Seasonal and Spatial Patterns of Ecotoxicological Indices of Trace Elements in Superficial Sediments of the Marchica Lagoon Following Restoration Actions during the Last Decade

Marchica Lagoon, a Ramsar site on the Mediterranean coast of Morocco, is experiencing impacts watershed pollution, which includes pollutants from domestic, agricultural, industrial, and mining sectors. Restoration actions were undertaken around this lagoon during last decade in order to protect its ecological value develop tourist activity. To conserve biodiversity lagoon, it important assess environmental state ecosystem. This study aims evaluate ecotoxicological sediments through post restoration characterization trace elements Pb, Cu, Zn, Cr, Co, Ba, as well their correlation major elements, grain size, total organic carbon, sampled two campaigns (the wet dry seasons 2018) across sampling network thirteen stations. Multivariate analysis risk assessment using sediment quality guidelines five pollution indices (geoaccumulation index (Igeo), enrichment factor (EF), contamination (CF), pollution-load (PLI), mean effect range median quotient (m-ERM-Q)) revealed by minimal Ba. The distribution biological-risk reveals that four zones may present high probability toxicity, thus constituting potential areas for aquatic organisms: season, area northwestern sandbar border, southwest eutrophication zone, mouth stream valley conveying industrial discharges; zone. Despite achieved lead, zinc, copper concentrations increased, variation was significant between group conservation Lagoon requires continuous monitoring assessment, implementation an integrated management plan with actions, not only but also at level.