Hydrogeochemical analysis of drinking water sources in Anzorey, Kahramanmaraş, Türkiye: health implications

This study aims to assess the drinking water quality and hydrogeochemistry of four springs in the Anzorey region in the Kahramanmaraş province of Türkiye. Significant hydrogeochemical variations were identified in the studied water sources by employing a traditional methodology, including water classifications, ternary diagrams, and isotopic signatures. The examined spring waters, which exhibited basic pH values and a temperature range between 9 °C and 14 °C, were classified as mixed waters. Deuterium and oxygen-18 stable isotopes have indicated that the region's aquifers are replenished by meteoric precipitation. High tritium concentrations, low electrical conductivity, and low chlorine contents have suggested shallow groundwater circulation with short transit periods, categorizing it as a young water source with an age of less than 50 years. Notably, a high barium concentration was observed in the spring water, which has been extensively used by the villagers, most of whom have suffered from hearing loss. Medical examinations revealed that the prevalence of hearing loss among the local population was 87%. This may be associated with the elevated barium levels of the drinking water, warranting further interdisciplinary studies covering body barium concentration, hearing loss tests, and hydrogeochemical properties for confirmation.