http://www.iaeme.com/IJCIET/index.asp 41 editor@iaeme.com International Journal of Civil Engineering and Technology (IJCIET) Volume 11, Issue 3, March 2020, pp. 41-50, Article ID: IJCIET_11_03_005 Available online at http://www.iaeme.com/ijciet/issues.asp?JType=IJCIET&VType=11&IType=3 Journal Impact Factor (2020): 11.3296 (Calculated by GISI) www.jifactor.com ISSN Print: 0976-6308 and ISSN Online: 0976-6316 © IAEME Publication ASSESSMENT OF THE VERTICAL PROFILE OF SEDIMENT CONTAMINATION BY HEAVY METALS FROM THE RAMSAR ECOLOGICAL SITE "MERJA ZERGA" Abdelouahed MEISSARA Laboratory of Geo-Biodiversity and Natural Patrimony, GEOPAC Research Center, Scientific Institute, Mohammed V University, Rabat, Morocco. Kaoutar LAGLITI Laboratory of Geo-Biodiversity and Natural Patrimony, GEOPAC Research Center, Scientific Institute, Mohammed V University, Rabat, Morocco. Ahmed YAHYAOUI Laboratory of Marine Biologie, Mohammed V Agdal University – Rabat. Faculty of Sciences - Rabat Mohammed FEKHAOUI Laboratory of Geo-Biodiversity and Natural Patrimony, GEOPAC Research Center, Scientific Institute, Mohammed V University, Rabat, Morocco. ABSTRACT This study allowed us to note a heterogeneous and specific distribution of contamination by metallic trace elements (chromium, lead and cadmium) of the vertical profiles made in the sediment of the Merja Zerga lagoon (Kenitra province). Indeed, the contamination profile by these 3 elements is characterized by a significant variation with high levels, which are probably linked to road traffic on motorways, and nautical activities. Keywords: Ramsar Site, pollution, environment, health risk, water. Cite this Article: Abdelouahed MEISSARA, Kaoutar LAGLITI, Ahmed YAHYAOUI, Mohammed FEKHAOUI, Assessment of the Vertical Profile of Sediment Contamination by Heavy Metals from the Ramsar Ecological Site "Merja Zerga". International Journal of Civil Engineering and Technology, 11(3), 2020, pp. 41-50. http://www.iaeme.com/IJCIET/issues.asp?JType=IJCIET&VType=11&IType=3