Ecotoxicological studies on Hungarian peloids (medicinal muds)

Because of its anomalous geothermal gradient, Hungary is especially rich in waters and peloids which are used for medicinal treatments. Unfortunately, there is less knowledge on the toxicology of these natural products. The aim of the present study was to investigate the possible toxicological effects of peloids focusing on initial tests with them. Two peloids from Heviz and Kolop were evaluated. Two tests were used, the Eisenia (worm) test and the white mustard seedling growth test. For Eisenia the endpoints were lethality, mass growth and reproductive capacity, while for white mustard the endpoint was root length. While Heviz peloid did not show any statistically significant effects, Kolop peloid reduced the reproductive capacity of Eisenia. These are the first results indicating biological toxicity of peloids used in medicinal treatments.