article · Studia Universitatis Babeș-Bolyai Chemia
ABSTRACT. El-Maatya spring water, sourced from Algeria, is locally esteemed for its therapeutic attributes and has undergone scientific scrutiny to evaluate its litholytic potential on urinary calculi. Thorough physicochemical and microbiological assessments were performed to analyze its composition and ensure its safety. The microbiological evaluation yielded excellent results, demonstrating an absence of coliforms, E. coli, and streptococci, thereby affirming the water's sanitary integrity. Spectroscopic techniques, including UV and FTIR, were employed to ascertain the composition of the urinary stones, primarily consisting of calcium oxalate and uric acid. Ex vivo dissolution experiments indicated a markedly elevated rate of mass loss in uric acid stones when compared to calcium oxalate stones, which exhibited negligible solubility—underscoring the selective efficacy of the water. Microscopic examinations revealed significant morphological changes in the structure of the calculi following exposure. Finally, a survey involving 241 participants corroborated the favorable perception of El-Maatya water regarding urinary health, thereby reinforcing its traditional utilization.
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DOI: 10.24193/subbchem.2025.4.09
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