Hydrochemical and Microbiological Investigations and the Therapeutic Potential of Some Mineral Waters from Bihor County, Romania

Water quality plays an important role for every sustainable social and economic system, as well as for maintaining human health. This study, carried out during 2022-2023, has as its main objective the physical-chemical and microbiological analysis of some underground water resources (two boreholes and a spring) with a natural mineral load from three areas in Bihor County (Romania), and the impact of their consumption on people's health. Therefore, six microbiological parameters and 17 physical-chemical indicators in three localities (Tamaseu, Sintimreu, Padurea Neagra) were analyzed. The results of the microbiological analysis indicate a type of water that respects the limits imposed by the legislation on natural mineral waters and potability. The physical-chemical indicators show that the hydrochemical type of the studied waters is predominantly bicarbonate, in association with calcium, magnesium, and sodium cations. The residents' perception on water quality and the effect on people's health was assessed through a questionnaire (23 items) addressed to the population of the three villages and neighboring localities. The results showed that the mineral waters from Sintimreu and Padurea Neagra are used frequently. Many respondents consider the local mineral waters as without quality-related problems and with beneficial effects regarding acute or chronic gastrointestinal conditions, such as gastritis, gastric ulcers, flatulence, or liver diseases.

Automated summary

Water quality is crucial for sustainable social and economic systems and human health. This study aims to analyze the underground water resources in three areas of Bihor County, Romania, and assess their impact on human health. The results indicate that the water meets the legal limits for natural mineral water and potability, and has a hydrochemical type of bicarbonate. The survey reveals that the local mineral waters are widely used and perceived to have beneficial effects on gastrointestinal conditions.