El Jadida Beach (X: -8.5007116; Y: 33.2316326) is a sandy beach of low altitude that constitutes a kind of enclave located between the port of El Jadida and rocky outcrops. It is influenced by natural and anthropic factors, as well as the impact of tourism, particularly during the summer, when...

This study assesses the spatial distribution and contamination level of heavy metals in Safi Bay surface sediments. In this order, 28 surface sediment samples were retrieved from the study area and analyzed using the x-fluorescence method. To assess the contamination of the examined sediment, we used geo-ecological indices such as contamination factor (CF), degree of contamination (DC), geo accumulation index, and pollution load index (PLI). The results show that only Pb and Cd present moderate and considerable contamination in some sampling sites, while other elements (Cr, Cu, Zn, and Ni) indicate no contamination and low contamination by these elements. The inhomogeneous distribution of metal concentrations along the bay suggests different heavy metal sources. Given the ecological and socioeconomic importance of the study area, there is a need for a further analysis of both sediments and biological samples for a better understanding of the contamination levels and origin of metals, in addition to the sustainability of Safi Bay.

Organic matter is a major component of soil. It is of considerable ecological importance given its role in determining soil health, influencing ecosystem productivity and climate. For this reason, it is essential to carry out studies to evaluate its dynamics in natural ecosystems. In this study,...

Oualidia lagoon, known as the oyster capital, is one of the most important coastal ecosystems along Morocco’s Atlantic coast. Over the past few decades, this ecosystem has faced numerous ecological challenges caused by both human activities and natural conditions, affecting its environmental quality. The present study aims to assess the impact of management projects implemented in the lagoon over the last eleven years on its health, especially in the sediment-trap area. In this context, a field mission was conducted in 2022, during which 15 surface samples were collected and analyzed using ICP-OES methods to determine metal concentrations. However, environmental indicators suggest that the ecological quality of the lagoon remains low, with significant and moderate contamination showing different trends, mainly for arsenic As (1–41.16 mg/kg); cobalt Co (2.01–7.2 mg/kg); molybdenum Mo (0–112.2 mg/kg); cadmium Cd (0.93–1.73 mg/kg); iron Fe (2433.36–19,721.55 mg/kg); and aluminum Al (640.7–11,600.57 mg/kg). The hotspots for these elements are mainly found at stations 13 and 15, which cover the upstream area of the lagoon near of the sediment trap. Comparing the results with those of previous studies conducted in the lagoon, there has been a decrease in sediment contamination since the sediment trap was created in 2011. The analysis suggests that different sources of these metals are entering the lagoon. This study provides updated data on metal concentrations in Oualidia lagoon sediments, one of the most diverse and biodiverse ecosystems in the Moroccan Atlantic. These results provide a scientific basis for targeted environmental management of the Oualidia lagoon, supporting priority monitoring and control of pollution sources. They also highlight the importance of developing awareness programs for residents, fishermen, farmers, food businesses, hotels, and guesthouse owners, alongside the continuation of management projects in the lagoon.