Efficiency of Fez WWTP: multi-parameter evaluation of water and sediment quality

In order to assess the impact of the proper functioning of wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) and sanitation networks on the quality of water and surface sediments of the Oued Fez River and its tributaries, and ultimately their outlet in the Sebou River, physico-chemical, geochemical and mineralogical analyses were performed. The components were studied in high- and low-water regimes at eight sites. Seven heavy metals (As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn) were investigated in the sediments, with a decreasing trend being identified as Zn > Cu > Pb > Cr > As > Ni > Cd, and a mobility sequence as Cu > Pb > Zn > Ni > Cr. A comparison of the total heavy metal concentrations in the Oued Fez and Sebou River sediments with those of previous studies indicated a reduction in the harmful and polluting contribution of the Oued Fez to the Sebou River. The heavy metal assessment was achieved using environmental indices and sediment quality guidelines. The obtained results indicate that the presence of heavy metals in the sediment mainly comes from anthropogenic activities. Based on these results and their comparison with those from previous studies, the contribution of WWTPs and sanitation networks to improving the water quality of the middle Sebou River is clearly noteworthy.