Abstract
Soil and tailings contamination in the eastern region of Morocco was investigated by determining metallic trace elements (MTE) (As, Cd, Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn) using inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES). This work revealed extensive contamination of the sites studied and also showed a great variability in the concentrations of MTE according to the element analyzed and the site. The soil index pollution is considered very high because of the simultaneous presence of these elements. This combination of MTE in soils makes the region toxic to flora, fauna and local populations. An exploration of plant species growing on these contaminated areas will be considered in the context of the implementation of a program for phytoremediation.