The Influence of Metal Microelements, Colloids and Organic Phase on Physical-chemical Properties and Processes in Peloids

Abstract

The main emphasis in this study was on the modification of peloid characteristics through maturation processes, physical-chemical analysis of salty geothermal water and intact geomaterial, content of toxic heavy metals, radionuclides, and microorganisms in matured peloid, and physical-chemical processes that occur in a highly heterogeneous and microheterogeneous system solid-water. Main processes were considered to be mass transfer, colloidal processes, adsorption and surface compounding by macro- and micronutrients from salty mineral water with surface groups of intact geomaterial. This study indicated that inorganic and organic components of peloid could be in the form of colloids, suspended macro- and microparticles, ions and molecules. Colloidal silica had special importance in peloids. Due to low maximum solubility of silica, there were a number of processes in which coagulated and floculated particles were created during maturation, especially in the presence of metal cations (e.g., Fe3+ and Al3+) and colloidal metal hydroxides which noticeably reduced the solubility of silica. Single charged alkali metal cations caused coagulation of colloidal silica occupying bridging positions between negatively charged colloidal particles. Colloidal silica in peloid together with other micro- and macro phases, and with the help of numerous microelements, comes in interaction, building a complex surface and occluded compounds. In the multiphase system, very complex organic and inorganic compunds are formed, which are important for therapeutic purposes.