Chimie de la minéralisation

The chemistry of mineralisation

Antea-Groupe, BRGM

Abstract

The original mineralisation of a mineral water is its primary characteristic: it is the basis of its organoleptic and therapeutic properties and it is on its constancy and quality that regulations rely. As the water rises to the surface, its mineralisation can be modified by a number of phenomena: release of gas, cooling, oxidation, mixing with water from shallower depths, dissolution or precipitation of minerals, various forms of contamination, and so on. These obstacles can be overcome by means of the techniques, methods and concepts of hydro-geochemistry. The waters of Luchon provide a good illustration.