Influence of Microwave Energy and Agitation on the Physicochemical Properties of Natural Mineral Water

Abstract

This study investigates the modifications in the physicochemical properties of natural mineral waters induced by microwave radiation and agitation. Mineral waters from Svyatoi Istochnik, Aqua Minerale, Karachinskaya, Arkhyz, and Serebrianyi Kliuch were subjected to these two activation methods. The pH and redox potential parameters were meticulously evaluated to observe alterations. Experimental studies provide evidence that microwave radiation and agitation significantly alter the physical and chemical characteristics of the selected mineral waters. A standard microwave oven operating at a frequency of 2.45 GHz was utilized for microwave radiation while agitation was performed using established techniques. The changes in pH and redox potential were carefully measured post-treatment. Technologically significant properties of the treated water were identified. These include a reduction in acidity due to an increase in pH value and a near tripling of the water's redox potential following a total stirring time of 2 minutes compared to an untreated control sample. The mechanochemical technique employed during agitation caused water molecule destruction due to friction forces, plastic deformation, impact compression, and mass transfer intensification. Conversely, the microwave radiation effect is attributed to the resonance effect resulting from the absorption of microwaves by water molecules. Moreover, it was experimentally determined that the activation effect of agitation persisted in the mineral waters for one hour, while the effect of microwave radiation lasted for one day. This longevity indicates a more profound influence of microwaves on the electronic systems of the water's components. In conclusion, the study demonstrates the feasibility of altering the physicochemical parameters of mineral waters with varying compositions and degrees of mineralization using short-term microwave radiation and agitation. The successful modification of the water samples' hydrogen index and redox potential signifies the potential utility of these techniques in manipulating the properties of mineral water.