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M. A. MOSSO Y COLS. AN. R. ACAD. NAC. FARM.

ABSTRACT
Microbiology of the mineral spring of Cervantes Spa

The hypothermal carbonated spring waters from Cervantes and San Camilo
mineral springs were studied. Waters from both mineral springs are used in the
curative spa therapy at the Cervantes Spa located in the town of Santa Cruz de
Mudela (Ciudad Real). At three different seasons of the year, samples were collec-
ted both at the source and at the microbial mats formed where the spring waters
emerge. The number of total microorganisms determined was 105/mL, most of
which were alive (97,1%). The number of heterotrophic viable bacteria and sporu-
lated bacilli was lower than 100 cfu/mL and 5 cfu/mL, repectively. The majority of
the isolated heterotrophic bacteria strains was Gram-negative bacilli (56,0%), while
Gram-positive bacilli (24,0%) and Gram-positive cocci (14,6%) were found in lower
percentages. The main genera of Gram-negative bacilli identified were: Burkholde-
ria, Aeromonas, Serratia, Pseudomonas and Ochrobactrum; while Gram-positive
cocci belonged to the genus Staphylococcus and Gram-positive bacilli belonged to
the genus Bacillus. Waters from San Camilo spring have shown greater microbial
diversity than those from Cervantes spring. There were not detected faecal indica-
tors neither were pathogenic microorganisms. On the other hand, proteolytic,
amylolytic, and ammonifiers microorganisms were detected at a high number (104/
100 mL); sulphate-reducing bacteria at a medium number (102/100 mL); celluloly-
tic and halophiles microorganisms and fungi were detected at a reduced number
(lower than 20/100 mL). Finally, the analyzed microbial mats consist of an associa-
tion of green algi (Cosmarium), diatoms, filamentous cyanobacteria (Oscillatoria,
Pseudanabaena, Spirulina), sphaeric cyanobacteria (Gloeocapsa) and filamentous
phototrophic bacteria.

Key words: Carbonated mineral springs.-Natural water.-Cervantes Spa.-Micro-
biology.

Respondió Sancho (...) he dormido en la dura
tierra al cielo abierto (...) sustentándome con ra-
jas de queso y mendrugos de pan y bebiendo
aguas, ya de arroyos, ya de fuentes, de las que
encontramos por esos andurriales donde anda-
mos.

El ingenioso hidalgo don Quijote
de la Mancha

Parte II. Capítulo XXVIII.
Miguel de Cervantes

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