Trace Metals in Deep Geothermal Water, Palinpinon Geothermal Field, Southern Negros, Philippines

Abstract

The purpose of the study is to gain insights into metals transport in geothermal fluids, leading to an understanding of the processes for ore deposition in environments. Deep waters from 2 wells located in different hydrological settings, at the Palinpinon geothermal field, Philippines were analysed for trace metals. Chemical variability between waters, the influenceof contaminationand lack of datafrom other wells hindersinterpretationof the resultswith regard to chemical differencesand differences of hydrological setting. Gold shows no apparent of contamination. TheAu concentrations for both wells range analogous to measuredAu concentrationsfrom other geothermal fields (Ohaaki, Cerro Prieto). For Palinpinonwaters at reservoir conditions, is the dominantAu-bearing complex. TheAu solubility is calculatedto be which is comparableto measuredAu concentrations. Thisresult implies Palinpinon waters are saturated with respect to gold and hence are potential ore-forming solutions.