Chemical composition of natural waters from the Urov endemic area

Abstract

Owing to the importance of drinking water in human nutrition, in this study, we performed a comparative analysis of the chemical composition of drinking water from settlements endemic to Kashin–Beck disease and from territories that are not endemic to Kashin–Beck disease. Our analysis showed that all drinking water samples were weakly alkaline and had a hydrocarbonate–calcium–magnesium composition. There were no considerable differences in mineralization, pH, or concentrations of Mg, Si, F, Se Zn, K, and Na. All waters had weak hardness specific for the waters from the northern territories. The mineral waters from the Urov biogeochemical subregion of the biosphere have elevated concentrations of Ca, Mg, Sr, Si, and Li and lower concentrations of I, Se, and Cu. The maximum Sr content was found in mineral water from the Bazanovo village, i.e., 20 mg/L, with a Ca/Sr ratio of 8 units. Owing to the inconsistency of data on the chemical composition of drinking water from the territories endemic for Kashin–Beck disease, we suggest an indirect role of biogeochemical factors in the disease pathogenesis. Previous pathologies may be important, which have arisen because of hypothermia, common cold, hormonal imbalance, and alimentary factors.