S. Giampaoli, F. Valeriani, G. Gianfranceschi, M. Vitali, M. Delfini, M.R. Festa, E. Bottari, V. Romano Spica
Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is a molecule dissolved in many thermal spring waters at variable concentration. The H2S effects of thermal waters treatments have long been studied, for dermatological and clinical treatments, but its role in recreational waters was never investigated. The use of sulfur spring waters in pools raises concerns related to disinfection by oxidants. The aim of this work is to evaluate the survival rate of microbial species in waters with different titers of H2S. Four selected thermal waters collected from Italian springs, belonging to different chemical categories, have been tested in comparison to Tyrrhenian sea water and natural mineral bottled water. Results show inhibition properties on bacterial proliferation that seem related to H2S concentrations. To further asses this phenomenon H2Swas added to thermal and natural mineral waters. The results strongly support a bactericidal role of H2Sin thermal spring waters used for recreational purposes. These observations open up new perspectives for a disinfectant role of H2Sin pool treatment and management.
Dipartimento:Unit of Public Health, University of Rome “Foro Italico”, P.zza L. De Bosis, 6, 00135 Roma, Italy
Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, “Sapienza” University, P.le Aldo Moro, 5, 00185, Rome, Italy
Department of Chemistry, “Sapienza” University, P.le Aldo Moro, 5, 00185, Rome, Italy