Chemical analysis of trace heavy metals in geothermal fluids

Abstract

The chemical composition of the trace heavy metals has been investigated to establish their concentrations, nature and characteristics in natural thermal fluids discharged at atmospheric pressure from geothermal systems such as drilled wells, hot springs and fumaroles in Kenya. In this case study, particular reference is made to the geothermal fields in the Rift Valley of Kenya stretching from Lake Bogoria in the North to Lake Naivasha in the South where extensive geothermal development work including deep drilling to a depth of 2500m at Olkaria has been carried out recently. The study covers the following main geothermal fields:Lake Bogoria, Kapedo, 01 kokwe island in Lake Baringo, Olkaria, Eburru, Kijabe and Lake Magadi.