 0.15 0.38 0.36 0.34 0.32 0.29 1
SO4 0.95 0.95 0.75 0.88 0.81 0.93 0.91 0.86 0.36 1
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Highlights
 Water salinization origin was determined by hydrochemical study in Chaouia, Morocco

 HFE-Diagram highlights water facies succession between intrusion and freshening

 Highly contaminated area by seawater intrusion was delimited using ERT study

 Seawater intrusion was significant at 3 km from the ocean and over 40 m depth

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