Assessment of Medical Geology from Major Element Trilinear Diagrams Cl-SO₄-HCO₃ and Na-K-Mg from Geothermal and Non-Geothermal Springs; Case Study the Wayang Windu Geothermal Area, West Java, Indonesia

Abstract

Medical geology research involves the processes, deficiencies, and excessive exposure of significant elements and minerals to present solutions to health problems. Minerals from volcanic aquifers from geothermal and non-geothermal springs interest medical geology research. Major elements in source rocks essential for our health come from the rocks beneath the earth’s surface. This study aims to evaluate the medical geology of major elements in the water from volcanic aquifers in the Wayang Windu Geothermal Area. The methods used are trilinear analysis of major elements, Piper diagram, and statistical analysis. We have investigated six cold springs, four hot springs, and three dug wells surrounding the Wayang Windu geothermal area. The results of hydrochemical study and field checking identified the location of water sources that have potential uses in medical geology and balneotherapy. The primary relationship elements in the Piper Diagram defined five major water types: CaCl, MgCl, CaMgHCO3, and CaHCO3. Results from hydrochemical analyses, statistics, and trilinear diagrams were used to identify springs suitable for medical geology and balneotherapy. Hot springs with good health criteria that meet the balneotherapy requirements are found at locations H1, H2, H3, and H4. Hydrochemical data shows that hot springs in several areas of Pangalengan are suitable for bathing and body contact activities but not for drinking water. Cold springs at locations C1, C2, C3, C4, C5, and C6 meet the drinking water criteria surrounding the Wayang Windu geothermal area.