Chemical composition of natural waters of the Lovozero massif, Russia

• Published in: Modeling earth systems and environment 2022-09, Vol.8 (3), p.4307-4315
• Main Authors: Sandimirov, Sergei S., Pozhilenko, Vladimir I., Mazukhina, Svetlana I., Drogobuzhskaya, Svetlana V., Shirokaya, Anna A., Tereshchenko, Pavel S.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Chemistry and Earth Sciences; Computer Science; Earth and Environmental Science; Earth Sciences; Earth System Sciences; Ecosystems; Environment; Math. Appl. in Environmental Science; Mathematical Applications in the Physical Sciences; Original Article; Physics; Statistics for Engineering
• ISSN: 2363-6203; 2363-6211
• DOI: 10.1007/s40808-022-01362-1

A thermodynamic study of the processes of weathering of the Lovozero massif was carried out within the framework of the “water–solid-atmosphere” system at a temperature of 5 °C. Our thermodynamic calculations show that the formation of the chemical composition of natural waters (which are used for drinking) is influenced by the elements contained in the solid of the studied massif. An increase in the degree of “water–solid” interaction leads to an increase in the concentrations of F, Cl, SO 4 2− , HCO 3 − in the solution, which affects the mobility of lanthanum, cerium and other elements. The forms of migration of uranium, silver, barium, nickel, vanadium, aluminum, lanthanum, cerium, zirconium are determined. It has been established that vital elements (calcium, sodium, potassium, magnesium, sulfate ion) in the studied sources are in a chemical form favorable for human health (Ca 2+ , Na + , K + , Mg 2+ , sulfate ion SO 4 2− ). Forms of migration of carcinogenic or toxic elements (nickel, barium, vanadium, strontium are among the most toxic (Ni 2+ , Ba 2+ , HVO 4 2– , Sr 2+ ). The ability to isomorphically replace calcium in bones is one of the most insidious consequences of the action of inorganic compounds of uranium, barium and strontium. It is necessary to take special control of water coming from flooded mines, since an increase in the degree of interaction of water with solid, the transition to a solution of fluorine, sulfur and chlorine can increase the rate of dissolution of minerals in the solids of the massif, the transition to a solution of rare elements that are in living organisms regulators of biological processes and whose influence on human health has not yet been fully studied. The information obtained must be used to assess the health of the population of the study region.