Inorganic Chromium Speciation in Geothermal Water of the Podhale Trough (Southern Poland) Used for Recreational Purposes

Abstract

The results of total chromium determination (by ICP-OES method) in samples collected from nine working wells named GW1–GW9, exploiting geothermal water from the Podhale Trough (southern part of Poland, near the Tatra Mountains), which is used for recreational purposes, were implemented for hydrogeochemical modeling to indicate dominating chromium speciation. The reliability of the results was determined by the application of a quality assurance/quality control program, both in the laboratory and during field work. Based on chromium speciation, the risk associated with the utilization of geothermal water was calculated. The outcome showed that the concentration of Cr(III) is almost equal to the total chromium concentration (1–2 µg·L−1). Crtot concentrations were also used in a health risk assessment in the case of epidermal absorption (EDIderm) during bathing in thermal pools and four assumed scenarios in relation to the handling of geothermal water. The effect of the very low Crtot concentration in the analyzed water on health risk calculation was estimated as low (hazard quotient value <10−7). In the case of risk matrix analysis, the environmental risks were estimated as moderate, major and very severe, dependent on the assumed scenario.