Les eaux minérales sulfurées. Problématique générale

Sulphurous mineral waters. The general problem

Université de Bordeaux 2

Abstract

Sulphurous mineral waters have been known for a very long time, but their geological origin and classification are still the subject of debate.

From the standpoint of physical chemistry, thermodynamics provides a large number of data most of which cannot be checked experimentally because the analysis of these waters represents a major problem for the chemist despite the development of special techniques.

Physical chemical investigation is complicated by the fact that these waters are unstable in contact with the air. This phenomenon is of particular importance because the reduced sulphur species that appear after emergence of the water will be more or less suitable for pharmacological use although their appearance will depend in particular on the operating conditions.