Title: Physical, chemical, bacteriological and radioisotopic parameters from springs and wells around Jocotitlan volcano, Mexico

Authors: Araceli Baca Gomez, N. Segovia, Veronica Martinez Miranda, M.A. Armienta, Rosa Maria Barragan Reyes, Jose Luis Iturbe Garcia, Beatriz Eugenia Lopez Munoz, J.L. Seidel

Addresses: ININ, Ap. Post. 18 1027, 11801 Mexico DF, Mexico; CIRA, UAEM, Unidad San Cayetano, Km 14.5 Carr. Toluca – Ixtlahuaca, Estado de Mexico. ' IGFUNAM, C. Universitaria, 04510 Mexico DF, Mexico. ' CIRA, UAEM, Unidad San Cayetano, Km 14.5 Carr. Toluca – Ixtlahuaca, Estado de Mexico. ' IGFUNAM, C. Universitaria, 04510 Mexico DF, Mexico. ' IIE, Gerencia Geotermia, Reforma 113, Col. Palmira, 62490 Temixco, Mor. Mexico C.P. 62490, Mexico. ' ININ, Ap. Post. 18 1027, 11801 Mexico, DF, Mexico. ' ININ, Ap. Post. 18 1027, 11801 Mexico, DF, Mexico. ' CNRS – UM2, Place Eugene Bataillon, Montpellier 34095, France

Abstract: Samples from seven springs and two wells around Jocotitlan volcano (Mexico), mainly used as drinking water supplies, were studied for physical, chemical, bacteriological and radioisotopic parameters. The temperature of the majority of the water was 5°C higher than the average atmospheric temperature of the zone, indicating a geothermal potential. The water type was bicarbonated mixed, related to magmatic CO₂ absorption, and showed a dilution factor from meteoric waters. Calculations of the geothermal reservoir temperature indicate a potential use for direct rural and industrial applications. Trace elements, including radon and radium, were within the drinking water standards. Four springs showed bacteriological contamination due to cattle access and domestic waste pollution.

Keywords: volcanic area; water chemistry; geothermal reservoir temperature; radon content; radium content; Mexico; wells; springs; drinking water; trace elements; bacteriological contamination; water pollution; water quality.

DOI: 10.1504/IJEP.2006.009111

International Journal of Environment and Pollution, 2006 Vol.26 No.1/2/3, pp.266 - 283

Published online: 02 Mar 2006 *

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