Geochemistry and mineralogy of muds and thermal waters from mud volcanoes in the NW Caribbean Coast of Colombia and their potential for pelotherapy

Mud volcanoes in northwestern Colombia are used by local people as inexpensive recreation and wellness centres, especially for pelotherapy. However, the potential therapeutic value of the muds and thermal waters released by these volcanoes has not been fully investigated. The main objective of this research is to determine the potential therapeutic value of the solid and liquid fractions of the muds sampled from nine mud volcanoes located along the northwestern Caribbean coast of Colombia through geochemical and mineralogical analysis. An evaluation of the granulometric characteristics was also carried out. The presence of a hypertonic saline environment created by secondary volcanic processes is indicated by the thermal fluid fraction. The mineral composition of the muds is dominated by quartz, phyllosilicates (kaolinite, smectite, illite and chlorite), feldspar, carbonates (dolomite, calcite) and a significant amorphous component. Based on the composition of the clay fraction, three distinct groups can be distinguished: (i) kaolinite-rich, (ii) illite-rich, and (iii) chlorite-rich. These muds are suitable for use by the local population due to the extremely low levels of contaminants harmful to human health, such as potentially toxic elements, nitrates, nitrites or fluorides. The results of this study suggest that the muds and thermal waters released by these mud volcanoes have potential therapeutic value. Further research is needed to confirm these findings and to investigate the specific mechanisms by which these muds and waters can be used in medical practice.