Abstract
HYDROCHEMICAL STUDY OF HOT SPRINGS OF KASWA IN MAHAGI TERRITORY (ITURI, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO)
Budju L. Richard, Lokilo L. Emmanuel, Tshimanga M. R. and *Dr. Sikulisimwa P. Celine
ABSTRACT
The waters of six hot springs at Kaswa in the Mahagi territory, in the province of Ituri, northeastern Democratic Republic of the Congo were analyzed in order to evaluate its physicochemical characteristics and detect substances with a therapeutic virtue contained therein. Sampling was done in four different campaigns from 2014 to 2017. Analyzes were performed using multiparameter probes (HANNA HI 83200, Water Proof PCST Tespr-35, Palintest, photometer 5000) and volumetry methods. The results showed that these waters are generally mesothermal or hyperthermal (temperature: 41.2?0.23 - 61?0.2?C), acid or neutral (pH: 6.48?0.03 - 7.25?0.01), soft that can harden in certain periods (THT: 23.96?1.3 - 285.5?0.5 mg/L of CaCO3); its mineralization being important (EC: 885.7?0.2-1342.2?1.3?S/cm). These waters are sulphurous (total sulfur: 25.2?0.5-96.0?0.5 mg/L), with significant presence of H2S. The analysis of major ions by the hydrochemical method (Sch?eller Berkaloff diagram) reveals that the concentration of sulfates is high, followed by chlorides, calcium and magnesium. The valorization of these sources is essential for the benefit of the population.
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