Hydrochemical Characterization of Geothermal Fluid: A case study from Simav (Kütahya)

Many metal(loid)s in rocks are dissolved during long-term interactions with geothermal fluids at high temperature and pressure. Due to the high metal and trace element concentration contained in geothermal fluids, they have negative effects on surrounding water resources. The Eynal, Na？a and ？itg？l geothermal fields are located in Simav county in Kütahya province. The geothermal fluids are used for thermal tourism, residential and greenhouse heating, with wastewater discharged into the Simav river. There is no reinjection well in the region. This study aimed to determine the hydrochemical characterization and to assess the probable environmental effects of the geothermal fluid in Simav county. With this aim, water samples were taken from the Eynal, Na？a and ？itg？l geothermal fields twice during rainy and dry periods in 2014 and 2015 and from a total of 22 geothermal well. The hydrochemical analysis results were compared with national standards and statistically assessed. The geothermal fluids had temperature of 60.05-88.8 °C with electrical conductivity values measured as 1596-2271 μS/cm. The cation sequence in the geothermal fluid was Na+> K+> Ca2+> Mg2+, with anion sequence of SO42-> HCO3-> Cl- and the water type of the fluid was Na-SO4-HCO3. Arsenic (684 μg/l), B (4203 μg/l), Fe (612 μg/l), and Mn (531 μg/l) concentrations were above limit values. According to the Turkish Water Pollution Control Regulations, the geothermal fluids are classified as heavily polluted water according to Na+, SO42-, As and B concentrations