Caracterização de águas salinas da Ria de Aveiro (Portugal) para potencial uso em tratamentos de SPA

ABSTRACT: This study aims to characterize the properties of the saline waters from an old saltpan at the Ria de Aveiro, and assess its potential use in skin treatments. Eight water samples were collected from two different areas of an open-air salt SPA, during four different climatic seasons between 2020 and 2021. Physichochemical parameters of the waters revealed an alkaline pH and high electrical conductivity (EC), mainly in the area where salt production takes place (Area 2). Chemical analysis revealead an enrichment in potentially toxic elements (PTEs), namely Cu and Cr6+, in samples of Area 2, collected in the summer. MEV-EDE analysis of the total suspended matter (TSM) showed the presence of NaCl cubic particles, microorganisms (e.g., diatoms) and particles enriched in PTEs. The low concentrations of PTEs does not pose a risk to SPA users, allowing these waters to be used as a liquid phase in SPA treatments for skin diseases.