Physico-chemical Characterization and Potential Health Benefit of the Hulu Langat Hot Spring in Selangor, Malaysia

Abstract

Geotourism is a means in geology that contributes to one of the 17 sustainable development goals (SDGs). One of the key areas in geology that can contribute to geotourism activities is hot spring exploration. This study, therefore explores hot springs in Hulu Langat, Selangor for their potential in geotourism based on their physico-chemical properties and their attributed health benefits potential. These renowned hot springs are Batu 16, Dusun Tua, National Youth Training Institute (IKBN), Sg. Serai, and Sg. Lalang. Despite their popularity among tourists, their health benefits potential remain unclear. Therefore, the physico-chemical properties of these hot springs and their potential health benefits as indicated by the abundance of trace elements in each site will be determined in this study. The temperature (℃), conductivity (µs/ cm), total dissolved solid (mg/L), salinity (ppt), dissolved oxygen (mg/L) and pH values of the hot springs have been measured in-situ, and the concentrations of trace elements (Si, Li, Fe, and Cu) in hot springs water have been determined in the laboratory. Based on the in-situ measurement results, the hot springs are classified according to their pH and temperature. The pH value range from 6. 83-8.71 shows that these hot springs are neutral to weak alkaline. The lowest temperature (40.47°C) has been recorded in Dusun Tua hot spring, whereas the highest temperatures (70.41-74.03°C) have been observed in IKBN hot springs. High concentrations of Si, Li, Na, K, As and Cu are found in Batu 16 hot spring. The concentrations of Fe and Ca are higher in Sg. Serai and Sg. Lalang hot springs, and the highest K concentration is found in Dusun Tua hot spring. The other concentration of trace elements are generally low and similar across hot springs. Given the abundance of trace elements, the hot springs could possibly cure certain diseases, such as psoriasis and eczema. The Batu 16, Sg. Serai and Sg Lalang hot springs have the potential to be developed as important sites for health geotourism industries due to the high trace elements concentration. Thus, this study may serve as a basis for further investigations on this aspect. kelimpahan unsur surih di setiap lokasi akan ditentukan dalam kajian ini. Suhu (℃), kekonduksian elektrik (µs/cm), jumlah pepejal terlarut (mg/L), kemasinan (ppt), oksigen terlarut (mg/L) dan nilai pH mata air panas diukur secara insitu, dan kepekatan unsur kimia (Si, Li, Fe, Cu) di dalam mata air panas ditentukan melalui kajian makmal. Berdasarkan hasil pengukuran in-situ, mata air panas dikelaskan berdasarkan nilai pH dan suhunya. Julat pH adalah 6.83-8.71 menunjukkan mata air panas ini adalah neutral ke alkali lemah. Suhu paling rendah (40.47°C) telah direkodkan di mata air panas Dusun Tua, manakala suhu tertinggi (70.41-74.03°C) telah didapati di mata air IKBN. Kepekatan Si, Li, Na, K, As dan Cu yang tinggi ditemukan di mata air panas Batu 16. Kepekatan Fe dan Ca didapati lebih tinggi di Sg Serai dan Sg Lalang, manakala kepekatan K tertinggi ditemukan di mata air ...

Molecular identification of cellulase and protease producing Bacillus tequilensis UTMSA14 isolated from the geothermal hot spring in Lau Sidebuk Debuk, North Sumatra, Indonesia

“…The result of pH measurement was 6.1-6.5 (Table 1), which allows for optimal growth of thermophilic bacteria. Based on acidity or alkalinity, hot springs are generally classified into six classes, including: strong acid spring (pH < 2), acid spring (2 ≤ pH ≤ 4), weak acid spring (4 ≤ pH ≤ 6), neutral spring (6 ≤ pH ≤7.5) weak alkaline spring (7.5 ≤ pH ≤ 9) and alkaline spring (pH ≥ 9) (Simon et al 2019). This categorization is in line with the study of Ifandi and Alwi (2018), which reported on the optimum growth of thermophilic bacteria isolated from Bora Hot Springs in Central Sulawesi, at pH 6-8, indicating neutrophilic to alkalophilicity.…”

Briefing Geohistórico Dos Estudos De Cobertura E Uso Da Terra No Planejamento E Na Gestão Territorial

“…O turismo em territórios de águas termais insere-se em um quadro mais amplo de crise ambiental, onde espalham-se pelo mundo propostas de atividades, bens e serviços classificados -ou divulgados-como "ecológicos". A crítica ao modelo turístico hegemônico gera alternativas, entre elas o turismo rural, o turismo cultural, o ecoturismo, e o também chamado turismo termal, ou geoturismo (Simon et al 2019;Drăghici et al 2016).…”

“…Os estudos que não se restrinjam a aspectos clássicos do turismo, portanto, são demandados para que ampliem seu olhar para esta atividade enquanto componente de um contexto mais amplo, do qual fazem parte a cultura, a economia, a comunidade e sua percepção do território e as ações políticas, com foco em ações de sustentabilidade (Simon et al 2019;.…”

“…No entanto, considera-se os conteúdos sociais próprios dos territórios denominados cidades termais, consolidados em seus diferentes usos (balnear, hoteleiro, recreativo, lúdico e cultural), como formas e espaços comuns. São dotados de bens imóveis e móveis, que formam uma unidade contínua, claramente identificável e com interesse suficiente na sua totalidade (Simon et al 2019;.…”

Health Risk in Hot Springs: A Literature Review

“…The minerals contained in hot spring baths have been shown to cure several ailments (5). The therapeutic benefits obtained after soaking for 3-4 weeks in a hot pool include repairing and stimulating the immune system, mental and body relaxation, increasing the production of endorphins, and detoxifying toxins in the body through sweat and urine.…”