Geochemical Characteristics of Three Hot Springs from Western Thailand

At present a total of 118 hot springs are distributed throughout Thailand. Several studies with a focus on high-temperature hot springs related to geothermal resources were conducted in the northern and southern part of the country. Geochemical data, however; especially isotopes of medium-low tempe...

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Main Authors: Thiwat Rattanawong, Raphael Bissen, Waraporn Kumpairoh, Sakonvan Chawchai
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Environmental Research Institute, Chulalongkorn University 2020-04-01
Series:Applied Environmental Research
Subjects:
Online Access:https://ph01-ohno.tci-thaijo.org/index.php/aer/article/view/223023
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author Thiwat Rattanawong
Raphael Bissen
Waraporn Kumpairoh
Sakonvan Chawchai
author_facet Thiwat Rattanawong
Raphael Bissen
Waraporn Kumpairoh
Sakonvan Chawchai
author_sort Thiwat Rattanawong
collection DOAJ
description At present a total of 118 hot springs are distributed throughout Thailand. Several studies with a focus on high-temperature hot springs related to geothermal resources were conducted in the northern and southern part of the country. Geochemical data, however; especially isotopes of medium-low temperature hot springs are still scarce. In this study, we aim to investigate the geochemical composition of hot spring waters from western Thailand. The examination of elemental compositions and stable isotopes (δ18O, δD) of 3 hot springs; Hin Dad, Bor Klueng and Baan Samorthong (surface water temperatures of 40–50 °C), contributes to a better understanding of reservoir temperatures and recharge. The results from elemental compositions show that the chemical type of the hot spring waters from Baan Samorthong and Bor Klueng are alkaline-carbonate, while the hot spring from Hin Dad is a calcium-carbonate type with a high amount of sulfate related to bedrock. Based on the silica geothermometer approach, reservoir temperatures are calculated to be between 65–90 °C. The stable isotopes δD and δ18O of all hot spring waters suggest a recharge with meteoric waters as well as mixing with groundwater. The three hot springs in this study are well-known for public water recreation and health therapy. Regarding toxic elements, Baan Samorthong hot spring has high fluoride (F-) (14.84 mg L-1); while Hin Dad hot spring shows concentrations of Pb2+ (0.07 mg L-1) and Bor Klueng of Pb2+ (0.02 mg L-1), As5+ (0.01 mg L-1) and F- (4.35 mg L-1) which are above drinking water limits and might lead to health problems. Therefore, we recommend not to drink the water from the hot springs. In conclusion, a better understanding of geochemical data is beneficial for the sustainable development of medium-low temperature hot springs in Thailand.  
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spelling doaj.art-22583f8c02194ae3be804d7bd1144cf72022-12-22T04:01:10ZengEnvironmental Research Institute, Chulalongkorn UniversityApplied Environmental Research2287-07412287-075X2020-04-01421Geochemical Characteristics of Three Hot Springs from Western ThailandThiwat Rattanawong0Raphael Bissen1Waraporn Kumpairoh2Sakonvan Chawchai3Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, ThailandFaculty of Engineering, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, ThailandFaculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, ThailandFaculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand At present a total of 118 hot springs are distributed throughout Thailand. Several studies with a focus on high-temperature hot springs related to geothermal resources were conducted in the northern and southern part of the country. Geochemical data, however; especially isotopes of medium-low temperature hot springs are still scarce. In this study, we aim to investigate the geochemical composition of hot spring waters from western Thailand. The examination of elemental compositions and stable isotopes (δ18O, δD) of 3 hot springs; Hin Dad, Bor Klueng and Baan Samorthong (surface water temperatures of 40–50 °C), contributes to a better understanding of reservoir temperatures and recharge. The results from elemental compositions show that the chemical type of the hot spring waters from Baan Samorthong and Bor Klueng are alkaline-carbonate, while the hot spring from Hin Dad is a calcium-carbonate type with a high amount of sulfate related to bedrock. Based on the silica geothermometer approach, reservoir temperatures are calculated to be between 65–90 °C. The stable isotopes δD and δ18O of all hot spring waters suggest a recharge with meteoric waters as well as mixing with groundwater. The three hot springs in this study are well-known for public water recreation and health therapy. Regarding toxic elements, Baan Samorthong hot spring has high fluoride (F-) (14.84 mg L-1); while Hin Dad hot spring shows concentrations of Pb2+ (0.07 mg L-1) and Bor Klueng of Pb2+ (0.02 mg L-1), As5+ (0.01 mg L-1) and F- (4.35 mg L-1) which are above drinking water limits and might lead to health problems. Therefore, we recommend not to drink the water from the hot springs. In conclusion, a better understanding of geochemical data is beneficial for the sustainable development of medium-low temperature hot springs in Thailand.   https://ph01-ohno.tci-thaijo.org/index.php/aer/article/view/223023Water chemistryMedium-low temperature hot springsWestern Thailandδ18O and δD isotopes
spellingShingle Thiwat Rattanawong
Raphael Bissen
Waraporn Kumpairoh
Sakonvan Chawchai
Geochemical Characteristics of Three Hot Springs from Western Thailand
Applied Environmental Research
Water chemistry
Medium-low temperature hot springs
Western Thailand
δ18O and δD isotopes
title Geochemical Characteristics of Three Hot Springs from Western Thailand
title_full Geochemical Characteristics of Three Hot Springs from Western Thailand
title_fullStr Geochemical Characteristics of Three Hot Springs from Western Thailand
title_full_unstemmed Geochemical Characteristics of Three Hot Springs from Western Thailand
title_short Geochemical Characteristics of Three Hot Springs from Western Thailand
title_sort geochemical characteristics of three hot springs from western thailand
topic Water chemistry
Medium-low temperature hot springs
Western Thailand
δ18O and δD isotopes
url https://ph01-ohno.tci-thaijo.org/index.php/aer/article/view/223023
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AT sakonvanchawchai geochemicalcharacteristicsofthreehotspringsfromwesternthailand