Physical and Chemical Water Quality of Chae Son Hot Springs for Tourism in Chae Son National Park, Lampang Province, during the Summer and Rainy Seasons of 2023

Abstract

Chae Son Hot Springs is a tourist attraction located within Chae Son National Park where water is used for tourism–related activities. Thus, the water quality may affect the health of the visitors. This study aims to examine certain physical and chemical properties of the water quality and compare them with the groundwater quality standards for consumption. The study involved collecting water samples from three hot spring sources: a hot spring without tourism activities, a hot spring reservoir used for mineral bathhouses, and a warm water pond for foot soaking. Data collection was conducted twice: once during the summer and once during the rainy season. A total of 22 water quality indicators were analyzed. Statistical analysis was performed to compare the water quality between various hot spring sources using the F–test and DMRT, and between seasons using the t–test. 

The water was clear with low turbidity, with the water temperature ranging from warm to extremely hot. Among the 14 chemical indicators analyzed, fluoride levels in all sources during the summer and the hot spring without tourism activities during the rainy season exceeded the standard limits. Additionally, arsenic was detected but remained within the standard limits, while six heavy metals were not detected. Differences in water temperature and turbidity between different hot spring sources was found to be statistically significant (p≤0.05), whereas other water quality indicators were not found to be significant (p>0.05). Seasonal comparisons indicated statistically significant differences (p≤0.05) in sodium (Na), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), chloride (Cl), fluoride (F), manganese (Mn), and arsenic (As), while other water quality indicators were not found to be significantly different (p>0.05).