Recent hydrogeochemical disturbance and human impact in Lake Afourgagh (Middle Atlas, Morocco)

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The lake system has experienced intense degradation since the 1970s. This degradation is evident in the drastic reduction of the water level, leading to the lake's total drying and significant erosion at the watershed level. These disturbances coincide with recurring drought episodes and the implementation of intensive agriculture, which relies on groundwater pumping for irrigation. By 2006, when the lake dried up, its brackish waters were bicarbonate chloro-sodic magnesian, strongly hard, slightly oxygenated, and relatively turbid. Salinity increased significantly due to high evaporation after the tributaries dried up, with total dissolved solids (TDS) reaching an average of 6 g/L by the end of 2006. The Mg/Ca ratio also rose dramatically, from 25.5 to 92 by the end of 2006. The lake saw significant precipitation of endogenic carbonates (calcite, aragonite, and dolomite). The advanced trophic state of the lake is characterized by phosphate enrichment, mainly of anthropogenic origin. The sediment dynamics of Lake Afourgagh suggest rapid basin infill due to substantial changes in the underlying basin. The exogenous detrital fraction is dominated by dolomite, while the authigenic fraction consists of aragonite, calcite, and gypsum, resulting from intense water evaporation. The abundance of clay minerals, particularly illite and kaolinite, is related to soil hydrolysis under seasonal climatic thermal and rainfall contrasts. Climate change Human impact Hydrochemistry Lake Afourgagh Middle Atlas Sediment Figures Figure 1 Figure 2 Figure 3 Figure 4 Figure 5 Figure 6 Figure 7 Figure 8 Figure 9 Article Highlights The freshwater resources in Morocco are confronted with climatic impacts and anthropogenic pressure. The limnological approach was applied to evaluate the current hydrogeochemical functioning of Lake Afourgagh. The degradation of lake systems must arouse the interest of stakeholders to make adequate decisions for their preservation. 1. Introduction Lake systems are crucial for providing water and food security, supporting irrigation, sustaining fishing industries, and serving as popular destinations for recreation and tourism (Iestyn Woolway et al., 2022). These systems continuously interact with the external environment, upon which they heavily depend (Foster et al., 1988; Dearing, 1991; Benkaddour, 1993; Rhoujjati, 2007; Etebaai, 2009). They function as systems for transferring, storing, and recycling water, minerals, organic matter, and various forms of energy—kinetic, thermal, light, and potential (Gasse, 1992; Damnati, 2000). Due to their complex and unique nature, lake environments are characterized by the interaction between numerous biotic (such as ichthyofaunal, macrophyte, and invertebrate communities) and abiotic (physical, chemical, water, and sediment) components (Kratz et al., 1997). This complexity also makes these ecosystems highly sensitive to environmental and climatic changes (Kelts and Talbot, 1990). Their sensitivity is often exacerbated by factors such as tectonic or volcanic activity and human actions (Bertrand et al., 2005). Due to their high sedimentation rates (Noel, 2001), lakes provide valuable local records of climatic variations and human impacts over time (Street-Perrott et al., 1989; Battarbee, 2000; Damnati, 2000; Lotter and Birks, 2003; Guiot and Chaddadi, 2004; Wanner et al., 2008). The Moroccan Middle Atlas Mountains, stretching approximately 350 km from southwest to northeast, occupy an intermediate position between the Rif Mountains to the north and the High Atlas Mountains to the south. This mountain range is among the most significant in Morocco and has garnered considerable hydrogeological interest. The highly variable and complex structure of calcareous-dolomitic land has facilitated the formation of several natural lakes, which are unique to this region (Chillasse and Dakki, 2004). These limnic ecosystems perform crucial socioeconomic and ecological functions at a national scale (Azeroual et al., 2000; Chillasse et al., 2001; Chillasse and Dakki, 2004). The unique biodiversity of these lakes gives them global significance, as recognized by the Ramsar Convention on wetlands (Ramsar Convention Bureau, 1990). Whether endorheic or exoreic, these lakes act as sensitive indicators of climate change (Detriche, 2007; Etebaai et al., 2008; Etebaai, 2009; Etebaai et al., 2012; Damnati et al., 2012; Reddad et al., 2013; Damnati et al., 2016; Abbach et al., 2023). Despite the significant water potential of the Middle Atlas region, the availability of surface and groundwater resources currently meets the region's agricultural, domestic, and industrial needs. However, recent decades have seen increased climate variability, characterized by more frequent and severe droughts followed by sudden and intense floods, significantly impacting water resource availability in the Middle Atlas (Amraoui et al., 2003; Etebaai, 2009; Etebaai et al., 2012; Damnati et al., 2012; El Qryefy et al., 2021; El Morabet et al., 2022, Abbach et al., 2023). The Middle Atlas' lacustrine environments are experiencing intense degradation, evidenced by significant drops in water levels (sometimes resulting in complete drying), eutrophication, and severe erosion in their watersheds. These changes, observed since the early 1970s, coincide with recurrent drought episodes and the introduction of agriculture reliant on groundwater pumping for irrigation (Detriche, 2007; Etebaai, 2009; Etebaai et al., 2012; Damnati et al., 2012; El Qryefy et al., 2021; El Morabet et al., 2022). This study aims to characterize the hydrogeochemical processes and sedimentary dynamics during the final drying and subsequent refilling of Lake Afourgagh, which occupies the southern part of a large depression caused by the collapse of the Amkla karst plateau, located a few kilometers east of the Tizin'tretten fault in the Moroccan Middle Atlas. 2. Study site Lake Afourgagh (33° 36' N; 04° 52' W; 1360 m), situated north of the Middle Atlas Mountains in central Morocco, has a tectono-karst origin (Hinaje and Ait Brahim, 2002) (Fig. 1 ). The lake occupies the southern part of a vast collapse depression in the Amkla karst plateau, located a few kilometers east of the Tizin'tretten fault (Detriche, 2007). Geologically, the region primarily comprises dolomite to calcareous dolomite, attributed to the Lower and Middle Lias, which overlays Triassic argillite (Colo, 1961; Martin, 1981). Eocene and Miocene limestone outcrops are more limited, while Pliocene strata appear as travertine crusts north of Lake Afourgagh. Quaternary formations in the area include alluvial fans and fluvial–lacustrine deposits from alluvial and colluvial slopes directed toward the lake depression (Fig. 1 ). The soils exhibit significant spatial variability due to local environmental factors (Flower et al., 1988). Generally, the soils are dark red to pink, fersiallitic to magnesium-rich, thin, and poorly developed on outcrops and steep deforested slopes, but are more developed in forested areas. The climate of the region is Mediterranean subhumid, with cold winters. The lake is located in a well-watered part of the Middle Atlas Causse, receiving an average annual rainfall of 800 mm, which can vary greatly from year to year. The rainy season, influenced by Atlantic weather systems, lasts from October to May (Fig. 2 A). Snow cover is common in December, January, and February. Mean temperatures in the region range from 0°C to 23°C, with August being the hottest month (30°C) and January the coldest (-3.6°C) (Fig. 2 B). Vegetation in the Lake Afourgagh watershed is more influenced by climate than by soil conditions (Benabid, 1982). A dense forest of green oak ( Quercus rotundifolia ) remains at higher elevations, while the vegetation becomes more scattered downhill due to the impacts of pasture and cereal farming (Fig. 3 ). Over the past three decades, the water level of Lake Afourgagh has significantly declined (Detriche, 2007; Etebaai, 2009; Damnati et al., 2012). By 2006, its surface area had reduced to 2.5 hectares, and its depth had decreased to less than 1.5 meters. The lake’s watershed is characterized by strong morphological and topographical contrasts, largely due to the karstic and tectonic processes acting on the dolomitic geological substrate (Detriche, 2007). These contrasts are evident in the topographic heterogeneities between the bottom of the depression and its western and southern slopes (Fig. 3 ). The elevation within the basin ranges from 1357 meters to 1830 meters. Until the mid-1990s, the surface hydrographic network in the Lake Afourgagh watershed was relatively dense and spring-fed. The lake was sustained by various temporary wadis and perennial springs from the north and west and by a temporary wadi to the south (Detriche, 2007). During periods of high water, the lake reached a topographic threshold in the northeast, allowing its waters to flow into the Afourgagh wadi. The springs were linked to the exsurgence of the Liasic aquifer at tectonic faults, particularly where it came into contact with the Tizin'tretten fault (Detriche, 2007). The underground supply suggests the existence of two stratified, superimposed aquifers: the first, highly mineralized (conductivity > 1000 µS/cm), is accessible near the lacustrine depression; the second, less mineralized (conductivity < 660 µS/cm), extends further north and has a higher piezometric altitude (1408 m compared to 1403 m for the mineralized aquifer) (Gamez et al., 2001, in Detriche, 2007). Currently, the only surface inputs to the lake are meteoric water, runoff, and melting snow. All the springs that once fed the lake have dried up, with water now infiltrating before it can reach the bottom of the depression (Detriche, 2007; Etebaai, 2009). 3. Hydroclimatic history A paleolimnological study of lake Afourgagh allowed the reconstruction of variations in water level according to climate change and anthropogenic action (Lamb et al, 1991; Bryan, 1993; Flower et al, 1989; Detriche, 2007; Etebaai, 2008; Etebaai, 2009; Damnati et al, 2012) (Table 1 ). The period 4500 − 4000 years B. P. marks the beginning of the falling of lake Afourgagh. The low abundance and relatively high diversity of ostracod populations near the surface of this unit reflect relatively low but stable lake levels. The ratios of trace elements (Sr/Ca and Mg/Ca) at the level of the valves of Candena fabeaformis show small variations in hydrochemistry and water temperature (Bryan, 1993). The period of 4000 − 2500 years B.P. is marked at the beginning by a sudden increase in the lake level following the return of humid climatic conditions materialized by peaks in magnetic susceptibility, an increase in organic matter, a decrease in carbonates, and a great diversity of ostracods (Bryan, 1993). The important deterioration of the climatic and environmental conditions at approximately 3000 years B. P is marked by a decrease in the levels of organic matter and an increase in the same way as carbonate, as well as a decrease in the abundance and diversity of the populations. of Ostracods (Bryan, 1993). The period 2500 − 1500 years B. P. marks the continuation of the deterioration of environmental and climatic conditions by a drastic drop in the lake level represented by the maximum reduction in the abundance and diversity of ostracods and the appearance of the eurythermal species Ostracods ( Candona parallela ) (Bryan, 1993). The improvement in climatic conditions at approximately 1700 years B. P. is marked by a relative increase in the abundance of Ostracods, the disappearance of the eurythermal Ostracod species ( Candona parallela ), and the appearance of another oligothermal species ( Ilyocypris bradyi ) which is an indicator of cool water (Bryan, 1993). The appearance of human influence marked the beginning of the reduction in pine production at approximately 1700 years B.P. (Lamb et al, 1989). The period from 1500 − 1062 years B. P is marked by the return of humid climatic conditions, although with a short duration. The increase in lake level is reflected by the increase in the abundance and diversity of Ostracoda populations with the reappearance of a pelagic species ( Cypris bispinisa ) (Bryan, 1993). The disturbance of vegetation cover, which is manifested by a significant reduction in pine and an increase in herbaceous plants, indicates considerable deforestation of anthropogenic origin (Lamb et al, 1989). The period from 1062 − 739 years B. P is marked by a fairly low lake level. The increase in organic matter toward the current lake indicates an increase in the lake's productivity, which is certainly linked to eutrophication. This is confirmed mainly by the appearance of Characeae ( Chara sp. gyrogonia ), the duplication of Ostracods, and the appearance of a species of Ostracods for the first time, which is indicative of a less oxygenated environment and smothered in vegetation ( Cyclocypris laevis ) (Brian, 1993). The period 1844–2006 was marked by an increasingly predominant influence of man on the functioning of the lake. Significant soil erosion following the expansion of agriculture in the watershed greatly increased the sedimentation rate, which was 1.3 cm/year on average. The increase in magnetic tracers around the 1960s and 1970s reflects the slowdown in the rate of accumulation and the low contributions of carbonates following a lesser rise in the lake level (Flower et al, 1989). The transformation of benthic diatom populations into planktonic and then periphytic populations indicates the extension of the littoral zone following the acceleration of lake filling and progressive lake-level regression. The maximum depth of the lake in the umbilicus was 14 m in 1984. Anthropogenic disturbances in vegetation cover at the watershed level are manifested by declines in pine and cedar and increases in oak. The abundance of ruderal plants (grasses, Chenopodiaceae, and Artemis) linked to large percentages of Olea provides information on the expansion of pastoral farms and olive cultivation in the region (Flower et al, 1989). Table 1 Hydroclimatic history of lake Afourgagh from the late Holocene to the present. Period Lake level Paleolimnological indicators Dating Authors 4500 − 4000 cal. BP Birth of the lake by karstic collapse Low level of the lake - Low abundance of ostracod populations - Low variation in hydrochemistry and water temperature according to the ratios (Sr/Ca and Mg/Ca) of the valves of Candena fabeaformis 14 C Lamb & al, 1991 Bryan, 1993 4000 − 3000 cal. BP Hight level of the lake - Great diversity of ostracods - Increase in magnetic susceptibility and organic matter and decrease in carbonates. 3000 − 2500 cal. B.P Decline level of the Lake - Decline in abundance and diversity of Ostracod populations - Decrease in organic matter content and increase in carbonates 2500 − 1700 cal. B.P Drastic drop level of the lake - Maximum reduction in the abundance and diversity of Ostracods - Appearance of a eurythermal species of Ostracods ( Candona parallela ) - Dominance of epiphytic and benthic diatoms Lamb & al, 1991 Bryan, 1993 Detriche, 2007 1700 − 1500 cal. B.P Lake level rise - Relative increase in the Ostracod abundance - Disappearance of an eurythermal Ostracod species ( Candona parallel ) - Appearance of an oligothermal species ( Ilyocypris bradyi ) Lamb & al, 1991 Bryan, 1993 1500 − 1062 cal. B.P Hight level of the lake - Increase in the abundance and diversity of Ostracod populations - Appearance of a pelagic species ( Cyprus Bispinosa ) Lake eutrophication - Duplication of Ostracods - Appearance of Characeae ( Chara sp gyrogonia ) - Appearance of Cyclocypris laevis indicating a less oxygenated environment 1062 − 739 cal. B.P Fairly low-level lake - Swamp type distal deposits - Formation of paleosols Detriche, 2007 1844–1960 A.D Lake level stability - Sedimentation rate of 1.3 cm/year - Significant soil erosion due to the expansion of agriculture in the watershed Excess 210 Pb 137 Cs Flower & al, 1988 1960–1970 A.D Lesser elevation of the lake level - Slowing of the sedimentation rate - Increase in magnetic tracers - Low supplies in carbonates Flower & al, 1989 Etebaai, 2009 Damnati & al, 2012 1970–1984 A.D Gradual decline in lake level Maximum depth 14 m - Transformation of benthic diatoms populations into planktonic then into periphytic - Acceleration of lake filling 1984–2006 A.D Fall in lake level Maximum depth 2 m - Decreased sedimentation rate - Authigenic sedimentation (carbonates) 4. Materials and methods Lake Afourgagh was seasonally monitored during 2006 (May, August, and November). Twenty water samples were collected during each mission and stored in low-density polyethylene bottles pretreated according to the procedure of Rodier (2000). The samples were stored in a refrigerated cooler. Sampling was carried out at half-meter intervals in lake Afourgagh. The temperature, pH, electrical conductivity, dissolved oxygen, and turbidity were measured in situ during the morning via portable equipment. The major cations (Ca 2+ , Mg 2+ , Na + and K + ) and total phosphorus were measured via ICP‒AES (Jarvis and Jarvis, 1992). The anions (HCO 3 − , SO 4 2− , Cl − and NO 3 − ) were measured via capillary electrophoresis (Jones and Jandik, 1991). The suspended particulate matter (SPM) content was determined via water filtration and 0.45 µm pore size filters. The graphical representations of hydrochemical facies (Piper and Schoeller–Berkaloff diagrams), sums and molar ratios of major elements (Mg/Ca, Ca/Mg, Mg + Ca, Na/K, Na + K, Cl/Na), saturation indices of calcite, aragonite, dolomite, gypsum and anhydrite, water hardness and residual alkalinity (Ca and Ca + Mg) were generated via the software Diagrams Version 5.8 (Simler, 2010). Samples of soils, terraces, and border and center sediments were taken from lake Afourgagh. The particle size analysis was carried out via laser diffraction and scattering at the European Center for Research and Education in Environmental Geosciences (CEREGE) in Aix-en-Provence via a Malvern Mastersizer laser beam particle sizer. The contents of bound water, organic matter, and carbonates were characterized by loss of ignition after incineration of the sediment samples (previously dried and crushed) at 110°C for half an hour, 550°C for two hours, and finally 950°C for one hour (Dean, 1974). The major element contents were determined via ICP‒AES at CEREGE after alkaline fusion of the mineral fraction resulting from the loss on ignition by lithium metaborates (LiBO 2 ) at 1050°C and dissolution in 5% HCl (Javis, 1991; Todland et al, 1992). The semiquantitative determination of the total and clayey mineralogical fraction was carried out via X-ray diffraction at CEREGE via a diffractometer menu of a cobalt tube (Bouchet et al, 2000). The identification of the total mineralogy was performed on disoriented slides with total powders. Clay minerals were identified on oriented slides (Holtzapffel, 1985). 5. Results 5.1. Water physiochemistry The hydrochemical facies of lake Afourgagh are Na-Mg-Cl-(HCO 3 ) in spring, with an average TDS of 3045 mg/L, and Mg-Na-HCO 3 -Cl in summer and autumn, with average TDSs of 6434 mg/L and 8684 mg/L, respectively. The waters are generally bicarbonated chloro-sodic magnesians (Fig. 4 ). Water temperature is a function of seasonal climate variability. They are warm in spring and summer (24.51°C and 23.92°C on average, respectively) and cold in autumn (10.48°C) (Table 2 ). The summer thermal stratification is less pronounced. The temperature range is generally low at 1.3°C (Fig. 5 ). In autumn, the waters are usually homothermic (Fig. 6 ). The waters are relatively alkaline. The pH was greater in summer (9.15 on average) than in spring and autumn (8.82 and 8.49 on average, respectively) (Table 2 ) (Figs. 5 and 6 ). The electrical conductivity of water is very high. It increased with season (4780 µs.cm − 1 , 7699 µs.cm − 1 and 10121 µs.cm − 1 , respectively, in spring, summer, and autumn) (Table 2 ). The variation with depth is marked by its variation in summer (Fig. 5 ) and its increase with depth in autumn (Fig. 6 ). The waters are poorly oxygenated in spring and summer (5.52 and 4.87 mg/L on average, respectively) and well oxygenated in autumn (8.80 mg/L) (Table 2 ). Table 2 Seasonal water physicochemical parameters of lake Afourgagh in 2006. Spring Summer Autumn max V min V med V SD max V min V med V SD max V min V med V SD T °C 24.80 24.13 24.51 0.23 24.80 23.50 23.92 0.52 10.80 10.30 10.48 0.22 pH 8.85 8.81 8.83 0.01 9.17 9.14 9.15 0.013 8.50 8.47 8.49 0.013 O 2 (mg/L) 5.57 5.49 5.52 0.04 5.02 4.69 4.87 0.16 8.87 8.71 8.80 0.07 E C (µs/cm) 4862 4723 4780 48.63 7816 7482 7699 135.90 10340 9688 10121 295.41 Ca 2+ (mg/L) 20.53 17.54 18.80 1.08 18.51 16.30 17.41 0.94 14.07 12.47 13.40 0.73 Mg 2+ (mg/L) 296.70 280.46 289.40 6.56 587.73 546.08 571.24 16.60 772.56 707.33 747.04 29.79 Na + (mg/L) 580.01 550.79 563.43 10.01 1096.71 1020.21 1054.97 28.24 1505.96 1394.05 1455.46 46.50 k + (mg/L) 87.82 75.29 80.97 4.53 121.52 111.08 115.66 3.86 142.19 137.71 140.09 2.06 HCO 3 − (mg/L) 625.06 605.90 612.80 7.02 3288.36 2886.63 2988.97 172.16 4185.89 3647.03 3993.01 237.91 Cl − (mg/L) 1370.36 1340.60 1353.13 10.08 1554.04 1280.28 1448.23 131.27 2022.71 1951.57 1995.75 32.93 SO 4 2− (mg/L) 69.59 65.87 67.66 1.56 63.16 43.33 54.04 9.09 81.33 74.02 77.16 3.12 NO 3 − (mg/L) 0.37 0.13 0.18 0.09 8.27 3.37 5.32 1.82 dl dl dl dl HPO 4 − (mg/L) 1.15 0.41 0.54 0.30 1.26 1.19 1.23 0.03 0.77 0.47 0.58 0.13 TDS (mg/L) 3045 2948 2987.17 33.75 6434 6113 6257.20 119.06 8684 7925 8422.50 340.44 TUR (NTU) 20.51 15.75 18.05 1.65 32.10 7.44 16.83 10.12 49.7 38.8 42.175 5.05 SPM (mg/L) 518 490 503 11.58 980 700 824 102.37 1650 630 969 467.47 TDS: total dissolved solids; SPM: suspended particulate matter; TUR: turbidity Table 3 Seasonal water hydrochemical characteristics of lake Afourgagh in 2006. Spring Summer Autumn max V min V med V SD max V min V med V SD max V min V med V SD Cations (meq/L) 52.40 50.40 51.33 0.86 99.71 92.97 96.72 2.60 133.34 122.99 129.04 4.49 Anions (meq/L) 50.37 49.14 49.65 0.42 92.83 87.53 91.11 2.10 126.33 116.38 123.36 4.69 Mg/Ca 27.42 23.33 25.46 1.54 55.26 52.36 54.162 1.46 93.54 90.55 92.03 1.44 Ca/Mg 0.04 0.04 0.04 0.003 0.019 0.018 0.0184 0.0005 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.00 Ca + Mg (meq/L) 25.38 24 24.75 0.55 49.29 45.75 47.88 1.41 64.27 58.83 62.14 2.48 Na/K 12.44 11.23 11.86 0.45 16.08 14.63 15.52 0.53 18.42 17.22 17.67 0.53 Na + K (meq/L) 27.48 25.88 26.58 0.55 50.67 47.22 48.85 1.261 69.06 64.16 66.89 2.04 Cl/Na 1.58 1.53 1.56 0.02 0.98 0.76 0.89 0.097 0.91 0.86 0.89 0.02 SI Calcite 1.25 1.19 1.22 0.025 2.14 2.05 2.09 0.039 1.18 1.11 1.15 0.04 SI Aragonite 1.10 1.04 1.07 0.025 2.00 1.91 1.95 0.039 1.03 0.96 1.00 0.03 SI Dolomite 4.02 3.92 3.98 0.037 6.14 5.98 6.06 0.071 4.26 4.14 4.21 0.06 SI Gypse -2.41 -2.50 -2.46 0.033 -2.64 -2.78 -2.70 0.070 -2.72 -2.78 -2.74 0.03 SI Anhydrite -2.64 -2.72 -2.68 0.030 -2.86 -3.01 -2.93 0.072 -2.98 -3.03 -2.99 0.02 Hardness [°THf] 127 120 123.83 2.79 246 229 239.20 6.83 321 294 310.50 12.40 Res Alk.Ca (meq/L) 9.22 9.04 9.11 0.07 52.98 46.38 48.12 2.80 67.90 59.15 64.77 3.86 Res Alk.Ca + Mg (meq/L) -13.95 -15.34 -14.71 0.57 4.86 -1.98 1.11 2.52 4.65 0.94 3.30 1.68 SI: saturation index; Res Alk: residual alkalinity The dissolved oxygen contents are variable in summer (Fig. 5 ) and stable in autumn (Fig. 6 ). The waters are rich in magnesium. The contents increased significantly (289.40 mg/L, 571.24 mg/L, and 747.04 mg/L on average in spring, summer, and autumn, respectively). The calcium contents were low and decreased (18.80 mg/L, 17.41 mg/L, and 13.40 mg/L on average in spring, summer, and autumn, respectively). The Mg/Ca molar ratio is also very high (Table 3 ). The variations in magnesium and calcium with depth are marked by decreases in summer (Fig. 5 ) and increases in autumn (Fig. 6 ). The alkali contents are represented by higher values for sodium than for potassium. The concentrations also increased (563.43 mg/L, 1054.97 mg/L, and 1455.46 mg/L on average in spring, summer, and autumn, respectively, for Na + and 80.97 mg/L, 115.66 mg/L, and 140.09 mg/L on average in spring, summer and autumn, respectively, for K + ) (Table 2 ). In summer, the variation with depth is marked by a decrease in sodium content and a high variation in potassium content at the second meter (Fig. 5 ). In autumn, the sodium content increased, whereas the potassium content increased in the first half meter (Fig. 6 ). The carbonate contents are very high and increase (612.80 mg/L, 2988.97 mg/L, and 3993.01 mg/L on average in spring, summer, and autumn, respectively) (Table 2 ). In summer, the change with depth is marked by great variation in the second meter (Fig. 5 ). In autumn, the bicarbonate contents are greater in the surface water (Fig. 6 ). The chloride contents are the highest of all the tested ions. The concentrations increased (1353.13 mg/L, 1448.23 mg/L, and 1995.75 mg/L on average in spring, summer, and autumn, respectively) (Table 2 ). In summer, the change with depth is marked by high variation (Figs. 5 and 6 ). The sulfate contents are moderately high and increase (67.66 mg/L, 54.04 mg/L, and 77.16 mg/L on average in spring, summer and autumn, respectively) (Table 2 ). The change with depth is marked by great variation in summer and autumn (Figs. 5 and 6 ). The nitrate contents are very low and undetectable in autumn, whereas those in phosphate are particularly high in summer (1.23 mg/L) (Table 1 ). The change with depth in summer is marked by a variation in the phosphate content (Fig. 5 ). In autumn, they are more stable and increase slightly toward the bottom (Fig. 6 ). The turbidity is relatively high, especially in autumn (42,175 NTU) (Table 2 ). In summer, its evolution with depth is characterized by its large variation at the second meter (Fig. 5 ). In autumn, it is practically stable but increases in the last half meter (Fig. 6 ). The suspended particulate matter concentrations were very high (503, 824, and 969 mg/L on average in spring, summer and autumn, respectively) (Table 2 ). In summer, its evolution with depth is characterized by an increase in the first meter and a decrease in the second meter (Fig. 5 ). In autumn, it decreases in the first half of the meter and then remains stable (Fig. 6 ). SI: saturation index; Cal: calcite; Arg: aragonite; Dol: dolomite; TDS: total dissolved solids; Res Alk: residual alkalinity; TUR: turbidity; SPM: suspended particulate matter. 5.2. Interface sedimentation The soils, terraces, and sediments of lake Afourgagh are generally sandy-silty (Fig. 7 A). Arable soils have moderately high clay percentages (35%). The terraces have high percentages of silt (60% on average) and sand (29% on average). The border and center interface sediments show a slight increase in silts (65% on average) and a decrease in sands toward the center (20%) (Table 4 ). The specific magnetic susceptibility is greater at ground level (201 10 − 9 m 3 /kg), vanishes at the terrace level and then increases gradually from the edges toward the center of the lake (74.5 10 − 9 m3 /kg and 95 10 − 9 m3 /kg on average) (Table 4 ). Bound water contents are generally low in soils and terraces and high in interface sediments (1%, 1.6% and 3% on average, respectively). The organic matter content is very low at the soil level and increases sharply from the terraces toward the lake's center (3%, 12% and 14.5% on average, respectively). The carbonate contents are generally high in the soils and terraces and gradually decrease toward the center of the lake (31%, 32% and 22% on average, respectively) (Table 3 ). The major element contents are characterized in the soils, terraces, and interface sediments by the predominance of mainly CaO, followed by SiO 2 , MgO, Al 2 O 3 , and Fe 2 O 3, with a clear predominance of CaO at the level of the terraces (62% on average). The other major elements are always less than one percent. Their evolution from the terraces toward the center of the lake is characterized by increases in SiO 2 , Al 2 O 3, Fe 2 O 3 , K 2 O, Na 2 O, P 2 O 5 , TiO 2 , and Sr and decreases in CaO, MgO and MnO (Table 4 ). The soils and terraces are essentially composed of dolomite (80% and 60% on average, respectively) with very low contents of calcite (12% and 8% on average, respectively) and quartz (5% and 4% on average, respectively), with aragonite and gypse appearing in the terraces (28% and 3% on average, respectively). Toward the center of the lake, there was a decrease in dolomite and an increase in quartz and aragonite (30%, 12.9% and 47.5% on average, respectively) (Table 4 ). The composition of clay minerals at the soil level is made up, in decreasing order, of interlayered illite-smectite, kaolinite, chlorite, smectite and illite. At the level of the border sediments, the clay minerals are in decreasing order: kaolinite, interstratified illite-smectite, chlorite, illite and smectite. The mean values are 33.2%, 28%, 18.6%, 13% and 6%, respectively. Toward the center of the lake, these clay minerals are characterized by increases in kaolinite, chlorite, and illite (36.7%, 22% and 21.6% on average, respectively) and decreases in interstratified illite‒smectite and smectite (15.5% and 3.5% on average, respectively). Table 4 Sedimentology, mineralogy, and geochemistry of the soil, terrace, and sediment of lake Afourgagh. Soil Terrace Border sediment Center sediment Depth (cm) 0–5 0–5 5–10 0–5 5–10 0–5 5–10 Sedimentology Clay % 35.30 8.98 8.92 13.46 13.07 15.25 13.10 Silt % 59.17 63.20 57.70 62.81 68.34 63.18 67.36 Sand % 5.53 27.82 33.38 23.74 18.60 21.57 19.53 χ (10 − 9 m 3 /kg) 201.51 0.00 0.00 66.42 83.33 113.52 76.44 Total mineralogy Quartz % 5 4 - 9.00 11.50 12.33 13.50 Dolomite % 83 60 - 58.67 73.50 29.51 31.00 Aragonite % 0 26 - 24.22 6.00 49.00 46.00 Calcite % 12 7 - 5.61 6.50 8.34 9.50 Gypse % 0 3 2.16 3.00 0.49 0.00 Clay mineralogy Kaolinite % 26.80 - - 29.61 37.63 34.81 38.69 Chlorite % 22.20 - - 16.02 21.77 23.42 21.11 Illite % 7.80 - - 13.16 13.04 22.15 21.61 Illite-smectite % 28.10 - - 32.05 24.06 13.92 17.09 Smectite % 15.10 - - 9.16 3.49 5.70 1.51 Geochemistry Bound water % 1.19 1.61 1.62 2.39 2.34 3.01 3.04 OM % 3.29 13.16 10.76 13.54 11.69 15.16 14.17 Carbonates % 31.91 32.99 32.97 26.98 26.20 22.78 23.46 SiO 2 % 24.15 10.15 16.29 24.41 28.71 26.83 26.76 Al 2 O 5 % 8.49 3.49 5.49 9.14 10.33 9.99 10.37 Fe 2 O 5 % 4.91 1.32 2.2 3.71 4.28 4.21 4.25 CaO % 47.39 64.84 60.06 46.76 37.58 44.69 43.79 MgO % 15.89 19.6 15.78 11.63 15.24 7.62 8.07 K 2 O % 0.74 0.25 0.55 1.34 1.48 1.39 1.50 Na 2 O % 0.002 0.67 0.44 0.81 0.62 0.81 0.80 MnO % 0.66 0.25 0.34 0.10 0.11 0.10 0.10 P 2 O 5 % 0.15 0.2 0.22 0.29 0.27 0.38 0.30 TiO 2 % 0.70 0.17 0.31 0.52 0.64 0.56 0.59 Sr ppm 66.14 52.98 56.06 196.40 174.68 385.33 352.34 SiO 2 /Al 2 O 3 2.84 2.91 2.97 2.68 2.80 2.68 2.58 Fe 2 O 3 /MnO 7.40 5.28 6.39 37.37 39.94 40.84 40.35 CaO/MgO 2.98 3.31 3.81 4.23 2.44 5.95 5.46 6. Discussion 6.1. Hydrochemical Functioning The summer thermal stratification of lake Afourgagh is not pronounced because of the low water level. The water column has become very sensitive to wind action and perpetually moves, particularly in the winter and autumn. The seasonal climate indirectly influences the pH but mainly depends on the functioning of the lake. In the summer, during periods of strong phytoplankton productivity and carbonate precipitation, the pH is high (Fig. 8 ). During the cold season, the lower pH is related to the decrease in algal productivity and carbonate precipitation on the one hand and to the mineralization of organic material on the other hand. The oxygenation of water has very strong seasonal variability due to lake productivity, temperature and wind. The relatively low contents of dissolved oxygen in spring and summer can be attributed to plankton dynamics reflected by a slowdown of phytoplankton in favor of zooplankton, thus allowing greater oxygen consumption. The relatively high dissolved oxygen contents recorded in autumn are due mainly to mixing water under the influence of atmospheric disturbances and to the decrease in temperature (Fig. 9 ). This seasonal variability in water oxygenation reflects the advanced state of lake Afourgagh eutrophication. The electrical conductivity is very high because of the elevated salinity. This is mainly due to the overconcentration of chloride, sodium bicarbonate and magnesium (Fig. 8 ). The increase in the water deficit was indicated by a doubling of the electrical conductivity at the end of 2006. The evaporitic conditions due to water deficit have significantly modified the concentrations of alkaline earth. The molar ratio of Mg 2+ /Ca 2+ is very high and well above the 12 limits for the precipitation of dolomite and aragonite (Kelt and Hsü, 1978) (Fig. 8 ). The saturation indices calculated for dolomite are well above zero. Magnesium precipitates preferentially under these evaporite conditions, as hydromagnesite Mg 5 (CO 3 ) 4 (OH) 2 •4(H 2 O) experiences supersaturation in bicarbonates. However, magnesium ions may be incorporated into calcite during its nucleation and crystal growth. The aragonite encountered in sediments derives mainly from shell mollusks (Etebaai, 2009; Damnati et al., 2012). Nevertheless, Manzola and Ben Amor (2001) reported that increasing the concentration of magnesium favors the precipitation of aragonite at 30°C. The precipitation of calcite, aragonite and dolomite increases during warm seasons because of increases in temperature and pH (Fig. 9 ). The alkali contents (sodium and potassium) are mainly of geological origin. These differences are also due to anthropogenic inputs from agricultural activities practiced in the catchment of the lake. Their overconcentration is related to high evaporation. The high contents of bicarbonates are due to the high concentration of cations (Fig. 8 ). The water deficit of lake Afourgagh led to a significant increase in the chloride concentration. The lower contents of sulfates are of atmospheric origin and partly derived from agricultural activities (Fig. 9 ). The very high turbidity of suspended particulate matter (SPM) and total dissolved solids (TDS) are directly linked to the high productivity of the lake and salinity (Figs. 8 and 9 ). The seasonal influence is translated during the hot season by the supersaturation of alkaline-earth elements by water and the enrichment of nutrients because of the increase in temperature. It is marked during the cold season by oxygenation, turbidity, and enrichment in chloride and sulfates because of the mixing of water and the leaching of soils by rainwater (Fig. 9 A). 6.2. Sedimentary dynamic The sedimentological analyses revealed that the lake's soil samples, terraces, and interface sediments all have a silty-sandy nature. This provides information on a relatively active mode of transport with variable energy. Intermittent surface flow is a function of the slope of the escarpments to the northwest and south of the lake. The competence of the flow decreases considerably at the level of the softened respondents of the northwest heights, a large part of the hydrographic network that infiltrates the dolomitic substrate. Due to anthropogenic disturbances and periods of drought that have occurred in recent decades, wind deflation has played an important role in the redistribution of detrital elements in arable soils and exposed terraces. Dolomite, the most abundant detrital mineral, is derived from the mechanical disintegration of the source rock (liasic dolomite) (Martin, 1981). The proportions are very high in the floors and terraces because of the proximity of the supply source and gradually decrease toward the center of the lake according to the relative attenuation of the competence of the transport and the distance from the source contribution. The percentage of quartz in the lake remains very low because of the strong inputs and the high productivity of carbonate minerals. The low increase in quartz toward the lake's center is mainly linked to the decrease in detrital carbonate inputs (Figs. 8 B and 9 B). The distribution of organic matter and carbonate from the ground toward the lake's center is linked to the interaction of three factors: grading, transport energy, and autochthonous productivity in the lake. The increase in organic matter content toward the center of the lake was due to the increase in fine fractions and the primary productivity of the lake. Conversely, the decrease in carbonates (consisting mainly of dolomite) toward the center of the lake was linked to a decrease in transport energy and distance from the supply source (Figs. 8 B and 9 B). The rather large magnetic susceptibility values of slightly weathered soils come mainly from pedogenesis (Mullins, 1977; Dearing et al, 1985). The decalcification of carbonate substrates under a Mediterranean climate allows the formation of clays and the enrichment of secondary ferro- and ferrimagnetic minerals, which are supported by the silto-clayey fraction. The main inputs of magnetic elements to the lake originate from the alteration of arable soils. In the terraces, the low nulls of magnetic susceptibility are due to dilution by carbonates of detrital and endogenous origin. Its increase toward the center of the lake is generally accompanied by an increase in the percentage of the clay‒silty fraction (Figs. 8 B and 9 B). The distribution of major elements reflects the carbonated nature of the geological substrate. CaO remains the predominant element at ground level. Her slight decrease in interface sediments provides information on erosion and a significant contribution of carbonated detrital minerals and strong autochthonous production (Figs. 8 B and 9 B). The sharp decrease in MgO content toward the sediments of the lake's center is linked to the reduction in the transport energy of the detrital inputs resulting from the alteration of the dolomite. The progressive enrichment of SiO 2 , Al 2 O 3 , Fe 2 O 3 , K 2 O, TiO 2 , and Na 2 O contents from the edges toward the central sediments derives from aluminosilicate detrital inputs (quartz and clay) resulting from soil erosion and carried toward the lake by water and/or wind. A lower Si/Al ratio (2.7 on average) indicates a low abundance of clay minerals (Fig. 8 B). The latter of detrital origin comes from the erosion of soils and terraces. The proportions of each mineral vary according to the intensity of erosion, hydrodynamics, and lake-level transformation processes (Fig. 7 B). The abundance of kaolinite and interstratified illite/smectite at the soil level reflects the preponderance of chemical hydrolysis under seasonal thermal and rainfall climatic contrasts (Singer and Stoffers, 1980; Eberl et al, 1986; Inglès, 1995). The endorheic conditions, high salinity of the waters, and low lake level allow the transformation of certain minerals (Jones and Bowser, 1978; Jones, 1986). There is thus an increase in kaolinite and illite and a decrease in chlorite and interstratified illite/smectite from the edges toward the center of the lake. From a hydrodynamic point of view, small clay minerals, such as kaolinite, are carried more quickly toward the lake’s center (Figs. 8 B and 9 B) (Vernier and Froget, 1984). The hypereutrophy of the lake due to excessive nutrient inputs from agriculture contributes to sustained organic sediment production. The high Fe/Mn inputs at the level of the interface sediments provide information on anoxia, which allows the preservation of organic matter. The very high salinity of the current waters of the lake, due to the water deficit, reveals strong precipitation of carbonates. The Mg/Ca ratio greatly exceeds the 12 limits necessary for precipitation calcite, dolomite, and aragonite (Dean and Gorham, 1976; Kelts and Hsü, 1978). The saturation indices of the three minerals are well above zero. The calcite is largely derived from endogenous precipitation, which increases toward the lake’s center. The much more abundant aragonite than calcite is of biochemical origin. It appears at the level of the terraces and increases considerably at the level of the interface sediments of the lake’s center. High concentrations of magnesium ions in water promote the precipitation and stability of aragonite (Manzola and Ben Amor, 2001). The strong increase in the salinity of the waters currently suggests the precipitation of proto-dolomite. 6.3. Recent Environmental disturbance The sedimentological, geochemical, and mineralogical approach undertaken on the interface sediments reflects the state of degradation of the hydrogeochemical functioning over recent decades (Etebaai et al, 2008; Etebaai, 2009; Damnati et al, 2012). The advancement of the trophic state of the lake recorded by the biological indicators studied by Flower et al. (1989) appears to be synchronous with the increase in the organo-carbonate fractions. The increase in alumino-silicate inputs and organic matter content to the detriment of the carbonated fraction marked a lesser rise in lake level during the 1970s and early 1980s (Etebaai, 2009; Damnati et al, 2012). The clay process promoted strong hydrolysis of the soil during this period. The anthropization of the watershed, marked by population growth and an increase in livestock, significantly contributes to the fragility of the soil. Erosion is greatly accelerated by the leaching and runoff of cultivated soils via the hydrographic network. The succession of prolonged droughts and increasingly predominant human influence over the last three decades were responsible for the drastic regression of the lake level to 1.5 m in 2006. The sedimentation rate decreased due to the drying or diversion of tributaries. The current sedimentation at the lake level is rather linked to wind action, which redistributes detrital elements from the soils and exposed terraces. The increase in the water deficit during 2007 and 2008 under the effects of evaporation, daily water withdrawal for livestock watering, and the lack of water renewal created evaporitic conditions comparable to those of saline lakes in warm environments (Eugster Hans and Hardie Lawrence, 1978). The complete drying of the lake in 2008 allowed the precipitation of salts after the total evaporation of the mass of water (the florescence of sodium chloride salts, gypsum, and carbonates appeared on the surface of the exposed terraces). The lake was impounded toward the end of 2008 and the beginning of 2009 after the very abundant rainfall experienced by the country. This impoundment was accompanied by very significant detrital contributions, which accelerated only the filling of the lake to dry up definitively during the last decade. Conclusions Lake Afourgagh can be considered a significant natural "rain gauge," providing valuable insights into the interactions and feedback mechanisms of hydroclimatic fluctuations and anthropogenic impacts. Formed by karst collapse around 4500–4000 cal. B.P., Lake Afourgagh initially experienced very high-water levels between 4000 and 3000 cal. B.P., which then gradually declined until 2500–1700 cal. B.P. The lake reached an optimum during the medieval period (1500–1062 cal. B.P.), showing signs of eutrophication. However, its water level gradually decreased due to climate change and increasing anthropogenic pressures. In 2006, just before it dried up, the hydrochemical composition of Lake Afourgagh was characterized by bicarbonate, chloro-sodic, and magnesian water facies. The water was alkaline, low in oxygen, and relatively turbid. Salinity increased significantly due to high evaporation after the tributaries dried up, with total dissolved solids (TDS) reaching an average of 6 g/L by the end of 2006. The lake also became a site of significant endogenic carbonate precipitation, including calcite, aragonite, and dolomite. The advanced trophic status of Lake Afourgagh was marked by an enrichment in phosphate, primarily from anthropogenic sources. The sedimentary dynamics of Lake Afourgagh indicate an accelerated filling of the lake basin, reflecting major changes in its contributing basin. The predominance of silty-sandy fractions suggests a relatively active mode of transport with variable hydrodynamic energy. The dominance of dolomite among the detrital elements points to the carbonate nature of the geological substrate. The presence of calcite and aragonite in interface sediments indicates authigenic sedimentation of chemical and biochemical origin. The suite of clay minerals, particularly the prevalence of kaolinite and interstratified illite-smectite, underscores the influence of seasonal contrasts and irregular precipitation. Surface flow competence has weakened considerably, favoring wind transport, which now plays a significant role in redistributing detrital elements across soils and terraces, following the drastic reduction in the lake’s water level due to successive droughts and human activities. The disappearance of Lake Afourgagh represents an immeasurable loss, given its ecological and socioeconomic importance on a national scale. The urgent development and rehabilitation of lake basins in the Middle Atlas region of Morocco are essential. Such efforts should focus on water conservation, soil protection, and infrastructure improvements to support recreational and economic activities, thereby restoring these vital wetlands. Declarations Author Contribution All authors contributed to the study conception and design. Material preparation, data collection and analysis were performed by Issam Etebaai, Brahim Damnati, Hélène Miche, Morad Taher, Abdelghafour Hrida, Omar Darhouche, Said El Moussaoui, Hajar El Talibi and Hinde Cherkaoui Dekkaki. The first draft of the manuscript was written by Issam Etebaai and all authors commented on previous versions of the manuscript. All authors read and approved the final manuscript. Acknowledgments This study is part of the PICS05 (Projet International de Coopération Scientifique) and PROTARS III projects. The authors thank the CNRST (Centre National pour la Recherche Scientifique et Technique) (Rabat, Morocco) and CNRS (Centre national de la recherche scientifique) (France) for their financial support. We particularly thank the reviewers for revising the paper and M. Decobert, A. Marais, and D. Arnaud for their field help. 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Notes et mémoires du Service Géologique du Maroc 258 bis, 445p. Manzola AS, Ben Amor M (2001) Étude des équilibres des phases du carbonate de calcium: influence des compagnons de cristallisation. J. Phys. IVFrance. 11:175–182. https://doi.org/10.1051/jp4:20011026 Mullins C (1977) Magnetic susceptibility of the soil and its significance in soil science: a review. Journal. Soil. Science 28:223–246. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2389.1977.tb02232.x Noël H (2001) Caractérisation et calibration des flux organiques sédimentaires dérivant du bassin versant et de la production aquatique (Annecy, le Petit Lac) : Rôles respectifs de l'Homme et du Climat sur l'évolution des flux organiques au cours des 6000 dernières années. Thèse de l’Université d'Orléans. Reddad H, Etebaai I, Rhoujjati A, Taieb M, Thevenon F, Damnati B (2013) Fire activity in North West Africa during the last 30,000 cal years BP inferred from a charcoal record from Lake Ifrah (Middle atlas–Morocco): Climatic implications. Journal of African Earth Sciences 84:47–53. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jafrearsci.2013.03.007 Rhoujjati A (2007) Les variations paléoclimatiques et paléoenvironnementales depuis 21.000 ans BP. Jusqu’à présent dans le Moyen Atlas marocain : cas des lacs Ifrah et Iffer (région d’Ifrane). Thèses de Doctorat, Univ Chouaib Doukkali, F Sc El Jadida. Rodier J (2000) L'analyse de l'eau : Eaux naturelles, eaux résiduaires, eaux de mer. Ed Dunod, Paris. Simler R (2010) Diagrammes: Logiciel d’hydrochimie version 5.3, Laboratoire d’Hydrogéologie d’Avignon. http://www.lha.univ-avignon.fr Singer A, Stoffers P (1980) Clay mineral diagenesis in two east african lake sediments. Clay Miner. 15 291–307. https://doi.org/10.1180/claymin.1980.015.3.09 Street-Perott FA, Marchand DS, Robert N, Harrison SP (1989) Global lake-level variation from 18,000 to 0 years age: United States Departement of Energy, Technical Report TRO46. Todland M, Jarvis I, Jarvis KE (1992) An assessment of dissolution techniques for the analysis of geological samples by plasma spectrometry. In: Jarvis, I., and JARVIS, K.E., Plasma Spectrometry in the Earth Sciences. J, Chem. Geol. 95:35–62. Vernier E, Froget C (1984) Sédimentation argileuse dans le Sud-Ouest du bassin de Somalie depuis le Crétacé supérieur (sites D.S.D.P. 240 et 241). Rev. Géol. dynam. Géogr. phys., 25 (5):339–348. Wanner H, Beer J, Bütikofer J, Crowle, TJ, Cubasch U, Flückiger J, Goosse H, Grosjean M, Joos F, Kaplan JO, Küttel M, Müller SA, Prentice IC, Solomina O, Stocker TF, Tarasov P, Wagner M, Widmann M (2008) Mid- to Late Holocene climate change: an overview. Quaternary Science Reviews, Volume 27(19–20):1791–1828. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.quascirev.2008.06.013 Woolway RI, Sharma S, Smol JP (2022) Lakes in Hot Water: The Impacts of a Changing Climate on Aquatic Ecosystems, BioScience, Volume 72(11):1050–1061, https://doi.org/10.1093/biosci/biac052 Additional Declarations No competing interests reported. Cite Share Download PDF Status: Posted Version 1 posted You are reading this latest preprint version Research Square lets you share your work early, gain feedback from the community, and start making changes to your manuscript prior to peer review in a journal. As a division of Research Square Company, we’re committed to making research communication faster, fairer, and more useful. We do this by developing innovative software and high quality services for the global research community. Our growing team is made up of researchers and industry professionals working together to solve the most critical problems facing scientific publishing. Also discoverable on Platform About Our Team In Review Editorial Policies Advisory Board Help Center Resources Author Services Accessibility API Access RSS feed Manage Cookie Preferences © Research Square 2026 | ISSN 2693-5015 (online) Privacy Policy Terms of Service Do Not Sell My Personal Information {"props":{"pageProps":{"initialData":{"identity":"rs-6096787","acceptedTermsAndConditions":true,"allowDirectSubmit":true,"archivedVersions":[],"articleType":"Research Article","associatedPublications":[],"authors":[{"id":504596175,"identity":"51fcfffb-59c0-4fe1-b12d-8d4757a04d79","order_by":0,"name":"Issam Etebaai","email":"data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAZAAAAAyAQMAAABI0h/eAAAABlBMVEX///8AAABVwtN+AAAACXBIWXMAAA7EAAAOxAGVKw4bAAAA2UlEQVRIiWNgGAWjYBACNhDB2ABksDcQr4WxAayF5wDxFkG0MEgkEKmej4H5+IOPO+zk+STfGH74wGAnzyB2+AEBh7ElNs48k2zYJp1jLDmDIdmwQTrNgIAWHsNm3jZmRqAWA2keBuYEBukEQlr4Pzb/bau3b5M8Y/z7D0M9UEv6B0K2MDYzth1ObJPgMZNmYDgM1JJDwBZmNsOZvWeOJ7fxpJVZ9hgcB3mqAK8W+fbmBx9+7qi2nd9+ePONHxXV8vzS6RvwamFgRuEZQNPDKBgFo2AUjALKAAC/yzshUHMsIQAAAABJRU5ErkJggg==","orcid":"","institution":"LRDGéoAp, GA2G, FSTH, Abdelmalek Essaadi University, Tetouan, Morocco","correspondingAuthor":true,"prefix":"","firstName":"Issam","middleName":"","lastName":"Etebaai","suffix":""},{"id":504596176,"identity":"7de87382-8177-4c3a-a9b6-5b2fd4e3d346","order_by":1,"name":"Brahim Damnati","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"LEONR, Abdelmalek Essaadi University, Tetouan, Morocco","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Brahim","middleName":"","lastName":"Damnati","suffix":""},{"id":504596177,"identity":"6142d6aa-4113-4b6f-91f9-70f8d9bf3480","order_by":2,"name":"Hélène Miche","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"CEREGE, Aix Marseille University","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Hélène","middleName":"","lastName":"Miche","suffix":""},{"id":504596178,"identity":"bac07d17-c6ad-4d6b-92c6-7c375a31fcdd","order_by":3,"name":"Morad Taher","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"LRDGéoAp, GA2G, FSTH, Abdelmalek Essaadi University, Tetouan, Morocco","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Morad","middleName":"","lastName":"Taher","suffix":""},{"id":504596179,"identity":"6c7398e1-b9a4-424d-84b8-1e31f8fd301c","order_by":4,"name":"Abdelghafour Hrida","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"LRDGéoAp, GA2G, FSTH, Abdelmalek Essaadi University, Tetouan, Morocco","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Abdelghafour","middleName":"","lastName":"Hrida","suffix":""},{"id":504596180,"identity":"94f08d1c-9021-4ede-a601-f5a3ab470d0e","order_by":5,"name":"Omar Darhouche","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"LRDSI, Abdelmalek Essaadi University","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Omar","middleName":"","lastName":"Darhouche","suffix":""},{"id":504596181,"identity":"f12ca93f-4b05-4b2d-9ffc-d501cc967a88","order_by":6,"name":"Said El Moussaoui","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"LRDGéoAp, GA2G, FSTH, Abdelmalek Essaadi University, Tetouan, Morocco","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Said","middleName":"El","lastName":"Moussaoui","suffix":""},{"id":504596182,"identity":"c4343d73-da3a-4da8-ba92-4e1dc48dab41","order_by":7,"name":"Hajar El Talibi","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"LRDGéoAp, GA2G, FSTH, Abdelmalek Essaadi University, Tetouan, Morocco","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Hajar","middleName":"El","lastName":"Talibi","suffix":""},{"id":504596183,"identity":"ab02d03a-8241-47e3-9452-1870495257e7","order_by":8,"name":"Hinde Cherkaoui Dekkaki","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"LRDGéoAp, GA2G, FSTH, Abdelmalek Essaadi University, Tetouan, Morocco","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Hinde","middleName":"Cherkaoui","lastName":"Dekkaki","suffix":""}],"badges":[],"createdAt":"2025-02-24 12:23:15","currentVersionCode":1,"declarations":"","doi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-6096787/v1","doiUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-6096787/v1","draftVersion":[],"editorialEvents":[],"editorialNote":"","failedWorkflow":false,"files":[{"id":89913355,"identity":"8290384a-f618-4825-a89e-54e6fdb4a7a8","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-08-26 11:17:17","extension":"jpeg","order_by":1,"title":"Figure 1","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":771181,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eGeological map of the study region in the Middle Atlas: A (from Moroccan geological map 1/1000000); B: Geomorphology of the central middle Atlas (Sefrou region 1/1000000) and studied site localization (from Martin, 1981)\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"image1.jpeg","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-6096787/v1/1984a9ac4c20b645397a6f5a.jpeg"},{"id":89911394,"identity":"f85b9b38-ffc7-4d30-90d1-3af10201adf5","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-08-26 11:00:42","extension":"jpeg","order_by":2,"title":"Figure 2","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":145693,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eOmbrothermic diagram (A); average, maximal and minimal monthly temperatures (B) of the Ifrane-Aviation station (altitude 1663 m) located 30 km southwest of lake Afourgagh in 2006\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"image2.jpeg","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-6096787/v1/a2492355fc62a001cdd9073d.jpeg"},{"id":89911398,"identity":"6c8c7038-f7a2-4857-aa09-c12811c550ff","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-08-26 11:00:42","extension":"jpeg","order_by":3,"title":"Figure 3","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":267735,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eDelimitation of the watershed of lake Afourgah and the locations of the water (white dots), soil (1), terrace (2) and sediment (3 \u0026amp; 4) sampling sites in lake Afourgagh (right). The images are taken from Google Earth 2006\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"image3.jpeg","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-6096787/v1/33d29f3af425da500f117606.jpeg"},{"id":89911399,"identity":"42541923-f563-4848-a6fe-2e79c2fdfdf2","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-08-26 11:00:42","extension":"png","order_by":4,"title":"Figure 4","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":2419145,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eGraphical hydrochemical facies of lake Afourgagh according to the diagrams of Piper (a) and Schoeller Berkaloff (b) in 2006\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"image4.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-6096787/v1/79d5f733dc6369d54cf25103.png"},{"id":89912392,"identity":"9c71adbd-6c0f-4a40-ac85-dbff3f685930","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-08-26 11:09:17","extension":"png","order_by":5,"title":"Figure 5","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":2165888,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eVertical distribution of the water physicochemistry of lake Afourgagh (mission of August 2006)\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eSI: saturation index; Cal: calcite; Arg: aragonite; Dol: dolomite; TDS: total dissolved solids; Res Alk: residual alkalinity; TUR: turbidity; SPM: suspended particulate matter.\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"image5.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-6096787/v1/973925d8207375342439f9d7.png"},{"id":89912390,"identity":"ab935ab7-e309-46ab-966d-f2e17aabcfe7","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-08-26 11:09:17","extension":"png","order_by":6,"title":"Figure 6","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":2087371,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eVertical distribution of the water physicochemistry of lake Afourgagh (mission of November 2006). SI: saturation index; Cal: calcite; Arg: aragonite; Dol: dolomite; TDS: total dissolved solids; Res Alk: residual alkalinity; TUR: turbidity; SPM: suspended particulate matter\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"image6.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-6096787/v1/4a8125612122a44008b211f8.png"},{"id":89911395,"identity":"436a7571-f04b-4c06-8c8a-470ae0c13776","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-08-26 11:00:42","extension":"jpeg","order_by":7,"title":"Figure 7","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":109921,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eTernary diagrams of clay-silt-sand grain size (A) and clay mineral composition of kaolinite \u0026amp; interlayered illite/smectite - chlorite \u0026amp; illite - smectite (B) in soils, terraces and sediments of lake Afourgagh\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"image7.jpeg","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-6096787/v1/391a238e0717ae1fb27ebf12.jpeg"},{"id":89912394,"identity":"9ceed170-44a8-4086-b8a0-fdd8cef4bd67","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-08-26 11:09:18","extension":"jpeg","order_by":8,"title":"Figure 8","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":419904,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eCorrelations between water physicochemical parameters (A) and sedimentological, geochemical, and mineralogical variables of the soils, terraces, and sediments (B) of Lake Afouragh\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"image8.jpeg","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-6096787/v1/e7ca90fd1413bd2d4e33d920.jpeg"},{"id":89911400,"identity":"99b323a0-06e7-48d8-9dce-04add39f0040","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-08-26 11:00:42","extension":"jpeg","order_by":9,"title":"Figure 9","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":430707,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eProjection of the water physicochemical parameters according to season (A) and of the sedimentological, geochemical, and mineralogical variables according to the soils (1), terraces (2), border sediments (3), and center sediments (4) (B) of the principal component analysis in lake Afourgagh\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"image9.jpeg","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-6096787/v1/5a9eda9acfe1610e87c066df.jpeg"},{"id":89914277,"identity":"21dc6bd3-47d5-47b7-8d63-d1c8884c15eb","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-08-26 11:25:27","extension":"pdf","order_by":0,"title":"","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"manuscript-pdf","size":9944319,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"","description":"","filename":"manuscript.pdf","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-6096787/v1/32339446-913e-4eba-bb82-66162647f10f.pdf"}],"financialInterests":"No competing interests reported.","formattedTitle":"Recent hydrogeochemical disturbance and human impact in Lake Afourgagh (Middle Atlas, Morocco)","fulltext":[{"header":"Article Highlights","content":"\u003cul\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eThe freshwater resources in Morocco are confronted with climatic impacts and anthropogenic pressure.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eThe limnological approach was applied to evaluate the current hydrogeochemical functioning of Lake Afourgagh.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eThe degradation of lake systems must arouse the interest of stakeholders to make adequate decisions for their preservation.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e"},{"header":"1. Introduction","content":"\u003cp\u003eLake systems are crucial for providing water and food security, supporting irrigation, sustaining fishing industries, and serving as popular destinations for recreation and tourism (Iestyn Woolway et al., 2022). These systems continuously interact with the external environment, upon which they heavily depend (Foster et al., 1988; Dearing, 1991; Benkaddour, 1993; Rhoujjati, 2007; Etebaai, 2009). They function as systems for transferring, storing, and recycling water, minerals, organic matter, and various forms of energy\u0026mdash;kinetic, thermal, light, and potential (Gasse, 1992; Damnati, 2000). Due to their complex and unique nature, lake environments are characterized by the interaction between numerous biotic (such as ichthyofaunal, macrophyte, and invertebrate communities) and abiotic (physical, chemical, water, and sediment) components (Kratz et al., 1997). This complexity also makes these ecosystems highly sensitive to environmental and climatic changes (Kelts and Talbot, 1990). Their sensitivity is often exacerbated by factors such as tectonic or volcanic activity and human actions (Bertrand et al., 2005). Due to their high sedimentation rates (Noel, 2001), lakes provide valuable local records of climatic variations and human impacts over time (Street-Perrott et al., 1989; Battarbee, 2000; Damnati, 2000; Lotter and Birks, 2003; Guiot and Chaddadi, 2004; Wanner et al., 2008).\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe Moroccan Middle Atlas Mountains, stretching approximately 350 km from southwest to northeast, occupy an intermediate position between the Rif Mountains to the north and the High Atlas Mountains to the south. This mountain range is among the most significant in Morocco and has garnered considerable hydrogeological interest. The highly variable and complex structure of calcareous-dolomitic land has facilitated the formation of several natural lakes, which are unique to this region (Chillasse and Dakki, 2004). These limnic ecosystems perform crucial socioeconomic and ecological functions at a national scale (Azeroual et al., 2000; Chillasse et al., 2001; Chillasse and Dakki, 2004). The unique biodiversity of these lakes gives them global significance, as recognized by the Ramsar Convention on wetlands (Ramsar Convention Bureau, 1990). Whether endorheic or exoreic, these lakes act as sensitive indicators of climate change (Detriche, 2007; Etebaai et al., 2008; Etebaai, 2009; Etebaai et al., 2012; Damnati et al., 2012; Reddad et al., 2013; Damnati et al., 2016; Abbach et al., 2023).\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eDespite the significant water potential of the Middle Atlas region, the availability of surface and groundwater resources currently meets the region's agricultural, domestic, and industrial needs. However, recent decades have seen increased climate variability, characterized by more frequent and severe droughts followed by sudden and intense floods, significantly impacting water resource availability in the Middle Atlas (Amraoui et al., 2003; Etebaai, 2009; Etebaai et al., 2012; Damnati et al., 2012; El Qryefy et al., 2021; El Morabet et al., 2022, Abbach et al., 2023).\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe Middle Atlas' lacustrine environments are experiencing intense degradation, evidenced by significant drops in water levels (sometimes resulting in complete drying), eutrophication, and severe erosion in their watersheds. These changes, observed since the early 1970s, coincide with recurrent drought episodes and the introduction of agriculture reliant on groundwater pumping for irrigation (Detriche, 2007; Etebaai, 2009; Etebaai et al., 2012; Damnati et al., 2012; El Qryefy et al., 2021; El Morabet et al., 2022).\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis study aims to characterize the hydrogeochemical processes and sedimentary dynamics during the final drying and subsequent refilling of Lake Afourgagh, which occupies the southern part of a large depression caused by the collapse of the Amkla karst plateau, located a few kilometers east of the Tizin'tretten fault in the Moroccan Middle Atlas.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"2. Study site","content":"\u003cp\u003eLake Afourgagh (33\u0026deg; 36' N; 04\u0026deg; 52' W; 1360 m), situated north of the Middle Atlas Mountains in central Morocco, has a tectono-karst origin (Hinaje and Ait Brahim, 2002) (Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig1\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003e). The lake occupies the southern part of a vast collapse depression in the Amkla karst plateau, located a few kilometers east of the Tizin'tretten fault (Detriche, 2007). Geologically, the region primarily comprises dolomite to calcareous dolomite, attributed to the Lower and Middle Lias, which overlays Triassic argillite (Colo, 1961; Martin, 1981). Eocene and Miocene limestone outcrops are more limited, while Pliocene strata appear as travertine crusts north of Lake Afourgagh. Quaternary formations in the area include alluvial fans and fluvial\u0026ndash;lacustrine deposits from alluvial and colluvial slopes directed toward the lake depression (Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig1\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003e). The soils exhibit significant spatial variability due to local environmental factors (Flower et al., 1988). Generally, the soils are dark red to pink, fersiallitic to magnesium-rich, thin, and poorly developed on outcrops and steep deforested slopes, but are more developed in forested areas.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe climate of the region is Mediterranean subhumid, with cold winters. The lake is located in a well-watered part of the Middle Atlas Causse, receiving an average annual rainfall of 800 mm, which can vary greatly from year to year. The rainy season, influenced by Atlantic weather systems, lasts from October to May (Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig2\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003eA). Snow cover is common in December, January, and February. Mean temperatures in the region range from 0\u0026deg;C to 23\u0026deg;C, with August being the hottest month (30\u0026deg;C) and January the coldest (-3.6\u0026deg;C) (Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig2\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003eB). Vegetation in the Lake Afourgagh watershed is more influenced by climate than by soil conditions (Benabid, 1982). A dense forest of green oak (\u003cem\u003eQuercus rotundifolia\u003c/em\u003e) remains at higher elevations, while the vegetation becomes more scattered downhill due to the impacts of pasture and cereal farming (Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig3\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e3\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eOver the past three decades, the water level of Lake Afourgagh has significantly declined (Detriche, 2007; Etebaai, 2009; Damnati et al., 2012). By 2006, its surface area had reduced to 2.5 hectares, and its depth had decreased to less than 1.5 meters. The lake\u0026rsquo;s watershed is characterized by strong morphological and topographical contrasts, largely due to the karstic and tectonic processes acting on the dolomitic geological substrate (Detriche, 2007). These contrasts are evident in the topographic heterogeneities between the bottom of the depression and its western and southern slopes (Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig3\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e3\u003c/span\u003e). The elevation within the basin ranges from 1357 meters to 1830 meters.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eUntil the mid-1990s, the surface hydrographic network in the Lake Afourgagh watershed was relatively dense and spring-fed. The lake was sustained by various temporary wadis and perennial springs from the north and west and by a temporary wadi to the south (Detriche, 2007). During periods of high water, the lake reached a topographic threshold in the northeast, allowing its waters to flow into the Afourgagh wadi. The springs were linked to the exsurgence of the Liasic aquifer at tectonic faults, particularly where it came into contact with the Tizin'tretten fault (Detriche, 2007). The underground supply suggests the existence of two stratified, superimposed aquifers: the first, highly mineralized (conductivity\u0026thinsp;\u0026gt;\u0026thinsp;1000 \u0026micro;S/cm), is accessible near the lacustrine depression; the second, less mineralized (conductivity\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;660 \u0026micro;S/cm), extends further north and has a higher piezometric altitude (1408 m compared to 1403 m for the mineralized aquifer) (Gamez et al., 2001, in Detriche, 2007). Currently, the only surface inputs to the lake are meteoric water, runoff, and melting snow. All the springs that once fed the lake have dried up, with water now infiltrating before it can reach the bottom of the depression (Detriche, 2007; Etebaai, 2009).\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"3. Hydroclimatic history","content":"\u003cp\u003eA paleolimnological study of lake Afourgagh allowed the reconstruction of variations in water level according to climate change and anthropogenic action (Lamb et al, 1991; Bryan, 1993; Flower et al, 1989; Detriche, 2007; Etebaai, 2008; Etebaai, 2009; Damnati et al, 2012) (Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab1\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe period 4500\u0026thinsp;\u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;4000 years B. P. marks the beginning of the falling of lake Afourgagh. The low abundance and relatively high diversity of ostracod populations near the surface of this unit reflect relatively low but stable lake levels. The ratios of trace elements (Sr/Ca and Mg/Ca) at the level of the valves of \u003cem\u003eCandena fabeaformis\u003c/em\u003e show small variations in hydrochemistry and water temperature (Bryan, 1993).\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe period of 4000\u0026thinsp;\u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;2500 years B.P. is marked at the beginning by a sudden increase in the lake level following the return of humid climatic conditions materialized by peaks in magnetic susceptibility, an increase in organic matter, a decrease in carbonates, and a great diversity of ostracods (Bryan, 1993). The important deterioration of the climatic and environmental conditions at approximately 3000 years B. P is marked by a decrease in the levels of organic matter and an increase in the same way as carbonate, as well as a decrease in the abundance and diversity of the populations. of Ostracods (Bryan, 1993).\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe period 2500\u0026thinsp;\u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;1500 years B. P. marks the continuation of the deterioration of environmental and climatic conditions by a drastic drop in the lake level represented by the maximum reduction in the abundance and diversity of ostracods and the appearance of the eurythermal species Ostracods (\u003cem\u003eCandona parallela\u003c/em\u003e) (Bryan, 1993). The improvement in climatic conditions at approximately 1700 years B. P. is marked by a relative increase in the abundance of Ostracods, the disappearance of the eurythermal Ostracod species (\u003cem\u003eCandona parallela\u003c/em\u003e), and the appearance of another oligothermal species (\u003cem\u003eIlyocypris bradyi\u003c/em\u003e) which is an indicator of cool water (Bryan, 1993). The appearance of human influence marked the beginning of the reduction in pine production at approximately 1700 years B.P. (Lamb et al, 1989).\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe period from 1500\u0026thinsp;\u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;1062 years B. P is marked by the return of humid climatic conditions, although with a short duration. The increase in lake level is reflected by the increase in the abundance and diversity of Ostracoda populations with the reappearance of a pelagic species (\u003cem\u003eCypris bispinisa\u003c/em\u003e) (Bryan, 1993). The disturbance of vegetation cover, which is manifested by a significant reduction in pine and an increase in herbaceous plants, indicates considerable deforestation of anthropogenic origin (Lamb et al, 1989).\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe period from 1062\u0026thinsp;\u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;739 years B. P is marked by a fairly low lake level. The increase in organic matter toward the current lake indicates an increase in the lake's productivity, which is certainly linked to eutrophication. This is confirmed mainly by the appearance of Characeae (\u003cem\u003eChara sp. gyrogonia\u003c/em\u003e), the duplication of Ostracods, and the appearance of a species of Ostracods for the first time, which is indicative of a less oxygenated environment and smothered in vegetation (\u003cem\u003eCyclocypris laevis\u003c/em\u003e) (Brian, 1993).\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe period 1844\u0026ndash;2006 was marked by an increasingly predominant influence of man on the functioning of the lake. Significant soil erosion following the expansion of agriculture in the watershed greatly increased the sedimentation rate, which was 1.3 cm/year on average. The increase in magnetic tracers around the 1960s and 1970s reflects the slowdown in the rate of accumulation and the low contributions of carbonates following a lesser rise in the lake level (Flower et al, 1989). The transformation of benthic diatom populations into planktonic and then periphytic populations indicates the extension of the littoral zone following the acceleration of lake filling and progressive lake-level regression. The maximum depth of the lake in the umbilicus was 14 m in 1984. Anthropogenic disturbances in vegetation cover at the watershed level are manifested by declines in pine and cedar and increases in oak. The abundance of ruderal plants (grasses, Chenopodiaceae, and Artemis) linked to large percentages of Olea provides information on the expansion of pastoral farms and olive cultivation in the region (Flower et al, 1989).\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab1\" border=\"1\"\u003e\u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 1\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eHydroclimatic history of lake Afourgagh from the late Holocene to the present.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/caption\u003e\u003ccolgroup cols=\"5\"\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c4\" colnum=\"4\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c5\" colnum=\"5\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cthead\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003ePeriod\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eLake level\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003ePaleolimnological indicators\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eDating\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eAuthors\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/thead\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e4500\u0026thinsp;\u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;4000 cal. BP\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eBirth of the lake by karstic collapse\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eLow level of the lake\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e- Low abundance of ostracod populations\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e- Low variation in hydrochemistry and water temperature according to the ratios (Sr/Ca and Mg/Ca) of the valves of \u003cem\u003eCandena fabeaformis\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\" morerows=\"7\" rowspan=\"8\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003csup\u003e14\u003c/sup\u003eC\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\" morerows=\"2\" rowspan=\"3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eLamb \u0026amp; al, 1991 Bryan, 1993\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e4000\u0026thinsp;\u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;3000 cal. BP\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eHight level of the lake\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e- Great diversity of ostracods\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e- Increase in magnetic susceptibility and organic matter and decrease in carbonates.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e3000\u0026thinsp;\u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;2500 cal. B.P\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eDecline level of the Lake\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e- Decline in abundance and diversity of Ostracod populations\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e- Decrease in organic matter content and increase in carbonates\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e2500\u0026thinsp;\u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;1700 cal. B.P\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eDrastic drop level of the lake\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e- Maximum reduction in the abundance and diversity of Ostracods\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e- Appearance of a eurythermal species of Ostracods (\u003cem\u003eCandona parallela\u003c/em\u003e)\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e- Dominance of epiphytic and benthic diatoms\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eLamb \u0026amp; al, 1991 Bryan, 1993\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eDetriche, 2007\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1700\u0026thinsp;\u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;1500 cal. B.P\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eLake level rise\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e- Relative increase in the Ostracod abundance\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e- Disappearance of an eurythermal Ostracod species (\u003cem\u003eCandona parallel\u003c/em\u003e)\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e- Appearance of an oligothermal species (\u003cem\u003eIlyocypris bradyi\u003c/em\u003e)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\" morerows=\"2\" rowspan=\"3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eLamb \u0026amp; al, 1991 Bryan, 1993\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1500\u0026thinsp;\u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;1062 cal. B.P\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eHight level of the lake\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e- Increase in the abundance and diversity of Ostracod populations\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e- Appearance of a pelagic species (\u003cem\u003eCyprus Bispinosa\u003c/em\u003e)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eLake eutrophication\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e- Duplication of Ostracods\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e- Appearance of Characeae (\u003cem\u003eChara sp gyrogonia\u003c/em\u003e)\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e- Appearance of \u003cem\u003eCyclocypris laevis\u003c/em\u003e indicating a less oxygenated environment\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1062\u0026thinsp;\u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;739 cal. B.P\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eFairly low-level lake\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e- Swamp type distal deposits\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e- Formation of paleosols\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eDetriche, 2007\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1844\u0026ndash;1960 A.D\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eLake level stability\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e- Sedimentation rate of 1.3 cm/year\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e- Significant soil erosion due to the expansion of agriculture in the watershed\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\" morerows=\"3\" rowspan=\"4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eExcess \u003csup\u003e\u003cem\u003e210\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/sup\u003ePb\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003csup\u003e137\u003c/sup\u003eCs\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eFlower \u0026amp; al, 1988\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1960\u0026ndash;1970 A.D\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eLesser elevation of the lake level\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e- Slowing of the sedimentation rate\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e- Increase in magnetic tracers\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e- Low supplies in carbonates\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\" morerows=\"2\" rowspan=\"3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eFlower \u0026amp; al, 1989\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eEtebaai, 2009 Damnati \u0026amp; al, 2012\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1970\u0026ndash;1984 A.D\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eGradual decline in lake level\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eMaximum depth 14 m\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e- Transformation of benthic diatoms populations into planktonic then into periphytic\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e- Acceleration of lake filling\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1984\u0026ndash;2006 A.D\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eFall in lake level\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eMaximum depth 2 m\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e- Decreased sedimentation rate\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e- Authigenic sedimentation (carbonates)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/tbody\u003e\u003c/colgroup\u003e\u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"4. Materials and methods","content":"\u003cp\u003eLake Afourgagh was seasonally monitored during 2006 (May, August, and November). Twenty water samples were collected during each mission and stored in low-density polyethylene bottles pretreated according to the procedure of Rodier (2000). The samples were stored in a refrigerated cooler. Sampling was carried out at half-meter intervals in lake Afourgagh. The temperature, pH, electrical conductivity, dissolved oxygen, and turbidity were measured in situ during the morning via portable equipment. The major cations (Ca\u003csup\u003e2+\u003c/sup\u003e, Mg\u003csup\u003e2+\u003c/sup\u003e, Na\u003csup\u003e+\u003c/sup\u003e and K\u003csup\u003e+\u003c/sup\u003e) and total phosphorus were measured via ICP‒AES (Jarvis and Jarvis, 1992). The anions (HCO\u003csub\u003e3\u003c/sub\u003e\u003csup\u003e\u0026minus;\u003c/sup\u003e, SO\u003csub\u003e4\u003c/sub\u003e\u003csup\u003e2\u0026minus;\u003c/sup\u003e, Cl\u003csup\u003e\u0026minus;\u003c/sup\u003e and NO\u003csub\u003e3\u003c/sub\u003e\u003csup\u003e\u0026minus;\u003c/sup\u003e) were measured via capillary electrophoresis (Jones and Jandik, 1991). The suspended particulate matter (SPM) content was determined via water filtration and 0.45 \u0026micro;m pore size filters. The graphical representations of hydrochemical facies (Piper and Schoeller\u0026ndash;Berkaloff diagrams), sums and molar ratios of major elements (Mg/Ca, Ca/Mg, Mg\u0026thinsp;+\u0026thinsp;Ca, Na/K, Na\u0026thinsp;+\u0026thinsp;K, Cl/Na), saturation indices of calcite, aragonite, dolomite, gypsum and anhydrite, water hardness and residual alkalinity (Ca and Ca\u0026thinsp;+\u0026thinsp;Mg) were generated via the software Diagrams Version 5.8 (Simler, 2010).\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eSamples of soils, terraces, and border and center sediments were taken from lake Afourgagh. The particle size analysis was carried out via laser diffraction and scattering at the European Center for Research and Education in Environmental Geosciences (CEREGE) in Aix-en-Provence via a Malvern Mastersizer laser beam particle sizer. The contents of bound water, organic matter, and carbonates were characterized by loss of ignition after incineration of the sediment samples (previously dried and crushed) at 110\u0026deg;C for half an hour, 550\u0026deg;C for two hours, and finally 950\u0026deg;C for one hour (Dean, 1974). The major element contents were determined via ICP‒AES at CEREGE after alkaline fusion of the mineral fraction resulting from the loss on ignition by lithium metaborates (LiBO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e) at 1050\u0026deg;C and dissolution in 5% HCl (Javis, 1991; Todland et al, 1992). The semiquantitative determination of the total and clayey mineralogical fraction was carried out via X-ray diffraction at CEREGE via a diffractometer menu of a cobalt tube (Bouchet et al, 2000). The identification of the total mineralogy was performed on disoriented slides with total powders. Clay minerals were identified on oriented slides (Holtzapffel, 1985).\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"5. Results","content":"\u003cdiv id=\"Sec6\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\u003ch2\u003e5.1. Water physiochemistry\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe hydrochemical facies of lake Afourgagh are Na-Mg-Cl-(HCO\u003csub\u003e3\u003c/sub\u003e) in spring, with an average TDS of 3045 mg/L, and Mg-Na-HCO\u003csub\u003e3\u003c/sub\u003e-Cl in summer and autumn, with average TDSs of 6434 mg/L and 8684 mg/L, respectively. The waters are generally bicarbonated chloro-sodic magnesians (Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig4\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e4\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eWater temperature is a function of seasonal climate variability. They are warm in spring and summer (24.51\u0026deg;C and 23.92\u0026deg;C on average, respectively) and cold in autumn (10.48\u0026deg;C) (Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab2\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe summer thermal stratification is less pronounced. The temperature range is generally low at 1.3\u0026deg;C (Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig5\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e5\u003c/span\u003e). In autumn, the waters are usually homothermic (Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig6\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e6\u003c/span\u003e). The waters are relatively alkaline. The pH was greater in summer (9.15 on average) than in spring and autumn (8.82 and 8.49 on average, respectively) (Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab2\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003e) (Figs.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig5\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e5\u003c/span\u003e and \u003cspan refid=\"Fig6\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e6\u003c/span\u003e). The electrical conductivity of water is very high. It increased with season (4780 \u0026micro;s.cm\u003csup\u003e\u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;1\u003c/sup\u003e, 7699 \u0026micro;s.cm\u003csup\u003e\u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;1\u003c/sup\u003e and 10121 \u0026micro;s.cm\u003csup\u003e\u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;1\u003c/sup\u003e, respectively, in spring, summer, and autumn) (Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab2\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003e). The variation with depth is marked by its variation in summer (Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig5\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e5\u003c/span\u003e) and its increase with depth in autumn (Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig6\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e6\u003c/span\u003e). The waters are poorly oxygenated in spring and summer (5.52 and 4.87 mg/L on average, respectively) and well oxygenated in autumn (8.80 mg/L) (Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab2\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab2\" border=\"1\"\u003e\u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 2\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eSeasonal water physicochemical parameters of lake Afourgagh in 2006.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/caption\u003e\u003ccolgroup cols=\"16\"\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c4\" colnum=\"4\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c5\" colnum=\"5\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c6\" colnum=\"6\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c7\" colnum=\"7\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c8\" colnum=\"8\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c9\" colnum=\"9\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c10\" colnum=\"10\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c11\" colnum=\"11\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c12\" colnum=\"12\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c13\" colnum=\"13\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c14\" colnum=\"14\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c15\" colnum=\"15\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c16\" colnum=\"16\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cthead\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colspan=\"4\" nameend=\"c6\" namest=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eSpring\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colspan=\"4\" nameend=\"c11\" namest=\"c8\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eSummer\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c12\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colspan=\"4\" nameend=\"c16\" namest=\"c13\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eAutumn\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003emax V\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003emin V\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003emed V\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eSD\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u003cp\u003emax V\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e\u003cp\u003emin V\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e\u003cp\u003emed V\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c11\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eSD\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c12\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c13\"\u003e\u003cp\u003emax V\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c14\"\u003e\u003cp\u003emin V\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c15\"\u003e\u003cp\u003emed V\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c16\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eSD\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/thead\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eT \u0026deg;C\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e24.80\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e24.13\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e24.51\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.23\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e24.80\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e23.50\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e23.92\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c11\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.52\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c12\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c13\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e10.80\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c14\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e10.30\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c15\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e10.48\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c16\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.22\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003epH\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e8.85\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e8.81\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e8.83\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.01\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e9.17\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e9.14\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e9.15\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c11\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.013\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c12\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c13\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e8.50\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c14\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e8.47\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c15\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e8.49\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c16\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.013\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eO\u003c/b\u003e\u003csub\u003e\u003cb\u003e2\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/sub\u003e \u003cb\u003e(mg/L)\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e5.57\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e5.49\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e5.52\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.04\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e5.02\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e4.69\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e4.87\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c11\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.16\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c12\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c13\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e8.87\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c14\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e8.71\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c15\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e8.80\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c16\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.07\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eE C (\u0026micro;s/cm)\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e4862\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e4723\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e4780\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e48.63\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e7816\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e7482\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e7699\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c11\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e135.90\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c12\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c13\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e10340\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c14\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e9688\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c15\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e10121\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c16\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e295.41\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eCa\u003c/b\u003e\u003csup\u003e\u003cb\u003e2+\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e \u003cb\u003e(mg/L)\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e20.53\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e17.54\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e18.80\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1.08\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e18.51\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e16.30\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e17.41\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c11\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.94\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c12\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c13\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e14.07\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c14\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e12.47\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c15\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e13.40\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c16\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.73\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eMg\u003c/b\u003e\u003csup\u003e\u003cb\u003e2+\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e \u003cb\u003e(mg/L)\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e296.70\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e280.46\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e289.40\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e6.56\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e587.73\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e546.08\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e571.24\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c11\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e16.60\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c12\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c13\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e772.56\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c14\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e707.33\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c15\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e747.04\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c16\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e29.79\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eNa\u003c/b\u003e\u003csup\u003e\u003cb\u003e+\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e \u003cb\u003e(mg/L)\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e580.01\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e550.79\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e563.43\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e10.01\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1096.71\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1020.21\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1054.97\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c11\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e28.24\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c12\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c13\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1505.96\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c14\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1394.05\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c15\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1455.46\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c16\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e46.50\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003ek\u003c/b\u003e\u003csup\u003e\u003cb\u003e+\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e \u003cb\u003e(mg/L)\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e87.82\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e75.29\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e80.97\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e4.53\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e121.52\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e111.08\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e115.66\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c11\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e3.86\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c12\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c13\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e142.19\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c14\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e137.71\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c15\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e140.09\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c16\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e2.06\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eHCO\u003c/b\u003e\u003csub\u003e\u003cb\u003e3\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/sub\u003e\u003csup\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u0026minus;\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e \u003cb\u003e(mg/L)\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e625.06\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e605.90\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e612.80\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e7.02\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e3288.36\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e2886.63\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e2988.97\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c11\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e172.16\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c12\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c13\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e4185.89\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c14\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e3647.03\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c15\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e3993.01\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c16\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e237.91\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eCl\u003c/b\u003e\u003csup\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u0026minus;\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e \u003cb\u003e(mg/L)\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1370.36\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1340.60\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1353.13\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e10.08\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1554.04\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1280.28\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1448.23\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c11\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e131.27\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c12\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c13\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e2022.71\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c14\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1951.57\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c15\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1995.75\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c16\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e32.93\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eSO\u003c/b\u003e\u003csub\u003e\u003cb\u003e4\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/sub\u003e\u003csup\u003e\u003cb\u003e2\u0026minus;\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e \u003cb\u003e(mg/L)\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e69.59\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e65.87\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e67.66\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1.56\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e63.16\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e43.33\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e54.04\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c11\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e9.09\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c12\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c13\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e81.33\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c14\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e74.02\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c15\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e77.16\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c16\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e3.12\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eNO\u003c/b\u003e\u003csub\u003e\u003cb\u003e3\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/sub\u003e\u003csup\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u0026minus;\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e \u003cb\u003e(mg/L)\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.37\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.13\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.18\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.09\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e8.27\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e3.37\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e5.32\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c11\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1.82\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c12\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c13\"\u003e\u003cp\u003edl\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c14\"\u003e\u003cp\u003edl\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c15\"\u003e\u003cp\u003edl\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c16\"\u003e\u003cp\u003edl\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eHPO\u003c/b\u003e\u003csub\u003e\u003cb\u003e4\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/sub\u003e\u003csup\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u0026minus;\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e \u003cb\u003e(mg/L)\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1.15\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.41\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.54\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.30\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1.26\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1.19\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1.23\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c11\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.03\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c12\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c13\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.77\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c14\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.47\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c15\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.58\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c16\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.13\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eTDS (mg/L)\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e3045\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e2948\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e2987.17\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e33.75\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e6434\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e6113\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e6257.20\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c11\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e119.06\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c12\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c13\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e8684\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c14\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e7925\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c15\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e8422.50\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c16\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e340.44\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eTUR (NTU)\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e20.51\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e15.75\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e18.05\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1.65\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e32.10\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e7.44\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e16.83\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c11\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e10.12\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c12\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c13\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e49.7\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c14\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e38.8\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c15\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e42.175\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c16\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e5.05\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eSPM (mg/L)\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e518\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e490\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e503\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e11.58\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e980\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e700\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e824\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c11\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e102.37\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c12\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c13\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1650\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c14\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e630\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c15\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e969\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c16\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e467.47\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/tbody\u003e\u003c/colgroup\u003e\u003ctfoot\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd colspan=\"16\"\u003eTDS: total dissolved solids; SPM: suspended particulate matter; TUR: turbidity\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/tfoot\u003e\u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab3\" border=\"1\"\u003e\u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 3\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eSeasonal water hydrochemical characteristics of lake Afourgagh in 2006.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/caption\u003e\u003ccolgroup cols=\"16\"\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c4\" colnum=\"4\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c5\" colnum=\"5\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c6\" colnum=\"6\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c7\" colnum=\"7\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c8\" colnum=\"8\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c9\" colnum=\"9\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c10\" colnum=\"10\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c11\" colnum=\"11\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c12\" colnum=\"12\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c13\" colnum=\"13\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c14\" colnum=\"14\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c15\" colnum=\"15\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c16\" colnum=\"16\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cthead\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colspan=\"4\" nameend=\"c6\" namest=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eSpring\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colspan=\"4\" nameend=\"c11\" namest=\"c8\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eSummer\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c12\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colspan=\"4\" nameend=\"c16\" namest=\"c13\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eAutumn\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003emax V\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003emin V\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003emed V\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eSD\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u003cp\u003emax V\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e\u003cp\u003emin V\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e\u003cp\u003emed V\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c11\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eSD\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c12\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c13\"\u003e\u003cp\u003emax V\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c14\"\u003e\u003cp\u003emin V\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c15\"\u003e\u003cp\u003emed V\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c16\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eSD\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/thead\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eCations (meq/L)\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e52.40\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e50.40\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e51.33\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.86\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e99.71\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e92.97\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e96.72\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c11\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e2.60\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c12\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c13\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e133.34\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c14\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e122.99\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c15\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e129.04\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c16\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e4.49\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eAnions (meq/L)\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e50.37\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e49.14\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e49.65\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.42\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e92.83\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e87.53\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e91.11\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c11\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e2.10\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c12\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c13\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e126.33\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c14\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e116.38\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c15\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e123.36\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c16\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e4.69\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eMg/Ca\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e27.42\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e23.33\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e25.46\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1.54\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e55.26\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e52.36\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e54.162\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c11\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1.46\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c12\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c13\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e93.54\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c14\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e90.55\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c15\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e92.03\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c16\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1.44\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eCa/Mg\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.04\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.04\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.04\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.003\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.019\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.018\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.0184\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c11\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.0005\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c12\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c13\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.01\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c14\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.01\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c15\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.01\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c16\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.00\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eCa\u0026thinsp;+\u0026thinsp;Mg (meq/L)\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e25.38\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e24\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e24.75\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.55\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e49.29\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e45.75\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e47.88\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c11\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1.41\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c12\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c13\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e64.27\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c14\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e58.83\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c15\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e62.14\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c16\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e2.48\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eNa/K\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e12.44\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e11.23\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e11.86\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.45\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e16.08\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e14.63\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e15.52\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c11\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.53\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c12\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c13\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e18.42\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c14\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e17.22\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c15\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e17.67\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c16\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.53\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eNa\u0026thinsp;+\u0026thinsp;K (meq/L)\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e27.48\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e25.88\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e26.58\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.55\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e50.67\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e47.22\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e48.85\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c11\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1.261\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c12\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c13\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e69.06\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c14\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e64.16\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c15\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e66.89\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c16\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e2.04\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eCl/Na\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1.58\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1.53\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1.56\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.02\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.98\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.76\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.89\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c11\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.097\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c12\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c13\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.91\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c14\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.86\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c15\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.89\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c16\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.02\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eSI Calcite\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1.25\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1.19\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1.22\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.025\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e2.14\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e2.05\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e2.09\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c11\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.039\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c12\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c13\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1.18\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c14\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1.11\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c15\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1.15\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c16\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.04\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eSI Aragonite\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1.10\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1.04\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1.07\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.025\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e2.00\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1.91\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1.95\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c11\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.039\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c12\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c13\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1.03\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c14\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.96\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c15\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1.00\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c16\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.03\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eSI Dolomite\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e4.02\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e3.92\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e3.98\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.037\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e6.14\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e5.98\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e6.06\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c11\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.071\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c12\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c13\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e4.26\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c14\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e4.14\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c15\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e4.21\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c16\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.06\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eSI Gypse\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e-2.41\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e-2.50\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e-2.46\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.033\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e-2.64\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e-2.78\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e-2.70\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c11\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.070\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c12\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c13\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e-2.72\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c14\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e-2.78\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c15\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e-2.74\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c16\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.03\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eSI Anhydrite\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e-2.64\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e-2.72\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e-2.68\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.030\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e-2.86\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e-3.01\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e-2.93\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c11\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.072\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c12\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c13\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e-2.98\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c14\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e-3.03\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c15\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e-2.99\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c16\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.02\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eHardness [\u0026deg;THf]\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e127\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e120\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e123.83\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e2.79\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e246\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e229\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e239.20\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c11\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e6.83\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c12\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c13\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e321\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c14\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e294\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c15\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e310.50\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c16\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e12.40\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eRes Alk.Ca (meq/L)\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e9.22\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e9.04\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e9.11\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.07\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e52.98\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e46.38\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e48.12\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c11\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e2.80\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c12\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c13\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e67.90\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c14\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e59.15\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c15\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e64.77\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c16\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e3.86\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eRes Alk.Ca\u0026thinsp;+\u0026thinsp;Mg (meq/L)\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e-13.95\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e-15.34\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e-14.71\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.57\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e4.86\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e-1.98\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1.11\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c11\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e2.52\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c12\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c13\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e4.65\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c14\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.94\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c15\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e3.30\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c16\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1.68\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/tbody\u003e\u003c/colgroup\u003e\u003ctfoot\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd colspan=\"16\"\u003eSI: saturation index; Res Alk: residual alkalinity\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/tfoot\u003e\u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe dissolved oxygen contents are variable in summer (Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig5\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e5\u003c/span\u003e) and stable in autumn (Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig6\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e6\u003c/span\u003e). The waters are rich in magnesium. The contents increased significantly (289.40 mg/L, 571.24 mg/L, and 747.04 mg/L on average in spring, summer, and autumn, respectively). The calcium contents were low and decreased (18.80 mg/L, 17.41 mg/L, and 13.40 mg/L on average in spring, summer, and autumn, respectively). The Mg/Ca molar ratio is also very high (Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab3\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e3\u003c/span\u003e). The variations in magnesium and calcium with depth are marked by decreases in summer (Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig5\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e5\u003c/span\u003e) and increases in autumn (Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig6\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e6\u003c/span\u003e). The alkali contents are represented by higher values for sodium than for potassium. The concentrations also increased (563.43 mg/L, 1054.97 mg/L, and 1455.46 mg/L on average in spring, summer, and autumn, respectively, for Na\u003csup\u003e+\u003c/sup\u003e and 80.97 mg/L, 115.66 mg/L, and 140.09 mg/L on average in spring, summer and autumn, respectively, for K\u003csup\u003e+\u003c/sup\u003e) (Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab2\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003e). In summer, the variation with depth is marked by a decrease in sodium content and a high variation in potassium content at the second meter (Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig5\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e5\u003c/span\u003e). In autumn, the sodium content increased, whereas the potassium content increased in the first half meter (Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig6\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e6\u003c/span\u003e). The carbonate contents are very high and increase (612.80 mg/L, 2988.97 mg/L, and 3993.01 mg/L on average in spring, summer, and autumn, respectively) (Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab2\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003e). In summer, the change with depth is marked by great variation in the second meter (Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig5\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e5\u003c/span\u003e). In autumn, the bicarbonate contents are greater in the surface water (Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig6\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e6\u003c/span\u003e). The chloride contents are the highest of all the tested ions. The concentrations increased (1353.13 mg/L, 1448.23 mg/L, and 1995.75 mg/L on average in spring, summer, and autumn, respectively) (Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab2\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003e). In summer, the change with depth is marked by high variation (Figs.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig5\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e5\u003c/span\u003e and \u003cspan refid=\"Fig6\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e6\u003c/span\u003e). The sulfate contents are moderately high and increase (67.66 mg/L, 54.04 mg/L, and 77.16 mg/L on average in spring, summer and autumn, respectively) (Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab2\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003e). The change with depth is marked by great variation in summer and autumn (Figs.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig5\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e5\u003c/span\u003e and \u003cspan refid=\"Fig6\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e6\u003c/span\u003e). The nitrate contents are very low and undetectable in autumn, whereas those in phosphate are particularly high in summer (1.23 mg/L) (Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab1\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003e). The change with depth in summer is marked by a variation in the phosphate content (Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig5\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e5\u003c/span\u003e). In autumn, they are more stable and increase slightly toward the bottom (Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig6\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e6\u003c/span\u003e). The turbidity is relatively high, especially in autumn (42,175 NTU) (Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab2\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003e). In summer, its evolution with depth is characterized by its large variation at the second meter (Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig5\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e5\u003c/span\u003e). In autumn, it is practically stable but increases in the last half meter (Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig6\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e6\u003c/span\u003e). The suspended particulate matter concentrations were very high (503, 824, and 969 mg/L on average in spring, summer and autumn, respectively) (Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab2\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003e). In summer, its evolution with depth is characterized by an increase in the first meter and a decrease in the second meter (Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig5\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e5\u003c/span\u003e). In autumn, it decreases in the first half of the meter and then remains stable (Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig6\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e6\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eSI: saturation index; Cal: calcite; Arg: aragonite; Dol: dolomite; TDS: total dissolved solids; Res Alk: residual alkalinity; TUR: turbidity; SPM: suspended particulate matter.\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv id=\"Sec7\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\u003ch2\u003e5.2. Interface sedimentation\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe soils, terraces, and sediments of lake Afourgagh are generally sandy-silty (Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig7\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e7\u003c/span\u003eA). Arable soils have moderately high clay percentages (35%). The terraces have high percentages of silt (60% on average) and sand (29% on average). The border and center interface sediments show a slight increase in silts (65% on average) and a decrease in sands toward the center (20%) (Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab4\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e4\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe specific magnetic susceptibility is greater at ground level (201 10\u003csup\u003e\u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;9\u003c/sup\u003e m\u003csup\u003e3\u003c/sup\u003e/kg), vanishes at the terrace level and then increases gradually from the edges toward the center of the lake (74.5 10\u003csup\u003e\u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;9 m3\u003c/sup\u003e/kg and 95 10\u003csup\u003e\u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;9 m3\u003c/sup\u003e/kg on average) (Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab4\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e4\u003c/span\u003e). Bound water contents are generally low in soils and terraces and high in interface sediments (1%, 1.6% and 3% on average, respectively). The organic matter content is very low at the soil level and increases sharply from the terraces toward the lake's center (3%, 12% and 14.5% on average, respectively). The carbonate contents are generally high in the soils and terraces and gradually decrease toward the center of the lake (31%, 32% and 22% on average, respectively) (Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab3\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e3\u003c/span\u003e). The major element contents are characterized in the soils, terraces, and interface sediments by the predominance of mainly CaO, followed by SiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e, MgO, Al\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003eO\u003csub\u003e3\u003c/sub\u003e, and Fe\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003eO\u003csub\u003e3,\u003c/sub\u003e with a clear predominance of CaO at the level of the terraces (62% on average). The other major elements are always less than one percent. Their evolution from the terraces toward the center of the lake is characterized by increases in SiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e, Al\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003eO\u003csub\u003e3,\u003c/sub\u003e Fe\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003eO\u003csub\u003e3\u003c/sub\u003e, K\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003eO, Na\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003eO, P\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003eO\u003csub\u003e5\u003c/sub\u003e, TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e, and Sr and decreases in CaO, MgO and MnO (Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab4\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e4\u003c/span\u003e). The soils and terraces are essentially composed of dolomite (80% and 60% on average, respectively) with very low contents of calcite (12% and 8% on average, respectively) and quartz (5% and 4% on average, respectively), with aragonite and gypse appearing in the terraces (28% and 3% on average, respectively). Toward the center of the lake, there was a decrease in dolomite and an increase in quartz and aragonite (30%, 12.9% and 47.5% on average, respectively) (Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab4\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e4\u003c/span\u003e). The composition of clay minerals at the soil level is made up, in decreasing order, of interlayered illite-smectite, kaolinite, chlorite, smectite and illite. At the level of the border sediments, the clay minerals are in decreasing order: kaolinite, interstratified illite-smectite, chlorite, illite and smectite. The mean values are 33.2%, 28%, 18.6%, 13% and 6%, respectively. Toward the center of the lake, these clay minerals are characterized by increases in kaolinite, chlorite, and illite (36.7%, 22% and 21.6% on average, respectively) and decreases in interstratified illite‒smectite and smectite (15.5% and 3.5% on average, respectively).\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab4\" border=\"1\"\u003e\u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 4\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eSedimentology, mineralogy, and geochemistry of the soil, terrace, and sediment of lake Afourgagh.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/caption\u003e\u003ccolgroup cols=\"9\"\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c4\" colnum=\"4\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c5\" colnum=\"5\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c6\" colnum=\"6\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c7\" colnum=\"7\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c8\" colnum=\"8\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c9\" colnum=\"9\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cthead\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eSoil\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c5\" namest=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eTerrace\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c7\" namest=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eBorder sediment\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c9\" namest=\"c8\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eCenter sediment\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eDepth (cm)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0\u0026ndash;5\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0\u0026ndash;5\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e5\u0026ndash;10\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0\u0026ndash;5\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e5\u0026ndash;10\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0\u0026ndash;5\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e5\u0026ndash;10\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/thead\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"3\" rowspan=\"4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eSedimentology\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eClay %\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e35.30\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e8.98\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e8.92\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e13.46\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e13.07\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e15.25\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e13.10\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eSilt %\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e59.17\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e63.20\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e57.70\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e62.81\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e68.34\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e63.18\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e67.36\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eSand %\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e5.53\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e27.82\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e33.38\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e23.74\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e18.60\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e21.57\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e19.53\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eχ (10\u003c/b\u003e\u003csup\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;9\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e\u003cb\u003em\u003c/b\u003e\u003csup\u003e\u003cb\u003e3\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e\u003cb\u003e/kg)\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e201.51\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.00\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.00\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e66.42\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e83.33\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e113.52\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e76.44\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"4\" rowspan=\"5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eTotal mineralogy\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eQuartz %\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e5\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e4\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e9.00\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e11.50\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e12.33\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e13.50\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eDolomite %\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e83\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e60\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e58.67\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e73.50\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e29.51\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e31.00\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eAragonite %\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e26\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e24.22\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e6.00\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e49.00\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e46.00\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eCalcite %\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e12\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e7\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e5.61\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e6.50\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e8.34\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e9.50\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eGypse %\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e3\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e2.16\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e3.00\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.49\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.00\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"4\" rowspan=\"5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eClay mineralogy\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eKaolinite %\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e26.80\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e29.61\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e37.63\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e34.81\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e38.69\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eChlorite %\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e22.20\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e16.02\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e21.77\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e23.42\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e21.11\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eIllite %\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e7.80\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e13.16\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e13.04\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e22.15\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e21.61\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eIllite-smectite %\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e28.10\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e32.05\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e24.06\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e13.92\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e17.09\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eSmectite %\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e15.10\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e9.16\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e3.49\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e5.70\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1.51\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"16\" rowspan=\"17\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eGeochemistry\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eBound water %\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1.19\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1.61\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1.62\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e2.39\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e2.34\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e3.01\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e3.04\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eOM %\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e3.29\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e13.16\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e10.76\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e13.54\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e11.69\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e15.16\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e14.17\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eCarbonates %\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e31.91\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e32.99\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e32.97\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e26.98\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e26.20\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e22.78\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e23.46\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eSiO\u003c/b\u003e\u003csub\u003e\u003cb\u003e2\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/sub\u003e\u003cb\u003e%\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e24.15\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e10.15\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e16.29\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e24.41\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e28.71\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e26.83\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e26.76\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eAl\u003c/b\u003e\u003csub\u003e\u003cb\u003e2\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/sub\u003e\u003cb\u003eO\u003c/b\u003e\u003csub\u003e\u003cb\u003e5\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/sub\u003e\u003cb\u003e%\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e8.49\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e3.49\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e5.49\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e9.14\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e10.33\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e9.99\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e10.37\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eFe\u003c/b\u003e\u003csub\u003e\u003cb\u003e2\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/sub\u003e\u003cb\u003eO\u003c/b\u003e\u003csub\u003e\u003cb\u003e5\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/sub\u003e\u003cb\u003e%\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e4.91\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1.32\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e2.2\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e3.71\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e4.28\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e4.21\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e4.25\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eCaO %\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e47.39\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e64.84\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e60.06\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e46.76\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e37.58\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e44.69\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e43.79\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eMgO %\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e15.89\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e19.6\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e15.78\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e11.63\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e15.24\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e7.62\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e8.07\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eK\u003c/b\u003e\u003csub\u003e\u003cb\u003e2\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/sub\u003e\u003cb\u003eO %\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.74\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.25\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.55\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1.34\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1.48\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1.39\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1.50\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eNa\u003c/b\u003e\u003csub\u003e\u003cb\u003e2\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/sub\u003e\u003cb\u003eO %\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.002\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.67\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.44\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.81\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.62\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.81\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.80\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eMnO %\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.66\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.25\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.34\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.10\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.11\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.10\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.10\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eP\u003c/b\u003e\u003csub\u003e\u003cb\u003e2\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/sub\u003e\u003cb\u003eO\u003c/b\u003e\u003csub\u003e\u003cb\u003e5\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/sub\u003e\u003cb\u003e%\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.15\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.2\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.22\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.29\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.27\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.38\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.30\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eTiO\u003c/b\u003e\u003csub\u003e\u003cb\u003e2\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/sub\u003e\u003cb\u003e%\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.70\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.17\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.31\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.52\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.64\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.56\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.59\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eSr ppm\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e66.14\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e52.98\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e56.06\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e196.40\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e174.68\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e385.33\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e352.34\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eSiO\u003c/b\u003e\u003csub\u003e\u003cb\u003e2\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/sub\u003e\u003cb\u003e/Al\u003c/b\u003e\u003csub\u003e\u003cb\u003e2\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/sub\u003e\u003cb\u003eO\u003c/b\u003e\u003csub\u003e\u003cb\u003e3\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/sub\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e2.84\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e2.91\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e2.97\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e2.68\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e2.80\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e2.68\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e2.58\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eFe\u003c/b\u003e\u003csub\u003e\u003cb\u003e2\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/sub\u003e\u003cb\u003eO\u003c/b\u003e\u003csub\u003e\u003cb\u003e3\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/sub\u003e\u003cb\u003e/MnO\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e7.40\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e5.28\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e6.39\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e37.37\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e39.94\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e40.84\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e40.35\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eCaO/MgO\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e2.98\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e3.31\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e3.81\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e4.23\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e2.44\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e5.95\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e5.46\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/tbody\u003e\u003c/colgroup\u003e\u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e"},{"header":"6. Discussion","content":"\u003cdiv id=\"Sec9\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\u003ch2\u003e6.1. Hydrochemical Functioning\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe summer thermal stratification of lake Afourgagh is not pronounced because of the low water level. The water column has become very sensitive to wind action and perpetually moves, particularly in the winter and autumn. The seasonal climate indirectly influences the pH but mainly depends on the functioning of the lake. In the summer, during periods of strong phytoplankton productivity and carbonate precipitation, the pH is high (Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig8\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e8\u003c/span\u003e). During the cold season, the lower pH is related to the decrease in algal productivity and carbonate precipitation on the one hand and to the mineralization of organic material on the other hand. The oxygenation of water has very strong seasonal variability due to lake productivity, temperature and wind. The relatively low contents of dissolved oxygen in spring and summer can be attributed to plankton dynamics reflected by a slowdown of phytoplankton in favor of zooplankton, thus allowing greater oxygen consumption. The relatively high dissolved oxygen contents recorded in autumn are due mainly to mixing water under the influence of atmospheric disturbances and to the decrease in temperature (Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig9\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e9\u003c/span\u003e). This seasonal variability in water oxygenation reflects the advanced state of lake Afourgagh eutrophication. The electrical conductivity is very high because of the elevated salinity. This is mainly due to the overconcentration of chloride, sodium bicarbonate and magnesium (Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig8\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e8\u003c/span\u003e). The increase in the water deficit was indicated by a doubling of the electrical conductivity at the end of 2006. The evaporitic conditions due to water deficit have significantly modified the concentrations of alkaline earth. The molar ratio of Mg\u003csup\u003e2+\u003c/sup\u003e/Ca\u003csup\u003e2+\u003c/sup\u003e is very high and well above the 12 limits for the precipitation of dolomite and aragonite (Kelt and Hsü, 1978) (Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig8\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e8\u003c/span\u003e). The saturation indices calculated for dolomite are well above zero. Magnesium precipitates preferentially under these evaporite conditions, as hydromagnesite Mg\u003csub\u003e5\u003c/sub\u003e(CO\u003csub\u003e3\u003c/sub\u003e)\u003csub\u003e4\u003c/sub\u003e(OH)\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e•4(H\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003eO) experiences supersaturation in bicarbonates. However, magnesium ions may be incorporated into calcite during its nucleation and crystal growth. The aragonite encountered in sediments derives mainly from shell mollusks (Etebaai, 2009; Damnati et al., 2012). Nevertheless, Manzola and Ben Amor (2001) reported that increasing the concentration of magnesium favors the precipitation of aragonite at 30°C. The precipitation of calcite, aragonite and dolomite increases during warm seasons because of increases in temperature and pH (Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig9\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e9\u003c/span\u003e). The alkali contents (sodium and potassium) are mainly of geological origin. These differences are also due to anthropogenic inputs from agricultural activities practiced in the catchment of the lake. Their overconcentration is related to high evaporation. The high contents of bicarbonates are due to the high concentration of cations (Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig8\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e8\u003c/span\u003e). The water deficit of lake Afourgagh led to a significant increase in the chloride concentration. The lower contents of sulfates are of atmospheric origin and partly derived from agricultural activities (Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig9\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e9\u003c/span\u003e). The very high turbidity of suspended particulate matter (SPM) and total dissolved solids (TDS) are directly linked to the high productivity of the lake and salinity (Figs.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig8\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e8\u003c/span\u003e and \u003cspan refid=\"Fig9\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e9\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe seasonal influence is translated during the hot season by the supersaturation of alkaline-earth elements by water and the enrichment of nutrients because of the increase in temperature. It is marked during the cold season by oxygenation, turbidity, and enrichment in chloride and sulfates because of the mixing of water and the leaching of soils by rainwater (Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig9\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e9\u003c/span\u003eA).\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv id=\"Sec10\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\u003ch2\u003e6.2. Sedimentary dynamic\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe sedimentological analyses revealed that the lake's soil samples, terraces, and interface sediments all have a silty-sandy nature. This provides information on a relatively active mode of transport with variable energy. Intermittent surface flow is a function of the slope of the escarpments to the northwest and south of the lake. The competence of the flow decreases considerably at the level of the softened respondents of the northwest heights, a large part of the hydrographic network that infiltrates the dolomitic substrate. Due to anthropogenic disturbances and periods of drought that have occurred in recent decades, wind deflation has played an important role in the redistribution of detrital elements in arable soils and exposed terraces. Dolomite, the most abundant detrital mineral, is derived from the mechanical disintegration of the source rock (liasic dolomite) (Martin, 1981). The proportions are very high in the floors and terraces because of the proximity of the supply source and gradually decrease toward the center of the lake according to the relative attenuation of the competence of the transport and the distance from the source contribution. The percentage of quartz in the lake remains very low because of the strong inputs and the high productivity of carbonate minerals. The low increase in quartz toward the lake's center is mainly linked to the decrease in detrital carbonate inputs (Figs.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig8\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e8\u003c/span\u003eB and \u003cspan refid=\"Fig9\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e9\u003c/span\u003eB). The distribution of organic matter and carbonate from the ground toward the lake's center is linked to the interaction of three factors: grading, transport energy, and autochthonous productivity in the lake.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe increase in organic matter content toward the center of the lake was due to the increase in fine fractions and the primary productivity of the lake. Conversely, the decrease in carbonates (consisting mainly of dolomite) toward the center of the lake was linked to a decrease in transport energy and distance from the supply source (Figs.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig8\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e8\u003c/span\u003eB and \u003cspan refid=\"Fig9\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e9\u003c/span\u003eB).\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe rather large magnetic susceptibility values of slightly weathered soils come mainly from pedogenesis (Mullins, 1977; Dearing et al, 1985). The decalcification of carbonate substrates under a Mediterranean climate allows the formation of clays and the enrichment of secondary ferro- and ferrimagnetic minerals, which are supported by the silto-clayey fraction. The main inputs of magnetic elements to the lake originate from the alteration of arable soils. In the terraces, the low nulls of magnetic susceptibility are due to dilution by carbonates of detrital and endogenous origin. Its increase toward the center of the lake is generally accompanied by an increase in the percentage of the clay‒silty fraction (Figs.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig8\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e8\u003c/span\u003eB and \u003cspan refid=\"Fig9\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e9\u003c/span\u003eB). The distribution of major elements reflects the carbonated nature of the geological substrate. CaO remains the predominant element at ground level. Her slight decrease in interface sediments provides information on erosion and a significant contribution of carbonated detrital minerals and strong autochthonous production (Figs.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig8\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e8\u003c/span\u003eB and \u003cspan refid=\"Fig9\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e9\u003c/span\u003eB). The sharp decrease in MgO content toward the sediments of the lake's center is linked to the reduction in the transport energy of the detrital inputs resulting from the alteration of the dolomite. The progressive enrichment of SiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e, Al\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003eO\u003csub\u003e3\u003c/sub\u003e, Fe\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003eO\u003csub\u003e3\u003c/sub\u003e, K\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003eO, TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e, and Na\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003eO contents from the edges toward the central sediments derives from aluminosilicate detrital inputs (quartz and clay) resulting from soil erosion and carried toward the lake by water and/or wind. A lower Si/Al ratio (2.7 on average) indicates a low abundance of clay minerals (Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig8\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e8\u003c/span\u003eB). The latter of detrital origin comes from the erosion of soils and terraces. The proportions of each mineral vary according to the intensity of erosion, hydrodynamics, and lake-level transformation processes (Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig7\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e7\u003c/span\u003eB).\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe abundance of kaolinite and interstratified illite/smectite at the soil level reflects the preponderance of chemical hydrolysis under seasonal thermal and rainfall climatic contrasts (Singer and Stoffers, 1980; Eberl et al, 1986; Inglès, 1995). The endorheic conditions, high salinity of the waters, and low lake level allow the transformation of certain minerals (Jones and Bowser, 1978; Jones, 1986). There is thus an increase in kaolinite and illite and a decrease in chlorite and interstratified illite/smectite from the edges toward the center of the lake. From a hydrodynamic point of view, small clay minerals, such as kaolinite, are carried more quickly toward the lake’s center (Figs.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig8\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e8\u003c/span\u003eB and \u003cspan refid=\"Fig9\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e9\u003c/span\u003eB) (Vernier and Froget, 1984). The hypereutrophy of the lake due to excessive nutrient inputs from agriculture contributes to sustained organic sediment production. The high Fe/Mn inputs at the level of the interface sediments provide information on anoxia, which allows the preservation of organic matter. The very high salinity of the current waters of the lake, due to the water deficit, reveals strong precipitation of carbonates. The Mg/Ca ratio greatly exceeds the 12 limits necessary for precipitation calcite, dolomite, and aragonite (Dean and Gorham, 1976; Kelts and Hsü, 1978). The saturation indices of the three minerals are well above zero. The calcite is largely derived from endogenous precipitation, which increases toward the lake’s center. The much more abundant aragonite than calcite is of biochemical origin. It appears at the level of the terraces and increases considerably at the level of the interface sediments of the lake’s center. High concentrations of magnesium ions in water promote the precipitation and stability of aragonite (Manzola and Ben Amor, 2001). The strong increase in the salinity of the waters currently suggests the precipitation of proto-dolomite.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv id=\"Sec11\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\u003ch2\u003e6.3. Recent Environmental disturbance\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe sedimentological, geochemical, and mineralogical approach undertaken on the interface sediments reflects the state of degradation of the hydrogeochemical functioning over recent decades (Etebaai et al, 2008; Etebaai, 2009; Damnati et al, 2012). The advancement of the trophic state of the lake recorded by the biological indicators studied by Flower et al. (1989) appears to be synchronous with the increase in the organo-carbonate fractions. The increase in alumino-silicate inputs and organic matter content to the detriment of the carbonated fraction marked a lesser rise in lake level during the 1970s and early 1980s (Etebaai, 2009; Damnati et al, 2012). The clay process promoted strong hydrolysis of the soil during this period. The anthropization of the watershed, marked by population growth and an increase in livestock, significantly contributes to the fragility of the soil. Erosion is greatly accelerated by the leaching and runoff of cultivated soils via the hydrographic network. The succession of prolonged droughts and increasingly predominant human influence over the last three decades were responsible for the drastic regression of the lake level to 1.5 m in 2006. The sedimentation rate decreased due to the drying or diversion of tributaries. The current sedimentation at the lake level is rather linked to wind action, which redistributes detrital elements from the soils and exposed terraces.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe increase in the water deficit during 2007 and 2008 under the effects of evaporation, daily water withdrawal for livestock watering, and the lack of water renewal created evaporitic conditions comparable to those of saline lakes in warm environments (Eugster Hans and Hardie Lawrence, 1978). The complete drying of the lake in 2008 allowed the precipitation of salts after the total evaporation of the mass of water (the florescence of sodium chloride salts, gypsum, and carbonates appeared on the surface of the exposed terraces). The lake was impounded toward the end of 2008 and the beginning of 2009 after the very abundant rainfall experienced by the country. This impoundment was accompanied by very significant detrital contributions, which accelerated only the filling of the lake to dry up definitively during the last decade.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e"},{"header":"Conclusions","content":"\u003cp\u003eLake Afourgagh can be considered a significant natural \"rain gauge,\" providing valuable insights into the interactions and feedback mechanisms of hydroclimatic fluctuations and anthropogenic impacts. Formed by karst collapse around 4500–4000 cal. B.P., Lake Afourgagh initially experienced very high-water levels between 4000 and 3000 cal. B.P., which then gradually declined until 2500–1700 cal. B.P. The lake reached an optimum during the medieval period (1500–1062 cal. B.P.), showing signs of eutrophication. However, its water level gradually decreased due to climate change and increasing anthropogenic pressures.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIn 2006, just before it dried up, the hydrochemical composition of Lake Afourgagh was characterized by bicarbonate, chloro-sodic, and magnesian water facies. The water was alkaline, low in oxygen, and relatively turbid. Salinity increased significantly due to high evaporation after the tributaries dried up, with total dissolved solids (TDS) reaching an average of 6 g/L by the end of 2006. The lake also became a site of significant endogenic carbonate precipitation, including calcite, aragonite, and dolomite. The advanced trophic status of Lake Afourgagh was marked by an enrichment in phosphate, primarily from anthropogenic sources.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe sedimentary dynamics of Lake Afourgagh indicate an accelerated filling of the lake basin, reflecting major changes in its contributing basin. The predominance of silty-sandy fractions suggests a relatively active mode of transport with variable hydrodynamic energy. The dominance of dolomite among the detrital elements points to the carbonate nature of the geological substrate. The presence of calcite and aragonite in interface sediments indicates authigenic sedimentation of chemical and biochemical origin. The suite of clay minerals, particularly the prevalence of kaolinite and interstratified illite-smectite, underscores the influence of seasonal contrasts and irregular precipitation. Surface flow competence has weakened considerably, favoring wind transport, which now plays a significant role in redistributing detrital elements across soils and terraces, following the drastic reduction in the lake’s water level due to successive droughts and human activities.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe disappearance of Lake Afourgagh represents an immeasurable loss, given its ecological and socioeconomic importance on a national scale. The urgent development and rehabilitation of lake basins in the Middle Atlas region of Morocco are essential. Such efforts should focus on water conservation, soil protection, and infrastructure improvements to support recreational and economic activities, thereby restoring these vital wetlands.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"Declarations","content":"\u003ch2\u003eAuthor Contribution\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eAll authors contributed to the study conception and design. Material preparation, data collection and analysis were performed by Issam Etebaai, Brahim Damnati, H\u0026eacute;l\u0026egrave;ne Miche, Morad Taher, Abdelghafour Hrida, Omar Darhouche, Said El Moussaoui, Hajar El Talibi and Hinde Cherkaoui Dekkaki. The first draft of the manuscript was written by Issam Etebaai and all authors commented on previous versions of the manuscript. All authors read and approved the final manuscript.\u003c/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eAcknowledgments\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis study is part of the PICS05 (Projet International de Coopération Scientifique) and PROTARS III projects. The authors thank the CNRST (Centre National pour la Recherche Scientifique et Technique) (Rabat, Morocco) and CNRS (Centre national de la recherche scientifique) (France) for their financial support. We particularly thank the reviewers for revising the paper and M. Decobert, A. Marais, and D. Arnaud for their field help.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"References","content":"\u003col\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAbbach J, El Talibi H, El Moussaoui S, Etebaai I, Cherkaoui Dekkaki H (2023) Recent sediments of Lake Tamda (Middle Atlas, Morocco): New insights from geochemical and sedimentary records. 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Quaternary Science Reviews, Volume 27(19\u0026ndash;20):1791\u0026ndash;1828. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.quascirev.2008.06.013\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWoolway RI, Sharma S, Smol JP (2022) Lakes in Hot Water: The Impacts of a Changing Climate on Aquatic Ecosystems, BioScience, Volume 72(11):1050\u0026ndash;1061, https://doi.org/10.1093/biosci/biac052\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003c/ol\u003e"}],"fulltextSource":"","fullText":"","funders":[],"hasAdminPriorityOnWorkflow":false,"hasManuscriptDocX":true,"hasOptedInToPreprint":true,"hasPassedJournalQc":"","hasAnyPriority":true,"hideJournal":true,"highlight":"","institution":"","isAcceptedByJournal":false,"isAuthorSuppliedPdf":false,"isDeskRejected":"","isHiddenFromSearch":false,"isInQc":false,"isInWorkflow":false,"isPdf":false,"isPdfUpToDate":true,"isWithdrawnOrRetracted":false,"journal":{"display":true,"email":"[email protected]","identity":"researchsquare","isNatureJournal":false,"hasQc":true,"allowDirectSubmit":true,"externalIdentity":"","sideBox":"","snPcode":"","submissionUrl":"/submission","title":"Research Square","twitterHandle":"researchsquare","acdcEnabled":true,"dfaEnabled":false,"editorialSystem":"","reportingPortfolio":"","inReviewEnabled":false,"inReviewRevisionsEnabled":true},"keywords":"Climate change, Human impact, Hydrochemistry, Lake Afourgagh, Middle Atlas, Sediment","lastPublishedDoi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-6096787/v1","lastPublishedDoiUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-6096787/v1","license":{"name":"CC BY 4.0","url":"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/"},"manuscriptAbstract":"\u003cp\u003eThis study objectively assesses the recent hydrogeochemical disturbances affecting Lake Afourgagh in the Moroccan Middle Atlas Mountains. The lake system has experienced intense degradation since the 1970s. This degradation is evident in the drastic reduction of the water level, leading to the lake's total drying and significant erosion at the watershed level. These disturbances coincide with recurring drought episodes and the implementation of intensive agriculture, which relies on groundwater pumping for irrigation. By 2006, when the lake dried up, its brackish waters were bicarbonate chloro-sodic magnesian, strongly hard, slightly oxygenated, and relatively turbid. Salinity increased significantly due to high evaporation after the tributaries dried up, with total dissolved solids (TDS) reaching an average of 6 g/L by the end of 2006. The Mg/Ca ratio also rose dramatically, from 25.5 to 92 by the end of 2006. The lake saw significant precipitation of endogenic carbonates (calcite, aragonite, and dolomite). The advanced trophic state of the lake is characterized by phosphate enrichment, mainly of anthropogenic origin. The sediment dynamics of Lake Afourgagh suggest rapid basin infill due to substantial changes in the underlying basin. The exogenous detrital fraction is dominated by dolomite, while the authigenic fraction consists of aragonite, calcite, and gypsum, resulting from intense water evaporation. The abundance of clay minerals, particularly illite and kaolinite, is related to soil hydrolysis under seasonal climatic thermal and rainfall contrasts.\u003c/p\u003e","manuscriptTitle":"Recent hydrogeochemical disturbance and human impact in Lake Afourgagh (Middle Atlas, Morocco)","msid":"","msnumber":"","nonDraftVersions":[{"code":1,"date":"2025-08-26 11:00:37","doi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-6096787/v1","editorialEvents":[{"type":"communityComments","content":0}],"status":"published","journal":{"display":true,"email":"[email protected]","identity":"researchsquare","isNatureJournal":false,"hasQc":true,"allowDirectSubmit":true,"externalIdentity":"","sideBox":"","snPcode":"","submissionUrl":"/submission","title":"Research Square","twitterHandle":"researchsquare","acdcEnabled":true,"dfaEnabled":false,"editorialSystem":"","reportingPortfolio":"","inReviewEnabled":false,"inReviewRevisionsEnabled":true}}],"origin":"","ownerIdentity":"f4ad7c4e-8b24-48f0-bef1-bee8fb7e1935","owner":[],"postedDate":"August 26th, 2025","published":true,"recentEditorialEvents":[],"rejectedJournal":[],"revision":"","amendment":"","status":"posted","subjectAreas":[],"tags":[],"updatedAt":"2025-08-26T11:00:37+00:00","versionOfRecord":[],"versionCreatedAt":"2025-08-26 11:00:37","video":"","vorDoi":"","vorDoiUrl":"","workflowStages":[]},"version":"v1","identity":"rs-6096787","journalConfig":"researchsquare"},"__N_SSP":true},"page":"/article/[identity]/[[...version]]","query":{"redirect":"/article/rs-6096787","identity":"rs-6096787","version":["v1"]},"buildId":"8U1c8b4HqxoKbykW_rLl7","isFallback":false,"isExperimentalCompile":false,"dynamicIds":[84888],"gssp":true,"scriptLoader":[]}