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

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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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Acknowledgments

The authors appreciate the financial support given by the Escuela Politecnica del Ejercito (ESPE) through a 2006 Project Grant. We also express gratitude to Eduardo Aguilera for his collaboration during the first field trips to geothermal springs described in this investigation and to Diego Arcos for his help on the chemical analysis of sediments using an SEM.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Centro de Investigaciones Cientificas, Escuela Politecnica del Ejercito, Sangolqui, Ecuador

    Luis Cumbal

  2. Carrera de Ing. Geografica y del Medio Ambiente, Escuela Politecnica del Ejercito, Sangolqui, Ecuador

    Paulina Vallejo & Brigida Rodriguez

  3. Department of Geology Sciences, Ohio University, Athens, OH, USA

    Dina Lopez

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  1. Luis Cumbal
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  2. Paulina Vallejo
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  3. Brigida Rodriguez
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  4. Dina Lopez
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Correspondence to Luis Cumbal.

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Cumbal, L., Vallejo, P., Rodriguez, B. et al. Arsenic in geothermal sources at the north-central Andean region of Ecuador: concentrations and mechanisms of mobility. Environ Earth Sci 61, 299–310 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12665-009-0343-7

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12665-009-0343-7

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