Heavy metal pollution risks in Makhat's Watershed Sediments (Taza Province, Morocco): ecological and health risks.

The exploitation of lead in Bouaazza's mine (NE Morocco) caused sulfuric discharges to be exposed in big superficies, which generated pollution of sediments in the area by acid mine drainage. The results of physicochemical properties (pH and electrical conductivity) and heavy metals concentrations indicated an acidic pH (< 6) for sediments, especially for samples stations near Bouaazza's mine. As for heavy metals, the X-ray fluorescence concentrations for Zn, Pb, Cu, Ni and Cr were high, with concentrations exceeding international standards.

The chemical state of the watershed in Ras Elma region (South of Taza, Morocco) one of the parameters responsible for the decline in the formation of the current travertine formations.

The Ras Elma region, situated to the south of the city of Taza in northern Morocco, boasts abundant travertine formations that continue to develop, albeit selectively in specific sheltered sites. This development is influenced by various parameters, including the role of water chemistry. This article presents a spatio-temporal analysis of various hydrochemical parameters, including conductivity, pH, temperature, magnesium, calcium, and others.