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Environmental Earth Sciences

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01-07-2010 | Original Article

Arsenic in geothermal sources at the north-central Andean region of Ecuador: concentrations and mechanisms of mobility

Authors: Luis Cumbal, Paulina Vallejo, Brigida Rodriguez, Dina Lopez

Published in: Environmental Earth Sciences | Issue 2/2010

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Abstract

The arsenic content of geothermal hot springs and their sediments in the north-central Andean region of Ecuador has been investigated. The area of study is located between parallels 1°11′N and 1°30′S and includes five provinces. The area is rich in geothermal surface manifestations that are mainly used for medicinal baths in recreational complexes. Unfortunately, water residuals without treatment are released from the recreational facilities to surrounding water bodies. The results indicate that total arsenic in geothermal waters in this region has a range of 2–969 µg As/L, and sediments contain arsenic ranging from 1.6 to 717.6 mg/kg. Chemical analyses of sediment samples show the presence of sulfur, iron, aluminum and calcium. A high concentration of natural organic matter was also found in some samples (20–29.5%); thus sorption and coprecipitation can be the main mechanisms of As immobilization on mineral phases and natural organic matter.

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Title: Arsenic in geothermal sources at the north-central Andean region of Ecuador: concentrations and mechanisms of mobility
Authors: Luis Cumbal
Paulina Vallejo
Brigida Rodriguez
Dina Lopez
Publication date: 01-07-2010
Publisher: Springer-Verlag
Published in: Environmental Earth Sciences / Issue 2/2010
Print ISSN: 1866-6280
Electronic ISSN: 1866-6299
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12665-009-0343-7

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