[Impact of polymetallic mine (Zn, Pb, Cu) residues on surface water, sediments and soils at the vicinity (Marrakech, Morocco)]. / Impact des residus d'une mine polymetallique (Zn, Pb, Cu) sur les eaux de surface, les sediments et les sols avoisinants (Marrakech, Maroc).

Metal sulphide tailings present a potential risk for the environment because of their natural oxidability which leads to the production of acid mine drainage. The prospected site close to Marrakech includes zinc, lead and copper sulphide deposits. This site is located in an agricultural area near the Tensift River which is used for irrigation. In addition to the tailing leachates, underground mine waters are also discharged into the river. This represents a potential risk for the environment and human health. The aim of this study was to assess the tailings impact on surface water, sediments and soil qualities. Chemical analysis of surface water and sediments collected downstream of the mine revealed that, water and sediments present high concentrations of major ions and heavy metals. The analysis also revealed spatial as well as temporal changes in the chemical properties of the studied water and sediments. These changes are attributed to the rising phenomena. The soil near the mine presents high content of sulphate. Its Zn, Pb, Cu and Fe contents are respectively 38, 15, 11 and 1.6 times higher than non contaminated soils located far away from the site. The soil irrigated with underground mine waters shows concentrations of SO4(2-), Cu, Zn, Fe, Cd and Pb which are respectively 4, 10, 28, 2, 9 and 12 times higher than soils which are not irrigated with this mine water. This study also showed that there has been a change in the physicochemical characteristics of water and sediments in the sampling points downstream of the mine before its closure and after its activity renewal.

[Impact of mining wastes on the physicochemical and biological characteristics of groundwater in a mining area in Marrakech (Morocco)]. / Impact des rejets miniers sur la qualite physico-chimique et biologique des eaux souterraines d'une zone miniere dans la region de Marrakech (Maroc).

Metal sulphide tailings represent a potential risk basically for the environment and particularly for water resources, because of their natural oxidisability which leads to the production of acid/neutral mine drainage. The prospected site close to Marrakech includes zinc, lead and copper sulphide deposits. This site is located in an agricultural area where ground water is used both for irrigation and drinking. Eco-toxicological investigations have been undertaken in order to asses the tailings impact on water quality in nearby wells. These investigations include physico-chemical characterization of the groundwaters as well as faunistic population determination. As compared to standard wells, waters from the wells located downstream of the mining site, have high electrical conductivities and high major ions contents, which can reach: 755 mg l(-1) in SO4(2-), 1670 mg l(-1) in Ca2+, 528 mg l(-1) in Mg2+, 2289 mg I(-1) in Na+ and 14981 mg l(-1) in Cl-. The fauna distribution analysis carried out around the studied wells shows qualitative and quantitative differences according to the flow gradient of the groundwaters. Areas located upstream of the mine tailings site are richer in stygobite species (Type and quantity) than those located downstream or close to it. It is likely that these biological differences are due to water quality alteration induced by the mining activity.