GEOCHEMISTRY OF HEAVY METALS IN THE MOROCCAN ATLANTIC COASTLINE (AREA OF SAFI CITY)

Geochemistry of heavy metals in the Moroccan Atlantic coastline (Area of Safi City)

S. Bouasria, O. Sadki, L, Benaabidate, H. Oummaggard, N. Hamoumi

National Laboratory of Mining and Energy 403, bd Ben Tachefine, Casablanca, MOROCCO
Mining and Hydrocarbon National Office, Direction of exploration, P.O.Box. 55, Av. My Hassan- Rabat, MOROCCO
Geology Department, Faculty of Sciences and Technologies, Fez-Principal MOROCCO
University Cadi Ayyad Geology Department, Faculty of Sciences and Technologies, Gueliz Marrakech , MOROCCO
University Mohamed V Geology Department, Faculty of Sciences, Rabat, MOROCCO

Abstract

The Moroccan Atlantic coastline in the area of the city of Safi constitutes a province where concentrates important industrial activities. These activities are essentially implanted along the coast. The study heavy metals behavior shows concentrations overpassing their relative limits of contamination. Granulometry sediments (especially fine fraction) play an important role in heavy metals concentration and complexation. The speciation, while using the sequential attack protocol of Tessier et al. (1979) between chemical fractions shows that large part of metals is carried by silicateous fraction and furthermore supports of contamination for metals.

Keywords: Morocco, Atlantic coastline, Safi, geochemistry