In this study, an analysis of 105 sources distributed in the municipality of Sant Hilari Sacalm is carried out, in the region of La Selva. Between February 1 and May 2, 2018, 16 field campaigns have been conducted to locate and sample these springs. In order to analyse them first, they are classified according to their hydrogeological origin, their flow, the chemical composition of their waters and the predominant soil uses in their drainage basins. Based on these classifications, we proceed to analyse the relationships between them. To do this, first the springs must be sampled to measure their conductivity, pH, temperature, redox potential, and dissolved oxygen concentration. Also, to analyse the samples in the laboratory and in this way be able to determine the concentrations of some ions and compounds in the water.
Next, we must have determined the drainage basins of the springs, to be able to analyse the relation of its surface with the discharge of the springs. Subsequently, the uses of the soil in each drainage basin are determined, to calculate the percentage of each in the total surface area of the basin. For later analyses, the uses of the predominant soil in the drainage basin of each source are used, to be able to verify the effects that these can cause in the chemistry of the water.
Sant Hilari Sacalm is located in the massif of the Guilleries, which has a geological composition, mainly of silicic type, that influences the chemical composition of the springs of water from the reactions that occur between groundwater and rocks for which it circulates. Being an area formed mostly by a slightly varied geology, there are not high chemical variations between the springs analysed, except for spicy springs. These three springs have specific chemical characteristics, which classify them in medicinal springs. These medicinal properties have been an important aspect in the history of the township, being a tourist attraction in the last century. At the moment, the springs are still an important part of the township, thanks to the bottlers, which are one of the most important economic sectors of the town
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