Medical Hydrology and Balneology: Environmental Aspects

A geochemical approach to explain germanium
origin in potentially medicinal waters of
the Bieszczady mountains (the Carpathians, se
Poland)
Dobrzynski D (1) , Slaby E (2) , Kostka A (1) , Metlak A (1)
(1) Faculty of Geology, Department of Groundwater Geochemistry,
University of Warsaw, Poland
(2) Institute of Geological Sciences, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
dobrzynski_dariusz@yahoo.co.uk
Introduction and Objectives
Germanium (Ge) is an element which usually demonstrates silicon-like geochemistry,
and in many natural environments correlates with silicon (Si). In continental
crust, mean Ge content is 1.4 ppm and mean Ge:Si molal [µM/M] ratio of
1.7. Silicon provides therapeutic benefits in medicinal waters. Germanium evokes a
rousing interest also in biology and medicine. In some countries, Ge-rich mineral
waters are successfully applied in balneotherapy, or are accessible as a bottled
waters.
In groundwater, the highest Ge contents (up to 300 ppb) are found in silicatesrich
geothermal aquifers. Unpolluted, low-mineralized and/or low-enthalpy
groundwater usually contain Ge less than 0.1 ppb.
Materials and Methods
Detailed geochemical studies of groundwaters and bedrocks have been performed
in Bieszczady Mountains (range of the Carpathians, SE Poland), in the area
where mineral waters have been planned to be used for balneotherapy. The studied
groundwaters occur in conglomerates, sandstones and shales. Current investigation
covered groundwater samples from 15 springs and wells, and 52 rock samples.
Chemical data on trace elements of water and rock samples were processed with use
of data-mining methods to elucidate processes controlling increased Ge concentrations
in groundwaters, and the relationship between Ge and others elements
Results
Low-enthalpy CO2-rich mineral waters of HCO3-Cl-Na type (with H2S, B) occur
in the studied area. Groundwater show varied mineralization, and are a mixture
of two components: mineral water and fresh water. Specific electrical conductivity
(SEC) ranges from 680 to 4970 µS/cm. Groundwater have Ge and Si concentrations
of 0.08 to 35.8 ppb (mean 7.41 ppb), and 2.71 to 6.44 ppm (mean 4.48 ppm), respectively.
The maximum Ge content (35.8 ppb) is the highest one that has been
Balnea
2012, núm. 6, 227-228
227
ISBN: 978-84-669-1887-0
978-84-669-3482-4