Evaluation of the Contamination from Geothermal Fluids upon Waters and Soils in Alaşehir Environs, Turkey

Abstract

The thermal and mineral waters, with high mineral contents from the geothermal fields of Alaşehir, Turkey, and which are discharged onto the ground surface, can cause contamination in surface water, in ground water, and in soil. Because of the fact that the water resources of the region are used for drinking and irrigational purposes, the evaluation of water quality is perfected in this study. Additionally, the surface soil samples are analyzed for their boron, arsenic and other contaminating substances to depict the measurement of the contamination. The results acquired from the analysis of the water samples suggest that some of the components (particularly B, and As) in some of the samples exceed the drinking-water limits. Also, some of the soil samples collected near the geothermal fields are contaminated with B, As, S, Hg, and other contaminants sourced from geothermal fluids, in a moderate to extreme degree. Further, contaminants in soil and water are expected to enlarge in the future unless effective sewage collection and treatment are present in the geothermal fields. This paper discusses the geochemical evaluations of the availability of B, As, and other contaminants derived from the geothermal activities within soil and water in Alaşehir and its environs. Proper re-injection of the thermal and mineral waters into the geothermal reservoirs is the best way to dispose of the geothermal fluids and cope with contamination problems.