ABSTRACT
Use groundwater for human needs, such as health, consumption and hygiene, is determined by the content of calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg) concentrations, and co-existence of macrocomponents such as sodium (Na+), chloride (Cl−), sulfate (SO4
dioxide (CO2). Groundwaters occurring in Poland are very diverse. In recent years the National Institute of Public Health – National Institute of Hygiene has carried out a large number of analyses of chemical and physico-chemical parameters on a wide range of groundwater types. The results of these analyses indicate that the concentration of Ca2+ and Mg2+ ions is highest (up to several grams/l) in some of the brines used for medical purposes. Naturally-carbonated water is characterised by a significant amount of both elements (up to several hundred mg/l), while also containing large a concentration of bicarbonate. Another example is alkaline water, which contains very low amounts of calcium (just afew mg/l) and magnesium (less than 1 mg/l), a significant concentration of sodium bicarbonate and has pH > 8. There are various Ca2+ to Mg2+ ionic ratios in Polish groundwaters, although the amount of calcium is usually at least two times higher than magnesium. In Poland rare types of waters are magnesium-sulfate waters and waters with a dominance of Mg2+ ion. The different types of Polish groundwaters rich in Ca and Mg are described in this chapter. Some groundwaters can possibly be used in medicine, by the food industry and for cosmetics.
