Impact of mine polymetallic Draa Sfar South on the aquifer of central Haouz (Morocco)

The residues of the activities of polymetallic mines can be a source of pollution by heavy metals in the water resource as a result of the phenomenon of acid mine drainage (AMD). In this context, the present study was designed to evaluate the impact of the mining activity of DraaSfar South on the groundwater table of the Haouz Central, based on the study of the physico-chemical parameters and elements metal traces Fe, Zn, Pb, and Cu. The chemical analyzes show that the waters are of types Mg-Cl, Ca-Cl and Mg-HCO_3, with an electrical conductivity ranging from 1100 to 5000 μs/cm. The main source of the mineralization of waters is likely related to the dissolution of evaporite minerals, and in the process of exchange of bases. The concentrations of trace elements of metal Zn, Pb, Cu and Fe of the waters of the groundwater table of the Haouz Central are below the standard of the WHO for drinking water. These results reflect the obviousness of the good to average quality of these waters. This allows us to conclude that the operation of the elements metal traces Zn, Pb, Cu and Fe at the level of the mine DraaSfar South has no noticeable effect on the aquifer of the Haouz Central. But following the mining discharges, we can sound the alarm of the pollution of these surface waters after mining discharges, and the danger of their reuse whether for irrigation or other field.