BALNEO-THERAPEUTIC QUALITY OF WATER FROM THERMAL CHLOROSODIC SPRINGS OF THE MIDDLE BENUE TROUGH, NIGERIA

Five springs namely Bitrus, Tangarahu, Ruwan Zafi , Ruwan Dumi, and Ruwan Zafi Akiri in Awe – North Central Nigeria were sampled and analysed for elements of geomedical relevance using the electrometric method to determine electrical conductivity, pH value, iodide and fluoride content. The spectrophotometric method was used for the determination of ammonium, iron, magnesium, nitrate, nitrite, silicate, bromate, and sulphate content. Furthermore, the flame photometric method was used for the determination of sodium, and potassium content. Finally, the complexometric titration was used to determine calcium, and magnesium, the argentometric titration to determine chloride, while the acidimetric titration was used in the determination of hydrocarbonate. Their rich mineral endowment is easily traced to the Cretaceous host-beds of shale, silt, sandstone, somtimes calcareous as well as their brine nature and temperature ranging between 34⁰C and 45⁰C, making them invaluable balnear resources. All the springs have mineralization greater than 1000 mg/l and as such they qualify as mineral/medicinal waters useful in the management of orthopedic, dermatological, gynecological, respiratory tract diseases, as well as in prophylaxis.