Iodine content in groundwater of North Eastern Morocco and its relation with the incidence of goiter

Iodine in water has been used as an indicator of the 'iodine status' of an area, and it has been suggested that a low iodine content in drinking water is a contributing factor to the onset of Iodine Deficiency Disorders, which the most visible manifestation is goiter. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the importance of groundwater iodine content for the regional differences in goiter frequency observed in rural areas in the North Eastern Morocco where groundwater is the main source of drinking water. Water samples from 9 wells and 4 springs were collected and analyzed. Concentrations of iodine varies from 6.43 mu g/L to 143.8 mu g/L. the content was high in wells near the Mediterranean Sea (Bouareg: 115.9 mu g/L and Laatamna: 143.8 mu g/L), and the lowest values were in general noted in springs (mean 10.28 mu g/L). When only well waters were considered, Guenfouda showed a lowest value of iodine (14.6 mu g/L). This result may, in part, explain why goiter frequency is higher in this area. In order to understand the distribution of iodine and the controlling factors in groundwater from the North Eastern Morocco, hydrochemical study was conducted. Distance to the Mediterranean sea associated with topography, is probably the main explanation for this distribution and hence, the regional differences in goiter frequency observed in this area. The results in this investigation suggest the need to update data on iodine deficiency in the North Eastern Morocco and to recommend possible remediation strategies. (C) 2019 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.