Environmental Hydrogeochemistry of hot springs in Vartoun, Kouhpayeh, Esfahan

Vartoun’s hot springs (Imam Reza and Morad) are located in 12Km from Vartoun Village and about 70 Km from the east of Esfahan. Petrographic and field studies show that most of the base rocks of these hot springs are Eocene limestone with composition of carbonate (calcite or aragonite), iron oxide and hydroxide and clay minerals. According to the Wilcox diagram it is recognized that the water of these springs are saline and not appropriate for agricultural purposes. The result of Schoeller diagram indicating the amount of salt of the water in this region is higher than drinking water standard and according to Piper-tip diagram, the water in these three springs is sulfated and high saline type. The geochemical data show that the chemical compositions of the spring are not harmful for environment according to internal and international standards. The results of the research show that these waters are not suitable for industrial and irrigation purposes, but can be utilized for water treatment