Determination of metals’ contents in the Dead Sea’s water, mud and sediments

Abstract

The unique climatic condition of the Dead Sea area makes it a renowned site for climatotherapy worldwide. Its water and mud are used for therapy and as sources for many cosmetic products. The high evaporation rate of the water of the Dead Sea makes the measurements of its minerals’ concentrations with time a necessity. Therefore, the aim of this study is to determine the metal contents in both water and mud of the Dead Sea which may have influence on human health. Major, minor and trace elements (Na, Mg, Ca, K, Fe, Al, Si, P, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Co, Cu, Zn, Cd, Sb, Pb, Ni) concentrations were assessed in nine samples each of water, mud and sediments collected from the east shore of the Dead Sea. The analysis has been conducted using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry following combinations of acid digestion. The most abundant cation in the water is magnesium (40.0 g/L), while in the mud and sediment samples is calcium (39.9 g/kg and 3.82 g/kg). Heavy metal contents in these samples are lower than those observed for other water bodies, while those of Na, K, Mg and Ca are much higher than their counterparts of other water. The results showed an increase in the metal concentrations with time. The current study reveals that the mud of the Dead Sea can be used for cosmetic industry and it is safe to use the water for therapy.