Investigation of Mud pot in Khok Krabeung subdistrict, Banlueam District, Nakhornratchasima, Thailand, February 13–March 8, 2019

Abstract

Background: Mud pot is caused by groundwater that has pressure after reacting with soil minerals, which can be found in many areas of northeastern Thailand. The occurrence of a mud pot event at Nong Kung Noi Village, Khok Krabeung subdistrict, Ban Lueam District, Nakhon Ratchasima at the end of January 2 0 1 9 , drew peoples from inside and outside the area to visit. Some people drank water from the mud pot or applied mud on their body to treat illness according to their beliefs. Therefore we conducted an investigation to assess health risks.
Method: We observed, photographed and interviewed people in the area. We collected soil and mud samples for Melioidosis and other pathogenic bacteria. Test results of pH and various minerals were compared with the APHA, ISO and BAM standards for drinking water. We checked for chemical substances, bacteria, yeast and mold by ISO 22718: 2015, ISO 18415: 2007 and compared with the standard of facial mask products. Detection of dangerous gas at the mouth of the mud pit by using the Portable Ambien Air Analyzer and the ICS Model MX6iBirdS/N17101SH–001. Additional water samples and mud were tested to detect heavy metals using ICP–MS method.
Results: Laboratory tests showed no Burkholderia pseudomallei, but we found Escherichia coli, Salmonella spp. (Group c), MPN Coliforms, pH, fluoride, and iron higher than the standard value for sealed drinking water products. We found Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Amount of yeast and mold per 1 gram was higher than the standard for facial mask products. For gas measurement, we found sulfur dioxide higher than standard. The arsenic level was also higher than the standard in water sample.
Conclusion and recommendations: From this investigation, we had detected some potential health risks from the water and mud to be higher than the standards of sealed drinking water products. We also found Pseudomonas aeruginosa, bacteria, yeast and mold higher than the standard for facial mask products. Moreover volatile sulfur dioxide and arsenic was higher than the standard. Public relations should be communicated to people in the area, including those traveling outside of the area, to be aware of the dangers of drinking water and applying mud from the mud pot.