Correlation between Ion Composition of Oligomineral Water and Calcium Oxalate Crystal Formation
Manuela Rossi,
Biagio Barone,
Dante Di Domenico,
Rodolfo Esposito,
Antonio Fabozzi,
Gerardino D’Errico,
Domenico Prezioso
Affiliations
Manuela Rossi
Department of Earth, Environment and Resources Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Complesso Universitario di Monte Sant’Angelo, Via Cintia 4, 80126 Naples, Italy
Biagio Barone
Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Sciences and Dentistry, University of Naples Federico II, Via Pansini 5, 80131 Naples, Italy
Dante Di Domenico
Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Sciences and Dentistry, University of Naples Federico II, Via Pansini 5, 80131 Naples, Italy
Rodolfo Esposito
Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Complesso Universitario di Monte Sant’Angelo, Via Cintia 4, 80126 Naples, Italy
Antonio Fabozzi
Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Complesso Universitario di Monte Sant’Angelo, Via Cintia 4, 80126 Naples, Italy
Gerardino D’Errico
Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Complesso Universitario di Monte Sant’Angelo, Via Cintia 4, 80126 Naples, Italy
Domenico Prezioso
Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Sciences and Dentistry, University of Naples Federico II, Via Pansini 5, 80131 Naples, Italy
The ion content of drinking water might be associated with urinary stone formation, representing a keystone of conservative nephrolithiasis management. However, the effects of specific ions on calcium oxalate crystal formation and their mechanism of action are still highly controversial. We report an investigation of the effects of oligomineral waters with similar total salt amount but different ion composition on calcium oxalate (CaOx) precipitation in vitro, combining gravimetric and microscopic assays. The results suggest that the “collective” physicochemical properties of the aqueous medium, deriving from the ion combination rather than from a single ionic species, are of importance. Particularly, the ability of ions to strengthen/weaken the aqueous medium structure determines an increase/decrease in the interfacial energy, modulating the formation and growth of CaOx crystals.
