Chemical properties of peat used in balneology

Chemical characterization of peat specifically qualified for balneological use, providing analytical data on humic substance content, mineral composition, pH, and other physicochemical properties. Full journal and DOI details are not currently on record (the Consensus.app URL suggests indexing without full metadata), which limits verification of the precise publication context.

What It Measures

The study analyses the chemical profile of balneologically certified peat samples: humic acid (HA) and fulvic acid (FA) fractions, mineral composition (including trace elements), pH, and water-holding capacity. These are the parameters that determine whether a peat deposit qualifies as balneologically active and what therapeutic applications it is suitable for.

The Quality Profile Connection

Not all peat is therapeutically equivalent. Balneological certification requires minimum thresholds for organic content, humification degree, and humic substance concentration. This study connects those certification criteria to measurable analytical parameters — showing which chemical values correlate with the properties that make peat therapeutically active. The pH data is particularly relevant for cosmetic formulation: skin compatibility requires a pH range close to the skin’s natural value (4.5–5.5), and peat’s typically acidic pH is a relevant parameter.

Use on This Site

Cited as supporting analytical context for substance and mechanism pages. Where the site discusses humic acid content thresholds or peat quality criteria, Szajdak 2009 (alongside Blońska-Sikora 2024 and Orru 2007/2011) provides the compositional reference data.