Mineral Water Springs Research Articles

Update of the Interpretive Conceptual Model of Ladeira de Envendos Hyposaline Hydromineral System (Central Portugal): A Contribution to Its Sustainable Use

The aim of this paper is to describe the surveys performed in order to update the interpretive conceptual circulation model of the Ladeira de Envendos hyposaline hydromineral system (Central Portugal). The geology of the Ladeira de Envendos region is strongly controlled by the Amêndoa-Carvoeiro synform, of Ordovician-Silurian age, presenting continuous and aligned quartzite ridges on the NE flank, that form the basic structure of a set of inselbergs. The physico-chemical analysis of the Ladeira de Envendos natural mineral spring and borehole waters was provided by the Super Bock Group Enterprise (Concessionaire of the Ladeira de Envendos). Furthermore, two sampling campaigns took place to increase knowledge on the isotopic composition of the studied natural mineral waters. The stable (δ2H, δ18O) isotopic data indicate that local meteoric waters infiltrate around 400 m altitude and evolve to the natural mineral waters (of Cl-Na facies) through a NW–SE underground flow path ascribed to the highly fractured and permeable quartzite rocks. From recharge to discharge, the infiltrated meteoric waters acquire silica (±9 mg/L) due to water–quartzite rock interaction. These natural mineral waters emerge at temperatures around 21 °C, being the up flow of these waters controlled by the rock fractures and local faults. The natural mineral waters mean residence time range between 25 and 40 years, as indicated by the 3H content of these waters, enhancing an active recharge of this hydromineral system. The results obtained indicate existence of three hydrogeological subsystems, ascribed to three inselbergs, with similar groundwater circulation paths. These multi and interdisciplinary studies should be seen as an important contribution to the sustainable management of this type of natural mineral water resources.

Regional Hydro-Chemistry of Hydrothermal Springs in Northeastern Algeria, Case of Guelma, Souk Ahras, Tebessa and Khenchela Regions

Hydrothermal units are characterized by the emergence of several large-flow thermo-mineral springs (griffons), each with varying temperature and physico-chemical characteristics depending on the point of emergence. It seems, however, that there is variability between the different systems, although it is not easy to characterize it because the variability within each system is high. The regional dimension of the chemical composition of thermal waters is, therefore, an aspect that has received very little attention in the literature due to the lack of access to the deep reservoir. In this study, we investigated the spatial variability, on a regional scale, in the characteristics of thermal waters in northeastern Algeria, and more specifically the hydrothermal systems of Guelma, Souk Ahras, Khenchela and Tébessa. Thirty-two hot water samples were taken between December 2018 and October 2019, including five samples of low-temperature mineral spring water. Standard physico-chemical parameters, major anions and cations and lithium were analyzed. The data were log-transformed data and processed via principal component analysis, discriminant analysis and unsupervised classification. The results show that thermal waters are the result of a mixture of hot waters, whose chemical profile has a certain local character, and contaminated by cold surface waters. These surface waters may also have several chemical profiles depending on the location. In addition to the internal variability in each resource, there are differences in water quality between these different hydrothermal systems. The Guelma region differs the most from the other thermal regions studied, with a specific calcic sulfate chemical profile. This question is essential for the rational development of these regional resources in any field whatsoever.

Natural mineral spring water (hora) and surrounding soils in southwestern Ethiopia: farmers’ feeding practices and their perception about its nutritional roles on animal performance

Natural mineral water (termed hora in Afan Oromo) and surrounding soils are the most important source of mineral supplement traditionally used for livestock in many parts of Ethiopia. However, limited information exists on feeding practices and the impact of hora on animal performance. Thus, the present study aimed to assess farmers' feeding practices and perceptions about the role of hora and surrounding soils on animal performance. Data were collected from 385 households in four districts (Bedele, Dabo, Gechi and Boracha) through face-to-face interviews using a semi-structured questionnaire with the help of the KoboCollect application. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 26. The majority (72.3 %) of respondents reported hora as an important source of mineral supplement for livestock. About 78.1 % of respondents in Boracha routinely supplement their animals compared with farmers from other districts. Large ruminants were given first priority in supplementation with hora compared to other livestock. Interviewed farmers trekked their animals a distance of 6.5 ± 0.2 km to access hora twice a year during the dry season. The majority of the farmers (68.1 %) believed that hora supplementation improved animal performance, while 35.1 % noted negative impacts such as abortions, birth defects, delayed puberty, decreased conception rates and paralysis due to excessive consumption. This study underscores the perceived importance of hora as a natural source of mineral supplementation for livestock health and productivity. It emphasizes the need for improved management and conservation practices to ensure sustainable utilisation and mitigate negative impacts associated with excessive consumption. Moreover, to validate local farmers' perceptions regarding the importance of hora mineral water in animal nutrition and health, further research is needed to determine mineral composition of hora and livestock responses under controlled feeding trials.

Updates on microbial Iodine Cycling in snotty Biofilms of a prealpine Mineral Spring Cavern

We have previously described the massive, methane-oxidizing microbial biofilms discovered in the cavern of an iodine-rich former medicinal spring in prealpine southern Germany (Karwautz et al. 2017). Next to up to 3000 ppm of methane in the cavern atmosphere, the mineral spring water can contain up to 23 mM of iodine, ~thousand-fold higher than in natural freshwaters. Since reactive iodine species can be toxic for microbes, the massive microbial growth in this cave is a fascinating phenomenon. We postulate that microbes capable of utilizing different iodine species should be prevalent in the cavern. Here, we present our recent work investigating the possible involvement of biofilm microbiota in either oxidative or reductive iodine cycling. Gradient tubes set up with iodide and oxygen as redox partners showed ample microbial growth and the formation of elemental iodine. Amplicon sequencing suggested different Alpha- (Magnetospirillum spp.) and Gammaproteobacteria (Aeromonas spp.) to be capable of iodide oxidation. Moreover, we address a possible iodate-dependent methane oxidation hosted within biofilm microbiota. Metagenomes allowed to assemble the MAGs of a novel member of the recently discovered anaerobic Methylomirabilota methanotrophs, Candidatus Methylomirabilis iodofontis. Its genetic repertoire included not only known markers of oxygenic denitrification and aerobic methane oxidation, but also of iodate respiration (Zhu et al. 2022). Our ongoing work will provide further evidence of the still largely uncharted iodine-cycling ecophysiologies of the biofilm microbiota of this unique microbe-dominated subsurface ecosystem.

The link between lithospheric scale deformations and deep fluid emanations: Inferences from the Southeastern Carpathians, Romania

Understanding the formation, migration and emanation of deep CO2, H2O and noble gases (He–Ne) in deep-seated deformation settings is crucial to know the complex relationship between deep-originated fluids and lithospheric deformation. To gain a better insight into these phenomena, we studied the origin of H2O, CO2 and noble gases of gas-rich springs found in the Târgu Secuiesc Basin located in the southeasternmost part of the Carpathian-Pannonian region of Europe. This study area is one of the best natural examples to understand the connection between the deep sources of gas emanations and deep-seated deformation zones, providing an excellent analogue for regions with similar tectonic settings and fluid emanation properties. We studied the δ2H and δ18O stable isotopic ratios of the spring waters, and the δ13C, He and Ne stable isotopic ratio of the emanating CO2-rich gases dissolved in the mineral spring waters in Covasna town and its vicinity. Based on the δ2H, δ13C, δ18O stable isotopic ratios, the spring waters and the majority of the gases are released through two consecutive fluid infiltration events. The preservation of the metamorphic signal of the upwelling H2O is linked to the local groundwater flow and fault abundancy. Furthermore, the noble gas isotopic ratios show a high degree of atmospheric contamination in the dissolved water gasses that is most likely related to the local hydrogeology. Nevertheless, the elevated corrected helium stable isotopic ratios (Rc/Ra) of our filtered data suggest that part of the emanating gases have a potential upper mantle source component. Beneath the Southeastern Carpathians, mantle fluids can have multiple origin including the dehydration of the sinking slab hosting the Vrancea seismogenic zone, the local asthenospheric upwelling and the lithospheric mantle. The flux of the mantle fluids is enhanced by lithospheric scale deformation zones that also support the fluid inflow from the upper mantle into the lower crust. The upwelling CO2–H2O mantle fluids may induce the release of crustal fluids by shifting X(CO2) composition of the pore fluid and, consequently, initiating decarbonisation and devolatilization metamorphic reactions as a result of carbonate and hydrous mineral destabilisation in the crust. Based on the p-T-X(CO2) conditions of calc-silicates and the local low geotherm, we emphasise the importance of the upwelling fluids in the release and upward migration of further H2O and CO2 in the shallower lower and upper crust. We infer that migration of deep fluids may also play an important role in addition to temperature control on the generation of crustal fluids in deep-seated deformation zones.

Geochemical Characteristics of Non-volcanic Type Hot Spring Waters Related to Regional Tectonics in Japan

Occurrences of non-volcanic hot and mineral spring waters, found in Niigata and the surrounding areas, as well as central to southern Kinki District, are documented in relation to the local tectonics to discuss on the importance of plate tectonics as sources of heat and dissolved chemical compositions in the deep groundwater/fluid cycle. Fossil seawater was altered at different temperatures, and remains as low-temperature mineral waters in Gunma Prefecture, and as oil and gas field brine and related hot springs in Niigata Prefecture and surrounding areas. One of the hot springs in Niigata, i.e., Matsunoyama Hot Spring, is known to contain geo-pressure hydrothermal water. The brines in Niigata Prefecture are heated via tectonics at the boundary between the Eurasian and North-American plates without contaminating modern local meteoric water. In the Kinki District, hot spring waters > 40°C appear only in three regions: coastal area along the Sea of Japan, Arima and surrounding area of Osaka Basin, and southern part of Kii Peninsula. In this area, mantle-derived fluids, such as He and CO2, are upwelling with slab-derived saline waters from the subducting Philippine Sea Plate. Non-volcanic hot spring waters occasionally give the important information on heat and energy cycles at the plate boundaries, as well as valuable information for understanding the mechanisms of inland earthquakes related to the deep-fluid movements.

Simulating the source waters for the Wilkins Peak Member evaporite sequence with modern soda spring analogues

Chemical sediments of the lacustrine Wilkins Peak Member of the Eocene Green River Formation potentially preserve detailed paleoclimate information relating to the conditions of their formation and preservation within the lake basin during the Early Eocene Climatic Optimum. The Green River Formation comprises the world's largest sodium-carbonate evaporite deposit in the form of trona (Na2CO3⋅NaHCO3⋅2H2O) in the Bridger Basin and nahcolite (NaHCO3) in the neighboring Piceance Creek Basin. Modern analogues suggest that these minerals necessitate the existence of an alkaline source water. Detrital provenance geochronometers suggest that the most likely source for volcanic waters to the Greater Green River Basin is the Colorado Mineral Belt, connected to the basin via the Aspen paleoriver.Here, we test the hypothesis that magmatic waters from the Colorado Mineral Belt could have supplied the Greater Green River Basin with the alkalinity needed to precipitate sodium-carbonate evaporites that are preserved in the Wilkins Peak Member by numerically simulating the evaporation of modern soda spring waters from northwestern Colorado at various temperature and atmospheric pCO2 conditions. The resulting simulated evaporite sequence is then compared to the mineralogy and textures preserved within the Wilkins Peak Member. Simulated evaporation of Steamboat Springs and Mineral Spring waters produce a close match to core observations and mineralogy. These simulations provide constraints on the salinities at which various minerals precipitated in the Wilkins Peak Member as well as insights into the regional temperature (>15 °C for gaylussite and trona; >27° for pirssonite and trona) and pCO2 conditions (<1200 ppm for gaylussite and trona) during the Early Eocene Climatic Optimum.

РАДОН В МИНЕРАЛЬНЫХ ВОДАХ СИХОТЭ-АЛИНЯ (ПРИМОРСКИЙ КРАЙ)

Geological and hydrogeological conditions of 19 occurrences of thermomineral water in the southern Far East of Russia are considered in the paper. Concentrations of radon were measured in waters and those of uranium and thorium in host rocks and secondary minerals. The results were compared with the chemical composition of waters and gases in the mineral springs. It is established that water-bearing rocks are classified into rocks of low and normal radioactivity. The contents of uranium (&lt; 0.56 µg/l) and thorium (&lt; 0.1 µg/l) in the waters are low. Measurements of radon concentration in mineral water springs occurring in Primorye indicate that most of them are weakly radioactive (0.2–1.5 kBq/l), whereas two are moderately radioactive (1.5–7.5 kBq/l). From a medical-balneological point of view, waters in 7 out of 19 springs were defined as radon waters, with four of them classified as nitrogen thermal water and three as CO2-rich mineral water. CO2-rich mineral waters of the Shetukhinskaya group exhibit the highest level of radioactivity. Such nature-made objects reflect the state of the geological environment and can be utilized both for medical purposes and for monitoring a wide range of hydrogeochemical parameters. Based on the analysis of geological conditions and geochemical features of thermomineral water occurrences, the factors that determine the level of radioactivity were identified and general schemes were proposed for the transport of radon to the surface in various geological and hydrogeological conditions.

Father Cícero’s water: is it really for drinking?

PurposeThis teaching case aims to provide in-class discussions on the commercialization and consumption of goods in spiritual markets. This teaching case is a narrative based on facts with a fictitious plot reporting the journeys of the launch, commercialization and consumption of mineral water in bottles in the shape of Father Cícero – a religious leader in Northeast Brazil – produced by Blue Spring Mineral Water in Juazeiro do Norte’s pilgrimage spiritual market.Design/methodology/approachPrimary and secondary data sources were gathered. Two focus groups with pilgrims and semi-structured interviews with Blue Spring leaders and a local Church representative were conducted as primary data. As secondary data, a dossier was created holding content from newspapers and blogs online on the focal product and data from the company’s official website and social networks.FindingsThroughout the case, the strategies and challenges of the production and commercialization of this religiously appealing product and the consumer practices adopted by different consumer profiles are unfolded.Originality/valueThis case intends to be a useful pedagogical tool to discuss the creation, production, commercialization and consumption of goods in spiritual markets. The case allows students to experience Blue Spring’s managers’ point of view regarding the decisions of production and commercialization of the focal product. In a broad sense, this case intends to inform future marketers of the importance of balancing commercialization in religious contexts.

SIRBİSTAN’DA JEOTERMAL KAYNAKLARIN SAĞLIK TURİZMİNDE DEĞERLENDİRİLMESİ

Toplam yüzey alanı 88.000 km2 olan Sırbistan’ın, jeolojik kompozisyonları çok karmaşıktır. Bu karmaşıklık nedeniyle, Sırbistan topraklarında 50'den fazla kaplıca ile 500'e yakın sıcak ve soğuk maden suyu kaynağı olan 1000'den fazla kaynak kaplıca turizminde büyük bir potansiyele sahiptir. Sırbistan mineral içerik çeşitliliği ve şifalı kaynakların sıcaklığı açısından bu doğal zenginlik dalında en zengin ülkelerden biri olduğunu göz önünde bulundurarak bir kaplıcalar ülkesi olarak da tanımlanır. SPA Latince’de Salus Per Aquam” kelimelerinin baş harflerinden oluşur ve “su ile gelen sağlık” anlamını verir. Sırbistan, son derece elverişli doğal kaynaklara rağmen kaplıca turizminin gelişimi için hala gelişmemiş destinasyonlar olarak da kabul edilmektedir. Kaplıcalar, Sırbistan'da turizmin önemli bir boyutunu temsil etmektedir. Sırbistan İstatistik Ofisi’ne göre 2020 yılında toplam turizm gecelemelerinin dörtte biri kaplıcalarda kaydedilmiştir. Son beş yılda kaplıcalara gelenlerin artış oranı %12,7, geceleme sayısı ise %8,7 artmıştır. Bu çalışma, Sırbistan'ın sahip olduğu bu doğal zenginliğin sadece dörtte birinin kullanıldığını dikkate alarak, jeotermal kaynakların sağlık turizminde gelişimi ve kaplıcaların ülke turizminde konumlandırılması hakkında bilgi vermeyi amaçlamıştır. Makalede kullanılan materyaller, bilimsel makaleler, yayınlar, haritalar ve raporlardan oluşmaktadır. Makalede, teorik araştırma yöntemi kullanılmıştır. Bu çalışma sonunda, Sırbistan'ın sağlık turizminin gelişimi için önemli kaynaklara sahip olduğu, sağlık turizminin az gelişmiş alanların ekonomik kalkınmasında önemli bir teşvik faktörü olabileceği sonucuna varılmıştır.

Robert Henderson: Scottish doctor who was appointed Physician to the Forces (1795) and practised at Brighton, England.

Robert Henderson was a Scottish physician who qualified Doctor of Medicine at Aberdeen in 1786. By 1792, Henderson was working in Brighton on the south coast of England. He was admitted Licentiate of the College of Physicians of London in 1793. At Brighton he probably worked as a parish doctor. In 1795 Henderson was appointed Physician to the Forces and probably served as a garrison doctor. In Brighton, he is noted as an advocate of chalybeate water therapy (i.e. mineral spring water containing iron salts). Henderson undertook basic experiments into the chemistry of mineral water and a few, very brief, clinical observations may be his. In Henderson's time, the chalybeate in question was part of the 'Wick estate' to the North West of Brighton. Today the site of the spring is located within St Ann's Well Gardens, Hove and this article briefly considers its history. Circumstances link Henderson to Sir Lucas Pepys MD (1742-1830), physician-general to the army and closely associated with both the College of Physicians and the town of Brighton. Henderson died in Brighton on the 3rd April 1808. Henderson's daughter Sophia Janet married Captain William John Thompson Hood who served at Trafalgar aged eleven.

The physical, chemical, biological and geological properties of Kangal hot spring water and its use in the treatment of psoriasis

: Purpose: In this study, the physical and chemical properties of Kangal fish spa water, which is thought to be effective in the treatment of psoriasis, were evaluated, and the role of the chemical content in the treatment was examined with theoretical calculations. In addition, the role of the fish in the treatment and the role of water in the vital conditions of the fish have been tried to be explained in detail. Material and Methods: Hydrochemical analysis of Kangal hot spring mineral water according to balneological criteria; water temperature, pH value, total mineralization, followed by the presence of macro components i.e. ions, sodium, calcium, magnesium, hydrocarbonates, chlorides, sulfates and finally, iodine, bromine, lithium, fluorine, selenium, strontium, meta silicon and meta boric acid and the presence of microcomponents of carbon dioxide, hydrogen sulfide, nitrogen and oxygen from gases. Results: Average temperature of Kangal hot spring mineral water is 35°C, pH 7.42, dissolved oxygen and free carbon dioxide values are 4.4 and 8.74mg/L, respectively. The total flow rate of the pools was 130 L/s and the radioactivity was determined as 6 eman. Spring water, average electrical conductivity (EC): 530 μS cm-1, CO2 8.70 mg/L, and dissolved oxygen value (DO) 4 mg/L. The electrical conductivity was measured as 530 μS cm-1, and the total mineralization range was 590.9mg/L. Conclusion: As a result of the analyzsis and the values found, it has been shown that spring water with high mineral content and basic has positive effects on the skin. Considering the amount of selenium, copper, calcium, iron, magnesium and zinc in its content, it was concluded that it may have beneficial effects for psoriasis. It was also discovered that according to the Balneological criteria, the mineral waters of Kangal spa met most of the criteria and contained more of the listed therapeutic ingredients.

Understanding the processes in a historically relevant thermal and mineral spring water by using mixing and inverse geochemical models.

The thermal mineral water of Peñón de los Baños spa (Mexico City) has been used for over 500years starting in pre-Hispanic times and is famous for the treatment of various pathologies. It has a temperature of 45°C, which is rich in HCO3-, and its main trace elements are B, Li and Fe, which confers healing effects. Concerns about the sustainability of this important spa have motivated this study to understand the thermal system, possible hydraulic and hydrochemical changes over time and its implications. Stable water isotope data indicate that the thermal water sources originate from local precipitation at Sierra de las Cruces with a recharge elevation of approximately 2770m above sea level. The recharged water percolates through volcanic and carbonate rock formations and ascends via fault structure conduits, where it eventually is extracted 25km downstream in Peñon de los Baños. During the gravity-driven deep circulation of up to 4.9km, the groundwater is heated up to 136-160°C. A comparison of past and current water levels and water chemical analyses indicates a water table drop and few variations in the chemical composition, confirming the presence of anthropic impact on water quality. Due to the heavy groundwater extractions in Mexico City, the spring water flow has ceased, and water must be pumped now from a 203-m deep well. In addition, the concentration of bicarbonate, sodium and chloride has been reduced by half since the onset of groundwater development. The therapeutic effects of this thermal mineral water are at risk due to the alteration of the chemical signature. However, new and different therapeutical uses may prevent a future deterioration or closure of this historically important thermal spa. It is crucial to establish a monitoring program of the thermal mineral water and reducing or minimizing nearby urban extractions which tap the regional flow component to preserve the properties of the thermal water.

Participatory Landscape Design and Water Management—A Sustainable Strategy for Renovation of Vernacular Baths and Landscape Protection in Szeklerland, Romania

Szeklerland is a historical-ethnic region located on the eastern border of the Carpathian Basin, in the central region of Romania. In Szeklerland, thanks to its varied topography and a network of small settlements, landscape management is still carried out using traditional methods. Szeklerland is a macro-region rich in natural resources. Among its natural treasures, the mineral water springs with healing properties are of particular importance: around 40 percent of Romania’s mineral water resources are found here. This richness in hydrogeological features is due to the fact that the post-volcanic activities in the young tertiary mountain ranges in the region still produce large quantities of carbon dioxide, which dissolves beneficial minerals from the earth. When dissolved in water, these minerals produce mineral waters that can be used to cure various types of diseases. For centuries, the medicinal properties of the mineral waters of Szeklerland have been regularly used by the local population. In addition to their consumption, small and larger vernacular baths were built in the settlements with medicinal springs, and their regular use led to the development of a traditional, local cold-water bathing culture in the region. However, the vernacular baths were destroyed in the world wars, and their traditional use was abolished by the apparatus of the 20th century communist regime, which had no respect to natural and cultural heritage. After the political change in 1989, the attention of the society turned back to tradition and values. Alongside (or as part of) nature and landscape conservation initiatives, the reinterpretation and restoration of the intangible and practical values of vernacular baths in Szeklerland also began. Over the past decades, the renovation of vernacular baths, which started as a professional–civic initiative, has grown into an independent heritage conservation programme: dozens of vernacular baths have been renovated in Szeklerland over the past twenty years with public participation initiated and led by professionals. In the course of the renovations, baths used by local communities have been rebuilt using nature- and environment-friendly techniques, materials and in a way that they are also related to the physical environment and the mythology of the region. The project has won prestigious awards both in Romania and internationally, and has become a successful and exemplary movement in landscape heritage conservation.

Mineralogical and hydrogeological study of "pouhons" in the lower Palaeozoic formations of the Stavelot-Venn Massif, Belgium

Numerous naturally CO2-rich mineral water springs, locally called pouhons, occur in the Stavelot-Venn Massif. These water springs show a particular composition with a high content of iron, manganese and lithium, and are characterised by a red-orange colour resulting from iron hydroxide precipitation near the land surface. Radon measurements have shown that these ferruginous deposits are weakly radioactive. The Upper Cambrian black shales of the La Gleize Formation are also known to display radioactive anomalies. These rocks show enrichment in HFSE (Pb, U, Y, Ce, Zr, Ti, Nb) and are depleted in transition metals (Co, Ni, Cu, Zn). Specific minerals such as florencite-(Ce), monazite-(Ce), xenotime-(Y) and zircon have been identified and are probably at the origin of the radioactive anomalies. Uranium was gradually leached from these minerals, transported in solution, and finally concentrated in ferruginous muds. These muds are mainly composed of goethite (most often amorphous), residual quartz and calcite in some samples. The most probable hypothesis is that uranium is adsorbed in small concentrations on the goethite surface. On the other hand, the Ottré Formation (Ordovician) appears to be the main source of lithium, iron and manganese. Pouhon waters have therefore probably leached rocks of various mineralogy and chemical composition during their sub-surface circulation.

The assessment of microbiological and physicochemical characteristics in drainage waters of the Siriu dam

Based on the balneotherapeutic applications of mineral spring water and particularly sulphurous water, the aim of our research was to study the physicochemical and microbiological parameters of some drainage waters of Siriu dam that showed a strong hydrogen sulphide odour. In addition, due to the corrosive effect of some groups of microorganisms, such as iron-oxidizing bacteria and sulphatereducing bacteria, the present paper also aimed to detect their presence in order to signal the need for some disinfection measures. According to physicochemical analysis, there has been found an external drain that is suitable for use in balneotherapy, presenting a balanced content of mineral elements such as sulphur, calcium, silicon, chlorine and potassium. However, due to the presence of potentially toxic phytoplankton microorganisms such as Microcystis sp. and Phormidium sp. it is necessary to disinfect this water source before using it for any purpose. On the other hand, the identification of both sulphate-reducing bacteria and iron-oxidizing bacteria in the drainage waters of Siriu dam should be considered as an alarm signal as they may lead to bio-corrosion and deterioration of metallic or concrete structures, affecting the integrity of the dam and hydropower constructions.

Effect of Hard Water on the Prevention and Treatment of Calcium Oxalate Nephrolithiasis in Rats

Background: There is a folk belief that drinking Ramsar spring mineral water (RSW) is a remedy for renal stones. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of RSW on prevention or treatment of nephrolithiasis in male Wistar rats and identify the constituents of the water. Methods: Nephrolithiasis was induced by providing drinking water containing 1% ethylene glycol (EG) for two weeks in male Wistar rats. The animals were divided into prevention and treatment groups, each contained five sub-groups (10 rats for each). Prevention groups were treated for two weeks: control group (without treatment), EG group (1% ethylene glycol in drinking water), RSW 5, 10, and 15% groups (1% ethylene glycol + RSW 5, 10, and 15% in drinking water). The treatment groups received 1% EG for two weeks, then it was discontinued, and the RSW (10, 15, and 20%) was added to the drinking water for the next two weeks. The calcium oxalate (CaOx) depositions in the kidneys' tubules were evaluated by Hematoxylin and Eosin staining. The spring water was analyzed for its constituents. Results: Calcium oxalate crystals were significantly increased in EG group (in the prevention protocol) as compared to the control group (P &lt; 0.01). Moreover, RSW did not significantly prevent CaOx crystals but alleviated CaOx crystals at 15 and 20% concentrations in the treatment protocol (P &lt; 0.001). Conclusions: The hard water of Ramsar spring reduced CaOx crystals in nephrolithiatic rats, which may be due to its high calcium and magnesium content.

Can Spa Tourism Enhance Water Resources and Turn Them into a National Brand? A Theoretical Review about the Romanian Case

The present article includes descriptive research about how water resources in Romanian medical spas could be better promoted to increase their visibility. Romania is one of the European countries with impressive potential in terms of balneology, having a wide diversity of natural factors that allow treating several medical conditions in the same resort. In addition, one-third of the mineral and thermal water springs in Europe are present on the Romanian territory, making Romania one of the most important European destinations in terms of natural spa resources. The present research aims to illustrate how the Romanian medical spas communicate with tourists about the therapeutic water available in five medical spas: Băile Felix-1 Mai, Techirghiol, Băile Tușnad, Sovata and Covasna, having as its main objective to raise the awareness among the spas representatives regarding the necessity of water management implementation. The research is based on primary data obtained from the official websites of the resorts included in the study and in the published scholarly articles that approached the Romanian medical spas.

The Hydrogeological and Biological Characteristics of Psoriasis Treatment Center, Turkey

More than 1000 thermal and mineral water springs with temperatures from 20°C to102°C occur in Turkey. Kangal Balikli Hot Spring is known as psoriasis treatment center is one of the most important among these springs. The main scope of this research was to determine geological, hydrogeological and biological properties and water chemistry of the psoriasis treatment center and the stream running alongside the thermal pools. The spring water is an isothermal-hypotonic and oligometalic mineral water, having average of electrical conductivity: 530 μS cm-1, temperature: 35°C, CO2 8.70 mg l-1, pH 7.30 and O2 4 mg l-1. Calcium, magnesium and bicarbonates are dominant. Neither the chemical figures nor the temperature (35±1°C) of the water shows seasonal change. There are two fish species, Garra rufa and Cyprinion macrostomus, that adapted living at 35°C water temperature. The mean fork length and body weight of the fish living in the psoriasis treatment center is significantly lower than those living at the stream. Some of the fish in the pools showed symptoms of illness such as exophthalmus, scale loose, skin ulceration, pale gills, and bloated appearance. Gut analysis revealed that both species have been feeding on algae, insect parts, fish scales, and debris. In most cases the guts of fish caught in the pools were either empty or had very little content in it. Zooplanktons had little species and were not recorded frequently.

Temperature and discharge variations in natural mineral water springs due to climate variability: a case study in the Piedmont Alps (NW Italy).

In the context of global climate change, understanding the relationships between climate and groundwater is increasingly important. This study in the NW Alps represents the first regional-scale investigation of the groundwater feature variation in mountain aquifers due to climate variability. The analysis of groundwater temperature and discharge in 28 natural mineral water springs and meteorological parameters (rainfall and air temperature) permitted us to evaluate the annual behaviour and possible trends of these parameters during the period from 2001 to 2018. The air temperature showed a positive trend almost everywhere, with a rise of up to 0.03 °C/year. In contrast, only ten springs showed a positive trend for groundwater temperature, but with the smallest rates of increase. Moreover, despite the substantial stability of the rainfall amount, 50% of the analysed springs showed a trend (29 and 21% for positive and negative trends, respectively) with low discharge variations. Finally, cross-correlation analyses proved the close relationship between air and groundwater temperatures, with a time lag between 0 and 3 months, and between spring discharge and air temperature, with a time lag between 1 and 3 months. In particular, spring discharge is closely connected to snow melting in spring and subordinate to rainfall. These results highlight the existing correlations between spring discharge and various meteorological and topographic parameters in the studied mountain area and provide a preliminary framework of the impacts of climatic variability on the availability and temperature of the exploited water resources.Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10653-021-00864-8.