Thermal Spring Water Research Articles

In-depth prospection of Avène Thermal Spring Water reveals an uncommon and stable microbial community.

Avène Thermal Spring Water (TSW) exhibits therapeutic properties in the treatment of skin pathologies. Arising from a dolomitic aquifer system, its physico-chemical properties are well-established and its bacteriological quality regularly monitored. The microbiota of this aquifer have been characterized. We aimed to describe the structure of the bacterial community inhabiting the deep aquifer and to examine its dynamics over time. The Avène TSW was collected at the catchment point and filtered through 0.1µm pore size filters. The sampling was carried out every 3months to generate a 4-year time series. The DNA extracted from filters was analysed using high-throughput 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing, and the microorganisms and their contribution were characterized by the taxonomic assignment of sequence variants generated from each sample. Bacteria were distributed into 39 phyla. Nitrospirae and Proteobacteria were the most prevalent, accounting for 38% and 23% of the total community on average, respectively. A stable pattern was observed throughout the study. A few bacterial species were always detected, forming a core community of likely chemolithoautotrophic organisms which might use energy sources and nutrients produced from water-bedrock interactions. Most of the species were distantly related to organisms described to date. Avène TSW provided by the deep aquifer system harbours a unique microbial community, shaped by the physico-chemical characteristics of the deep environment. Its remarkable stability over time has revealed a high level of confinement of the water resource.

Protective effect of Aquaphilus dolomiae extract‐G1, ADE‐G1, on tight junction barrier function in a Staphylococcus aureus‐infected atopic dermatitis model

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common skin disease characterized by recurrent pruritic inflammatory skin lesions and defects of the skin barrier. Bacterial infection with Staphylococcus aureus contributes to increased severity of AD by compromising the barrier further. A microorganism component of Avène Thermal Spring Water, Aquaphilus dolomiae, is thought to contribute to some of its beneficial effects to skin, eg AD alleviation. Here, we have investigated the effects of an extract of A.dolomiae, A.dolomiae extract-G1 (ADE-G1), on the structural barrier function of keratinocytes, tight junction (TJ) protein expression and the expression of several genes altered in AD patients. An epidermal cell culture model mimicking the AD environment and phenotype was used, in which S.aureus-infected cell cultures of normal human epidermal keratinocytes were exposed to a proinflammatory environment. Endpoints measured included the transepithelial electrical resistance (TER) and immunohistological staining of the epidermal TJ proteins, claudin and occludin. Additional analysis was made of several genes known to be differentially regulated in skin from AD patients (C-C motif chemokine ligand 20 (CCL20), interleukin-8 (IL-8), S100 calcium binding protein A7 (S100A7), defensin beta 4 (DEFB4) and filaggrin). Aquaphilus dolomiae extract-G1 strongly increased TER in non-infected cells and provided protection against infection by overcoming the decrease in TER induced by the infection with S.aureus. In infected cells exposed to a pro-inflammatory environment - depicting AD-like conditions - TER protection by ADE-G1 was still observed. Gene expression analysis of infected and pro-inflammatory stimulated cells indicated that ADE-G1 modulated the inflammatory response (induced IL-8 and attenuated CCL20 expression), increased antimicrobial activities (induced DEFB4 and A100A7) and strengthened barrier function (restored filaggrin expression). ADE-G1 reinforces barrier function and strongly protects TJ barrier disruption induced by bacterial infection and inflammation.

Additional pharmacological activity of I‐modulia and generation of two newly designed extracts of Aquaphilus dolomiae culture for dermocosmetic actives

Aquaphilus dolomiae (AD) is a unique isolate from Avène Thermal Spring Water. I-Modulia, the first biotech extract from culture of AD, was used as immune modulator in Th2 inflammatory models. In this short publication, firstly we describe generation of two AD de novo extracts specifically designed for repairing and for neuroinflammation modulation activities which will be described, respectively, in two other articles in this supplement. Finally, for I-modulia, we describe new data on inhibition of human mast cell degranulation invitro and its effect on substance P-induced neurogenic inflammation on exvivo human skin explants.

Impact of Avène Thermal Spring Water on immune cells.

The hydrotherapy centre in Avène, France, is used extensively to treat inflammatory skin diseases. Nevertheless, the immune mechanisms targeted by Avène Thermal Spring Water (TSW) are not fully understood. Here, we review the main results reported regarding the effects of Avène TSW on the immune system. In particular, mast cells, dendritic cells (DCs) and CD4+ T cells have been shown to be modulated by Avène TSW. All in all, the studies carried out on the effects of Avène TSW on leucocytes indicate that this water is endowed with a tolerogenic potential.

Benefits of Avène thermal hydrotherapy in chronic skin diseases and dermatological conditions: an overview.

The beneficial effects of Avène Thermal Spring Water (TSW), a low mineral content spring water, on chronic skin diseases have been recognized for more than two centuries. This article provides a brief overview of efficacy and tolerance data for Avène TSW from clinical studies conducted at the Avène Hydrotherapy Center in patients with chronic inflammatory skin diseases or temporary skin injuries. Avène TSW hydrotherapy is effective as adjuvant management for chronic skin diseases and dermatological conditions, relieving subjective and physical symptoms with excellent tolerance.

Hydrochemistry of Avène thermal waters (Avène-les-Bains, France).

Avène Thermal Spring Water (Avène TSW) has been used since 1743 in the treatment of various pathologies. The hydrothermal system is delimited by a reservoir mainly composed by dolomite and quartz in which meteoric waters infiltrate allowing rock-water interactions that control the water's chemical composition. Water analysis and geochemical calculations highlight that water composition is stable and low mineral salt content are controlled by natural geochemical equilibrium and the solubility of the minerals calcite, dolomite and quartz according to temperature and CO2 pressure within the reservoir. In addition, the annual monitoring of surface waters sampled on the impluvium surface area confirms the absence of anthropic impact on water quality. The forest and the low human activity of the watershed contribute to preserve the natural groundwater quality. This confirms that nowadays, the recharge water is still of great quality for the future generation.

Microwave hydrodiffusion and gravity versus conventional distillation for Acacia dealbata flowers. Recovery of bioactive extracts for cosmetic purposes

Natural extracts recovered from underutilized wild Acacia dealbata flowers using microwave hydrodiffusion and gravity (MHG) were compared with those obtained from conventional steam distillation. Several irradiation powers (50–125 W) were studied. MHG solid phases were treated by solid-liquid extraction (SLE) with ethanol solvent. Their total phenolic content, antioxidant capacity, total carotenoid content, color characteristics, pH value and solar protection factor (SPF) were tested. Selected extracts were incorporated to an oil-in-water emulsion cosmetic model made with three thermal spring waters and preliminary sensory analysis was made. These creams were chemically and rheologically analyzed jointly with their bioactive capacity by an acceleration oxidation test. The optimum MHG extract was collected at 75 W for 180 min, since this flower liquor exhibited the highest total phenolic content (around 0.15 mg GAE/g flower dry weight) and antioxidant capacities (about 0.39 mg Trolox eq/g flower dry weight and 0.36 μg β-carotene/g flower dry weight) of microwave extracts. Distillation extracts presented higher concentrations (about 0.20 mg GAE/g flower dry weight and around 0.58 mg Trolox eq/g flower dry weight), but with larger (two times) estimated specific energy requirements. Selected extracts provided sunscreen creams with similar chemical (i.e., pH and SPF values) and bioactive properties (i.e., thiobarbituric acid reactive substance outcomes) that cosmetics prepared with BHT or (±)-α-tocopherol commercial antioxidants. The viscosity features of the different cosmetic samples were similar, except for those sun creams elaborated with one thermal spring water. This sample presented lower apparent viscosity profiles, which could be an important advantage from the skin application point of view.

825 Aquaphilus dolomiae S0, a thermal spring water active compound, showing broad repairing properties of on in vitro models of injured skin

The clinical efficacy of Avène thermal spring water in atopic dermatitis, psoriasis or in reducing erythema post laser resurfacing have been shown by several studies. In addition to these soothing and immunomodulatory properties, in-vitro experiments have also demonstrated effects of Avène thermal spring water on stimulation of keratinocyte differentiation and improvement of membrane fluidity, suggesting a potential effect on skin barrier and repair. An investigation of the deep aquifer of the Avène thermal spring water pointed out a new microorganism as a potential source of these unique properties. Based on its distinctive phenotypic and genotypic characteristics, this newly identified strain was assigned to a new genus, as a representative of a novel species called Aquaphilus dolomiae. It is a chemoorganotrophic non-spore-forming bacterium of the b-Proteobacteria class. In the present study, the activity of S0, an original biological extract of A. dolomiae, was evaluated on in-vitro models of injured skin. The compound showed positive properties on primary fibroblast proliferation and keratinocyte migration. When formulated, it favored skin re-epithelialization on a 3D model of wounded skin explants. Moreover, we showed that S0 could prevent wound infection by up-regulating numerous antimicrobial peptide genes and inducing hBD2 peptide release. All together, these results show broad repairing properties of the A. dolomiae extract S0, helping skin repair and preventing complicated wounds.

244 Protective properties of Avène thermal spring water on biomechanical, ultrastructural and clinical parameters of the human skin

The mineral content of thermal spring waters (TSW) applied at the surface of the skin can directly influence the skin barrier through changes in the skin biomechanical properties and ultrastructure; however, the mechanisms underlying these are not completely elucidated. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of Avène TSW with mineral-rich (MR) TSW on the biomechanical properties of the skin using ex-vivo and clinical studies. Ex-vivo studies included analyses on: the skin surface ultrastructure and mineral element deposit using scanning electron microscopy coupled to energy dispersing X-ray spectroscopy; and the drying stress profile of the stratum corneum (SC) when exposed to dehydration.

Some physicochemical parameters and 226Ra concentration in groundwater samples of North Guilan, Iran

The 226Ra concentration and some physicochemical parameters have been measured in thermal spring waters used for medical therapy and drinking purposes in the Astara basin of North Guilan, Iran. The radon emanation method was performed using the AB-5 photomultiplier tube to measure the 226Ra concentration in water samples. Also, the physicochemical parameters of the water were measured in situ using a portable multimeter-VWR multi. The average concentrations of 226Ra were ranged between 3.4 ± 0.06 to 38.2 ± 0.08 mBq l−1. For all samples, the 226Ra concentration values range is lower than the maximum admissible value recommended by the WHO report. The relation between the physicochemical parameters and 226Ra activity concentration of groundwater was assessed. The results indicate a significant correlation coefficient between 226Ra concentration and T, as well as acidity pH. Anomalously high 226Ra concentrations in groundwater are preferentially found in high temperate and electric conductivity along with the acidic environment.

Geochemical features of hydrothermal systems in Jujuy Province, Argentina: Hints for geothermal fluid exploration

Fluid primary source(s) and chemical-physical processes controlling water and gas chemistry of thermal springs from Eastern Cordillera, sub-Andean Ranges and Santa Bárbara (Jujuy Province, northern Argentina) were investigated to provide information for a preliminary evaluation of the geothermal potential in these areas. Thermal manifestations in Eastern Cordillera (Reyes) and part of those in the western sector of sub-Andean Range (Aguas Calientes) are fed by shallow aquifers, interacting with Quaternary- Neogene rocks and the upper portion of Pliocene-Miocene formations (Orán Group), whereas the meteoric water recharge area is located at >2500 m a.s.l., corresponding to Chañi hill. Differently, El Jordán thermal spring in the sub-Andean Range is fed by a hydrothermal aquifer hosted within highly porous and fractured formations of the Salta Group (Yacoraite Formation) and recharged by meteoric water from Sierra de Calilegua (∼1500 m a.s.l.). The latter is the recharge area of the La Quinta geothermal waters as well, but these have been fed at higher altitudes (>2500 m a.s.l.) in the range. The hydrothermal reservoir feeding the other thermal springs from the Santa Barbara system (Caimancito, El Palmar, and Siete Aguas) is recharged by meteoric water from Zapla Ranges and Santa Barbara Hill at <2500 m a.s.l. The high-TDS (>16,000 mg/L) Na+-Cl- La Quinta thermal springs are produced by interaction with the evaporite deposits of Salta Group, including halite, whereas the chemistry of El Palmar, El Jordán and Caimancito thermal springs, showing a Na+-SO42-(Cl−) composition, depends on mixing with shallower SO42--rich waters interacting with gypsum deposits of Anta Formation. Dissolved and bubbling gases from all the investigated provinces are related to CO2- and CH4-rich crustal fluids produced by both thermogenic processes occurring within the hydrothermal systems and microbial activity at relatively low depth, with low to negligible mantle contribution, as indicated by the 3He/4He values ≤ 0.21 Ra. The fluid reservoir feeding the Quinta thermal springs shows the highest estimated temperatures (>200 °C), which, considering the depth of Salta Group in the Santa Barbara system (~2000 m), support the idea, suggested by previous authors, of an anomalous geothermal gradient for this area, a promising pre-requisite for future exploitation of the geothermal resource.

The effect of vehicle on skin absorption of Mg2+ and Ca2+ from thermal spring water.

Thermal spring waters (TSW) are commonly used as active ingredients in cosmetics. Their biological activities directly depend on the ionic composition of the spring. However, in order to exhibit beneficial properties, the minerals need to reach viable skin layers. The present study addresses the incorporation of marketed TSW in model cosmetic formulations and the impact of the formulation on skin absorption of magnesium and calcium ions that are known to improve skin barrier function. Marketed TSW was introduced into five formulations. Liposomes were prepared using saturated or unsaturated phospholipids mixed with cholesterol by the thin layer evaporation technique. Emulsions water-in-oil (W/O), oil-in-water (O/W) or double: water-in-oil-in-water (W/O/W) were prepared by high-shear mixing. Skin absorption of Mg2+ and Ca2+ from those formulations was studied invitro using static Franz diffusion cells under infinite dose condition and under occlusion of the apparatus. Mg2+ and Ca2+ penetrate skin samples from TSW. Encapsulating TSW into double emulsion (TSW/O/W) increased skin absorption of both cations of interest and kept the Ca2+ /Mg2+ ratio equal to that of TSW in each skin layer. The dermal absorption of Mg2+ from the double emulsion departs from both single emulsions. Application of liposome suspension improved the skin absorption of Ca2+ while keeping constant that of Mg2+ , leading to unbalanced Ca2+ /Mg2+ ratio inside skin. The beneficial effects of TSW are not only due to their action on the skin surface. Their active components, especially Ca2+ and Mg2+ cations, reach viable skin layers in a formulation-dependent manner. The distribution of ions inside skin depends on the type of formulation.

ROMATİZMAL HASTALIKLARDA KAPLICA TEDAVİSİ

Kaplıca tedavisi birçok hastalığın tedavisinde olduğu gibi kronik romatizmal hastalıkların yönetiminde de önemli bir rol oynamaktadır. Etki mekanizması kimyasal, termal, mekanik ve immünmodülatör olmak üzere geniş bir spektrum içermektedir. Son yıllarda balneoterapinin tek başına veya diğer geleneksel tıbbi tedavilere tamamlayıcı olarak önemi giderek artmaktadır. Çeşitli araştırmalardan elde edilen sonuçlar balneoterapinin faydalı etkilerini ortaya koymaktadır. Bu çalışmada, laboratuar parametreleri ve klinik açıdan yapılan çalışmalar gözden geçirilerek, romatizmal hastalıklarda kaplıca tedavisinin etkisi güncel bilgiler ışığında sunulmuştur.

A post-eruption study of gases and thermal waters at Okmok volcano, Alaska

We report here on the first focused study of gas discharges and thermal spring waters at Okmok volcano since the 2008 phreatomagmatic eruptions. Results include the first compositional gas data from Okmok with minimal air contamination and the first data on magmatic carbon in Okmok spring waters. Chemical and isotopic analyses of the waters and gases are used to assess the character of Okmok fluids eight years after the eruptions ceased.Gases from vents on intracaldera Cone C have high concentrations of H2 and contain H2S rather than SO2, demonstrating the influence of a hydrothermal system, while isotope values of carbon (−10.2 to −8.9‰) and helium (~8 RA) confirm the presence of magma-derived volatiles. Estimates of equilibrium temperatures for the Cone C gas are ~230 ± 30 °C. A much cooler reservoir with a maximum temperature of ~55 °C feeds the intracaldera warm springs. Based on discharge measurements of creeks draining the caldera, the total heat output of the warm springs is estimated to be about 32 MW.Gas data from a single location of steaming ground at the Geyser Bight geothermal area southwest of the Okmok Caldera are given. The gas is typical of geothermal gases with high concentrations of H2S and an air-corrected helium isotope ratio of 7.15 RA.

Microbiological and Physicochemical Research of Thermal Spring and Mountain Spring Waters in the District of Sliven, Bulgaria

Defined are the physicochemical properties of four healing non-thermal and thermal spring waters in the area of Sliven District, Bulgaria. The spring waters from the given four water sources are characterized by microbiological indicators and the pathogenic micro-organisms in the samples from the springs water sources mentioned above are determined by the membrane method.&#x0D; It is shown that according to 18 controlled parameters included in the study, the non-thermal healing spring “Hadji Dimitar” in the area of “Hot water” in the town of Shivachevo with water temperature 22.5ºC and the non-thermal spring “Gunchov spring” with water temperature 21.5ºC correspond to all controlled parameters according to Ordinance NO 9/2001, Official State Gazette, issue 30 and decree NO 178/23.07.2004 about the quality of water, intended for drinking purposes.&#x0D; It is established that that thermal healing spring Sliven mineral baths with water temperature 48ºC, healing spring Banya village with water temperature 37ºС meet the standard requirements. Non-thermal spring "Gunchov Spring", Sliven district with water temperature 21.5ºC does not meet the required microbiological parameters in regards to coli bacteria levels.

The microbiota as a candidate biomarker for SPA pools and SPA thermal spring stability after seismic events

Worldwide, the location of thermal springs overlaps seismic areas, and the higher occurrence of earthquakes may impact on water stability and safety. The hydrogeological perturbations pose environmental and public health risks that can be monitored by well-established chemical, physical and biological parameters. Specific health concerns involve the exposure of the population to the medical or wellness uses of SPA thermal waters, e.g. in respiratory or hydropinic treatments as well as during rehabilitative or recreational activities in pools. Since SPA waters are characterized by their own microbiota, we analysed by 16S amplicon sequencing the dynamics of water microbial communities after the August 2017 Ischia island earthquake. For the first time, we report the impact of a seismic event on a thermal spring water, whose microbiota was deeply characterized before and immediately after the natural disaster. The biodiversity stability of the water underwent a dramatic disturbance following the earthquake, as summarized by a Shannon index moving from 1.300 during May 2016-July 2017, up to 1.600 during the first 20–70 h after the event and slightly slowing down to 1.500 after 30 days and to 1.400 after 6 months. Microbiota analysis showed a sudden reduction of the relative abundance of autochthone thermophilic species within the first 20 h and a parallel increase of other thermophilic species as well as of ectopic bacteria from soil, sediments, sea, freshwater and wastewaters. Cultivable mesophilic bacteria were observed only in the first 20 h sample (7 × 103/L), even if the presence of faecal contamination traces was detected by Real Time PCR also up to 70 h after the disaster. OTUs analysis of putative metabolic functions showed several changes between pre and post event, such as in the distribution of Sulphur metabolizing and Carbon fixation species. The restoration of the original pattern followed a slow trend, requiring over six months. The observed results confirm the impact of the earthquake on the microbiota structure of the underground thermal spring water, suggesting further perspectives for monitoring water stability and safety issues by a metagenomic approach.

Investigation of Healing Effects of Afyon Region Thermal Spring Water on Experimentally-Induced Gastritis in Mice

In this study, 40 Albino mice were induced with ethyl alcohol to form of gastritis. In the treatment stage, control group mice were given tap water, while study group mice were given fresh water of Süreyya I hot spring. Clinical, hematological, biochemical, blood gases measurements and histopathological examinations of the gastric tissue were performed on the 1st, 7th, 14th and 21th days after the initiation of the treatment. At the end of the study, no significant difference was found between the groups in terms of body temperature (p&gt; 0.05), whereas heart and respiratory frequencies were significantly higher in the study group animals (p &lt;0.05). Although mean WBC, NOTR, MON, EOS and MCV decreased significantly in both groups (p &lt;0.05), it was found that the mean of these parameters were more significant in SG at all measurement times (p &lt;0.05). It was determined that TP, ALB and GLU levels increased in SG contrast to CG, and statistically significant decreases in AST, ALT, CK, ALP, LDH, UREA, CREA and IgG levels after the treatment. Additionally, pH, partial CO2 pressure, base deficit, bicarbonate, Ca and K levels decreased after gastritis procedure, whereas lactate, Na and Cl levels increased. Consequently, the clinical, hematological, blood biochemical parameters, blood gases and histopathological findings were evaluated as a whole, it was concluded that Süreyya I hot spring water was very successful in the treatment of gastritis.

Antioxidant capacity of the extracts from flowers of Erica australis L.: Comparison between microwave hydrodiffusion and gravity (MHG) and distillation extraction techniques - Formulation of sunscreen creams

Microwave hydrodiffusion and gravity (MHG) extraction of Erica australis flowers was optimized evaluating different microwave irradiation powers (25−200 W). Collected extracts were compared with the liquid phase obtained by conventional distillation. Their total phenolic content, antioxidant capacity and color features were evaluated. Microscopical properties of the flower tissues allowed assessing the distinct effects of the extraction processes. The cosmetic application of the collected bioactive extracts in the formulation of sunscreen creams with waters from three different thermal spring waters and the corresponding characterization (e.g. chemical, bioactive and rheological features) and sensory analysis were also made. For cosmetic comparative purposes, extracts from Ulex europaeus flowers obtained by MHG procedure was also analyzed. The stability of these oil-in-water model emulsions was tested during accelerated oxidation conditions. Results indicated that MHG at 50 W for 130 min was the most adequate work conditions for the extraction of antioxidant compounds from these wild flowers (around 0.27 mg Trolox eq/g flower dry weight and 0.01 mg ascorbic acid/g flower dry weight or 0.04 mg FeSO4 * 7H2O/g flower dry weight). This procedure also led a drop of energy consumption environmental impact (about 8 times less) in comparison with distillation method. Small total color differences were detected between the gathered extracts. The incorporation of flower extracts produced similar effects when compared with added commercial antioxidants except for viscous behavior. Sensorially, E. australis extract incorporated with thermal waters displayed a positive effect on the skin cream application of the formulated cosmetic, mainly with thermal water 3.

Microwave Hydrodiffusion and Gravity (MHG) Extraction from Different Raw Materials with Cosmetic Applications.

Microwave hydrodiffusion and gravity (MHG) and ethanolic solid-liquid extraction were compared using selected plant sources. Their bioactive profile, color features, and proximate chemical characterization were determined. MHG extracts, commercial antioxidants, and three distinct types of thermal spring water were used in a sunscreen cream formulation. Their bioactive capacity, chemical and rheological properties were evaluated. MHG Cytisus scoparius flower extract provided the highest bioactive properties. Pleurotus ostreatus MHG liquor exhibited the highest total solid extraction yield. The Brassica rapa MHG sample stood out for its total protein content and its monosaccharide and oligosaccharide concentration. Quercus robur acorns divided into quarters supplied MHG extract with the lowest energy requirements, highest DPPH inhibition percentage, total lipid content and the highest enzyme inhibition. The chemical and bioactive capacities stability of the sunscreen creams elaborated with the selected MHG extracts and the thermal spring waters showed a similar behavior than the samples containing commercial antioxidants.

Chemical signature detection of groundwater and geothermal waters for evidence of crustal deformation along fault zones

Common crustal igneous and high grade metamorphic rocks contain peroxy defects which remain dormant until the rock experiences stress upon deformation. Stress activated peroxy defects form highly reactive oxygen species (ROS) at the rock-water interface observed in both terrestrial and extraterrestrial rock samples. The ROS complex is formed upon rock fluid interaction when groundwater combines with the ROS to produce hydrogen peroxide giving an indirect measure of the underlying rock stress and crustal deformation along active faults. The average concentration of hydrogen peroxide from the Sohna thermal spring water falling along the active Sohna fault and geothermal field was measured to be ~ 0.53 ± 0.014 mg/l. Similar average concentration was also recorded from borewell sample north of the spring (~0.56 ± 0.017 mg/l) within the same geothermal field. Lower concentration of hydrogen peroxide was recorded within samples collected from hard rock aquifers outside the geothermal field and the active fault zone (~0.138 ± 0.095 mg/l). The detailed analysis suggests that the presence of hydrogen peroxide is largely dependent on the circulation pattern through the interconnected fractures/joints within the quartzite bedrock lying adjacent to the fault plane. Laboratory analysis results also show high hydrogen peroxide concentration within two borewell samples falling adjacent to the epicentre of a shallow microtremor event within the hard rock region falling alongside a lineament along the Delhi hard rock mega fold. Rock water interaction post stress activation of peroxy defects and formation of ROS has therefore been inferred to be responsible for the formation of hydrogen peroxide at the rock water interface within these zones. This pilot study provides scientific field evidence that hydrogen peroxide concentrations within groundwaters might offer prospects for seismic stress estimation and crustal deformation along seismically active zones.