Search Results (10)

The integration of computer vision and deep learning into Building Information Modeling (BIM) workflows has created a growing need for structured datasets that enable the semantic segmentation of indoor building elements. This paper presents StructScan3D v1, the first version of an RGB-D dataset specifically designed to facilitate the automated segmentation and modeling of architectural and structural components. Captured using the Kinect Azure sensor, StructScan3D v1 comprises 2594 annotated frames from diverse indoor environments, including residential and office spaces. The dataset focuses on six key building elements: walls, floors, ceilings, windows, doors, and miscellaneous objects. To establish a benchmark for indoor RGB-D semantic segmentation, we evaluate D-Former, a transformer-based model that leverages self-attention mechanisms for enhanced spatial understanding. Additionally, we compare its performance against state-of-the-art models such as Gemini and TokenFusion, providing a comprehensive analysis of segmentation accuracy. Experimental results show that D-Former achieves a mean Intersection over Union (mIoU) of 67.5%, demonstrating strong segmentation capabilities despite challenges like occlusions and depth variations. As an evolving dataset, StructScan3D v1 lays the foundation for future expansions, including increased scene diversity and refined annotations. By bridging the gap between deep learning-driven segmentation and real-world BIM applications, this dataset provides researchers and practitioners with a valuable resource for advancing indoor scene reconstruction, robotics, and augmented reality. Full article

The Inaouène watershed (3600 km²), part of the Sebou River’s upper valley in northern Morocco, faces urban, agricultural, and industrial discharges. This research investigates the environmental impact of heavy metal contamination in sediments and its implications for sustainable watershed management and long-term ecological protection. Sediment samples were collected from six sites along the river and the Idriss 1st dam. A combined approach of geochemical analyses and multivariate statistical methods (PCA, HCA) identified metal sources and grouped sites by contamination patterns. Additionally, pollution indices (I_geo, EF, PLI) were used to assess contamination levels and infer potential sources. Results revealed variable metal concentrations: upstream (Ech1) showed high levels of chromium (133 mg/kg) and copper (32.5 mg/kg) linked to urban discharges and erosion, while downstream (Ech6) exhibited high barium (3245 mg/kg) and strontium (505 mg/kg) concentrations due to dam sedimentation. Pollution indices confirmed moderate to high contamination, particularly at Ech1 and Ech6. Multivariate analysis identified three main clusters influenced by both anthropogenic and geological factors. These findings underline the need for integrated sediment management, regular monitoring, and environmental protection strategies to preserve the watershed and the aquifer’s ecological balance. Full article

Inaouen wadi is the second largest tributary of the Sebou river, one of Morocco’s major rivers, which holds significant economic and social importance. Unfortunately, this watercourse is severely impacted by pollution from various human activities, particularly industrial sources. However, available data on the presence of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) that could harm human health in this region remain limited. PTEs pose major environmental risks due to their toxicity, persistence, and bioaccumulation. This study aimed to assess the concentrations of PTEs in the sediments of Inaouen wadi and its main tributaries based on sediment samples collected from 12 locations in 2019. The concentrations of Cd, Pb, Cr, Ag, Al, Cu, Fe, and Zn were measured using inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP–AES), and sediment contamination levels were evaluated using multiple indices: the enrichment factor (EF), the geo-accumulation index (Igeo), the potential ecological hazard index (RI), and the modified ecological risk index (MRI). The results indicate that concentrations of Pb, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, and Zn are significantly influenced by urban discharges, particularly at sites S1, S3, and S5 near the cities of Taza and Oued-Amlil. The maximum values recorded were 7.01 g/kg for Pb, 0.9 g/kg for Cd, 0.1 g/kg for Cr, 19.9 g/kg for Fe and 1.9 g/kg for Zn. The enrichment factor (EF) revealed anthropogenic sources of Fe and Pb, confirming the human origin of these elements. The geo-accumulation index (Igeo) showed that the areas around stations S1, S3, and S5 are highly contaminated by Pb, Cd, and Fe, a finding also supported by the MRI. The study identified potential ecological risks at stations S1, S3, and S5, highlighting the urgent need for improved pollution management practices to mitigate environmental risks. Full article

The Sebou River Basin is vital for Moroccan agriculture, particularly in terms of producing industrial crops, fruits, vegetables, and olive oil. It is especially significant in viticulture, accounting for 80% and 60% of the national production area for wine and table grapes, respectively. However, the prevalence of diseases and pests requires extensive pesticide application in vineyards. This study aims to assess the impact of pesticides used in vineyards on the environment, human health and their associated sustainability. Agro-environmental indicators were evaluated across 30 vineyards covering 1197 hectares. Results show an average treatment frequency of 24.05 applications per growing cycle, the highest among grape-producing countries, with 77.94% being fungicides. The Quantity of Active Substances Indicator (QASI) reveals a high pesticide application rate of 44.60 Kg a.i./ha. Over 50% of chemicals are classified as “hazardous” based on the Environmental Impact Quotient (EIQ). A Pesticide Environmental Risk Indicator model (PERI) identifies three active ingredients with a high Environmental Risk Score (>5). Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) reveals that copper sulfate has significant environmental impacts compared to Mancozeb and sulfur. These findings highlight the extensive use of pesticides in vineyards, posing challenges to long-term sustainable agriculture due to associated environmental and health risks. Full article

Invasive species are a major threat to global biodiversity. Therefore, it is crucial to monitor their presence and expansion within invaded areas and carry out studies to improve our knowledge of their biology and ecology. One of the most effective and spectacular invaders among freshwater snails is the acute bladder snail (Physella acuta) (Draparnaud, 1805). This study aims to update the available data on P. acuta in Morocco and determine the main environmental factors that favor its distribution and expansion in this country. Field surveys were conducted in northern Morocco between 2014 and 2023, with a focus on protected areas such as Ramsar sites, and especially great geographical barriers such as the Middle Atlas Mountains and the Sebou and Moulouya River basins. The gastropods were collected using Surber samplers (20 × 25 cm surface area, 400 µm mesh), together with measurements of the physicochemical parameters of the water and other abiotic factors. The bladder snail is probably the most widespread freshwater snail in Morocco, where the species appears to be highly adaptable and can thrive in different habitats, including degraded ones, showing great plasticity in terms of the physicochemical parameters of the water. The main factor limiting the geographical distribution and abundance of P. acuta in the study area was water velocity and conductivity. However, further studies are required to address the future range of expansion of P. acuta in relation to climate change. Although one of the consequences of climate change is reduced water flow speed, which may promote its range of expansion in Morocco, salinization of streams may also reduce its ability to colonize new environments. Full article

This paper explores the temporal and spatial patterns of annual, seasonal, and monthly rainfall series during the period of 1961–2018 at 15 stations in the agriculturally important Sebou river basin, northern Morocco. Trends were investigated using the classical non-parametric Mann–Kendall test and the Theil–Sen approach at 90%, 95% and 99% confidence levels. A general decreasing trend was found at the annual scale, significant at the 95% confidence level at 8 stations out of 15 (53%). A particularly large decreasing trend between −30 mm and −50 mm per decade was found in the north and eastern parts of the basin. Autumn rainfall tended to increase, but this was not statistically significant. During the winter months, rainfall tended to decrease sharply (−27 mm and −40 mm per decade) in the northern slopes of the Rif mountains, while in spring, the mountainous area of the basin recorded decreases ranging between −12 mm and −16 mm per decade. During winter and spring, negative trends were significant at ten stations (66%). Summer rainfall tends toward a decrease, but the absolute change is small. These results help to understand the rainfall variability in the Sebou river basin and allow for improved mitigation strategies and water resource plans based on a prospective view of the impact of climate change on the river basin. Full article

The estuary ecosystem’s health and ecological integrity are essential for preserving environmental quality, habitats, and economic activity. The main objective of the present study is to comprehend the wave hydrodynamic impact on the Oued Sebou estuary, which is situated in the Kenitra region on Morocco’s north Atlantic coast in North Africa. Specifically, it focused on the dredging effect (caused by sand extraction) on the wave motion and its impact on the estuary environment. Different scenarios of wave-propagation simulations were carried out, varying the significant wave height, in deep water (from 1.5 to 4 m), and considering the bathymetry before and after two dredging cases of 2- and 4-m depths. The change of wave height at the Oued Sebou estuary shoreline was simulated by using the third version of the Simulating Waves Nearshore Model (SWAN). The SWAN model formulates the wave evolution in terms of a spectral energy balance on a structured grid. The effect of dredging on the wave spreading in addition to the flow hydrodynamic structures were extensively analyzed. According to the simulated results, the dredging activities in the Oued Sebou estuary mainly affect the river mouth and the southern breakwater area, increasing the potential erosive action. The areas at the northern coastal strip and near the northern breakwater are subject to possible accumulation of sediments. Full article

River water quality is particularly of concern in semi-arid countries with limited water resources. Increasing anthropogenic activities can lead to the accumulation of trace metals (TM) in bottom sediments, which is a specific storage compartment. The present study aimed to investigate the geochemistry of trace metals (As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, Zn) and of some physico-chemical parameters in bottom sediments from the Sebou basin, which represents 1/3 of the surface water resources of Morocco. The order of abundance of the metals was Zn > Cr > Cu > Ni > Pb > Co > As > Cd. A major fingerprint of weathering on metal concentration, and point and non-point anthropogenic sources were highlighted. The origin and intensity of the contamination were determined using a combination of geochemical indicators. The contamination was on the whole moderate, with Cr, Zn, Cu, and Pb as the most enriched metals, especially at the A1, S3, and S4 stations located downstream of Fez city, well known for its intensive industrial and tannery activities. A multi-variate analysis evidenced the strong link between natural elements such as Co with clays and Fe oxides, and As with Ca, whereas Cd, Cu, Cr, Ni, Pb, Zn, partly originating from anthropogenic activities (industrial and domestic waste, agricultural inputs), were linked to phosphorus, oxides, carbonates, and/or POC, indicating their anthropic source and/or control by sediment compounds. Cadmium, Pb, and Cu were the most available metals. Finally, in addition to Cd, Pb and Zn were identified as hazardous metals in sediments as evidenced by the positive relationship between the proportion of the labile fraction and the enrichment factor revealing anthropogenic inputs. Full article

Due to increasing anthropogenic activities, trace metals (TM) remain a major concern particularly in semi-arid countries with limited water resources. In this context, the present study aims to understand the geochemistry of trace metals in bottom sediments from the Sebou basin, representing 1/3 of the surface water resources of Morocco. Total concentrations of trace metals (As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, Zn) and some physicochemical parameters were measured in the fraction < 63 µm. The order of abundance of the elements was Zn > Cr > Cu > Ni > Pb > Co > As > Cd. The enrichment factor calculation showed that 70% of the samples were naturally concentrated in trace metals, especially As and Ni, as well as Cd and Pb, except at some stations. On the contrary, the most enriched elements were Cr, Zn, and Cu. Chromium presented an enrichment higher than 5 and toxicity risks at some stations, such as the downstream Fez city known for its important tannery activities. A multivariate analysis of the data evidenced the strong link between the identified natural elements (As, Co, Ni) with clays and Fe and Al oxides, whereas elements (Cd, Cu, Cr, Pb, Zn) mainly derived from anthropogenic activities (industrial and domestic waste, agricultural inputs) were linked to phosphorus and, to a lesser extent, particulate organic carbon. Full article

This paper aims to develop a method to assess regional water balances using remote sensing techniques. The Boufakrane river watershed in Meknes Region (Morocco), which is characterized by both a strong urbanization and a rural land use change, is taken as a study case. Firstly, changes in land cover were mapped by classifying remote sensing images (Thematic Mapper, Enhanced Thematic Mapper Plus and Operational Land Imager) at a medium scale resolution for the years 1990, 2003 and 2018. By means of supervised classification procedures the following land cover categories could be mapped: forests, bare soil, arboriculture, arable land and urban area. For each of these categories a water balance was developed for the different time periods, taking into account changing management and consumption patterns. Finally, the land cover maps were combined with the land cover specific water balances resulting in a total water balance for the selected catchment. The procedure was validated by comparing the assessments with data from water supply stations and the number of licensed ground water extraction pumps. In terms of land use/land cover changes (LULCC), the results showed that urban areas, natural vegetation, arboriculture and cereals increased by 183.74%, 12.55%, 34.99 and 48.77% respectively while forests and bare soils decreased by 78.65% and 16.78% respectively. On the other hand, water consumption has been increased significantly due to the Meknes city growth, the arboriculture expansion and the new crops’ introduction in the arable areas. The increased water consumption by human activities is largely due to reduced water losses through evapotranspiration because of deforestation. Since the major part of the forest in the catchment has disappeared, a further increase of the water consumption by human activities can no longer be offset by deforestation. Full article