Fumaroles Research Articles

Monitoring active fumaroles through time-lapse electrical resistivity tomograms: an application to the Pisciarelli fumarolic field (Campi Flegrei, Italy)

Volcanoes are usually monitored through observations of many physical and chemical phenomena. In the most dangerous cases, as the one of the Campi Flegrei caldera (Italy), great amount of data are collected, both in discrete or continuously, and regularly stored. However, how to transform such mass of data in a deeper understanding of the volcano dynamics is still an open question. Dissimilar information are in fact always hard to compare, but just integrating all the available knowledge hazardous events could be prevented in a reliable way. Fluids, as water and gasses mobilized in the subsoil by the heat induced by deep magmatic sources, are widely recognized as the first engine of similar occurrences and the volcanic gas emissions represent, together with the seismic activity, one of the most considered precursors. At the same time, the electrical geophysical methods are the most applied in order to detect and characterize the fluid patterns in the subsoil. So, the integration of geoelectrical and geochemical observations should represent one of the most pursued approach in volcanoes monitoring. On the contrary, standard way to compare such data has been not yet codified. The ERT tomograms capability to individuate that parts of the subsoil where gasses cumulate is well understood in literature. However, we look for indications about its proficiency in associating the electrical resistivity changes relative to these zones, once compared to the geochemical time series, to deep related contributes, distinguishing them from the seasonal ones. The electrical signature of the fluid patterns, reconstructed through a time-lapse ERT approach, could be of relevance to better characterize the volcanic phenomena and their origins. In this paper a first test of ERT and geochemical time series integration was performed to enhance the understanding of the Pisciarelli fumarolic field evolution, now the most active area in the whole Campi Flegrei caldera.

Structural controls on the location and distribution of CO2 emission at a natural CO2 spring in Daylesford, Australia

Secure storage of CO2 is imperative for carbon capture and storage technology, and relies on a thorough understanding of the mechanisms of CO2 retention and leakage. Observations at CO2 seeps around the world find that geological structures at a local and regional scale control the location, distribution and style of CO2 emission. Bedrock-hosted natural CO2 seepage is found in the Daylesford region in Victoria, Australia, where many natural springs contain high concentrations of dissolved CO2. Within a few meters of the natural Tipperary Mineral Spring, small CO2 bubble streams are emitted from bedrock into an ephemeral creek. We examine the relationship between structures in the exposed adjacent outcropping rocks and characteristics of CO2 gas leakage in the stream, including CO2 flux and the distribution of gas emissions. We find that degassing is clustered within ˜1 m of a shale-sandstone geological contact. CO2 emission points are localised along bedding and fracture planes, and concentrated where these features intersect. The bubble streams were intermittent, which posed difficulties in quantifying total emitted CO2. Counterintuitively, the number of bubble streams and CO2 flux was greatest from shale dominated rather than the sandstone dominated features, which forms the regional aquifer. Shallow processes must be increasing the shale permeability, thus influencing the CO2 flow pathway and emission locations. CO2 seepage is not limited to the pool; leakage was detected in subaerial rock exposures, at the intersection of bedding and orthogonal fractures.These insights show the range of spatial scales of the geological features that control CO2 flow. Microscale features and near surface processes can have significant effect on the style and location and rates of CO2 leakage. The intermittency of the bubble streams highlights challenges around characterising and monitoring CO2 stores where seepage is spatially and temporally variable. CCS monitoring programmes must therefore be informed by understanding of shallow crustal processes and not simply the processes and pathways governing CO2 fluid flow at depth. Understanding how the CO2 fluids leaked by deep pathways might be affected by shallow processes will inform the design of appropriate monitoring tools and monitoring locations.

Update on the fluid geochemistry monitoring time series for geothermal systems in Dominica, Lesser Antilles island arc: 2009–2017

With updated geochemical and isotopic compositions obtained over the period 2009 to 2017, this study presents revised fluid characterizations for the active volcanic-hydrothermal systems on the island of Dominica in the Lesser Antilles, which were first reported in 2011. Hydrothermal waters of Dominica cover a wide spectrum of pH, temperatures and chemical composition. The pH of the thermal waters ranges from acidic to neutral (pH values of 1–7.8) and the waters are predominantly Na-SO4 in character (Na = 14–2127 mg/L; SO4 = 1–1725 mg/L), likely formed as a result of dilution of acidic H2S-rich gases in near surface oxygenated groundwater, and have experienced limited water-rock interaction. The geochemical composition of the waters for most of the hydrothermal systems studied indicate no significant changes, with the exception of the Boiling Lake, which experienced a short (~6 week) episode of instability in November 2016 which appeared to be associated with a small mud-rich explosion. Unlike the last such event in December 2004, which was reported to be earthquake-triggered, this event is possibly the consequence of a moderate-sized landslide into the lake. The lake draining episodes have been accompanied by changes in composition between Na-SO4 and Na-Cl, which is attributed to hydrothermal fluid contributions from two different aquifers: a shallower acid-sulphate hydrothermal aquifer and a deeply-sourced brine aquifer.Reservoir temperatures determined by quartz geothermometers have not changed significantly over the monitoring period, suggesting steady-state degassing of the magma chambers. In two areas, temperatures have increased: Watten Waven (from 83–90 °C to 89–139 °C) and Sulphur Springs (from 145–152 °C to 93–243 °C). The elevated reservoir temperatures have affected the isotopic composition of the waters (δ18O = −5.7 to 9.1‰ and δD = −8 to 20.5‰), that reflect a dominantly meteoric source, with boiling/degassing and evaporation also playing an important role. The time series data suggests that some hydrothermal areas are experiencing increased steam evaporation over time whereas other waters are becoming more meteoric. The δ13CDIC is decoupled from the deuterium and oxygen-18 isotopes and shows very little variation over time, but a broad range in values from −11 to +5‰. The dominant process contributing to δ13CDIC is degassing of primarily magmatic CO2, as exhibited by the bubbling pools. Hydrothermal streams have experienced mixing with biogenic CO2 sources, including plant respiration and methanogenesis. The slight variations observed from site to site are likely a consequence of fractional degassing of the magma chamber during exsolution of CO2. Over the sampling period 2014–2017, the temperatures and δ13C values do not change, which suggests a current steady-state of degassing.

Structure of Hydrobiocenoses in Mineral and Thermal Springs of the Lake Baikal Region: A Review

The available published data and materials from our own research into 14 mineral and 19 thermal springs of the Lake Baikal Region performed in 1997–2017 are summarized. Soil profiles have been laid and samples of water, algae, lichens, mosses, and vascular plants and qualitative and quantitative specimens of zoobenthos have been taken. The profile of soils in the area of springs is short and their chemical composition corresponds to that of water; they are called parasoils. We reveal 257 species of algae in the mineral springs, and most of them (196 species) are assigned to the diatoms. The lichen flora is nonspecific. Seven species are found in the mineral springs, and 100 lower taxa are sampled around the thermal springs. Six types of communities of zoobenthos are specified in the mineral sodium chloride springs according to the group of macroinvertebrates, dominating in biomass: Gastropoda-like, Turbellaria-like, Chironomidae-like, Amphipoda-like, Psychodidae-like, and Ephydridae-like. In the thermal springs, four types of communities of zoobenthos are recognized: Gastropoda-like (with the specification into mono-, two- and three-dominant), Odonata-like, Amphipoda-like, and Chironomidae-like. The thermal springs are mainly characterized by high biomass typical for eutrophic and hypertrophic lakes. The species status of mollusk Lymnaea thermobaicalica—endemic to high-thermal springs—is confirmed.

A Low-Diversity Microbiota Inhabits Extreme Terrestrial Basaltic Terrains and Their Fumaroles: Implications for the Exploration of Mars.

A major objective in the exploration of Mars is to test the hypothesis that the planet hosted life. Even in the absence of life, the mapping of habitable and uninhabitable environments is an essential task in developing a complete understanding of the geological and aqueous history of Mars and, as a consequence, understanding what factors caused Earth to take a different trajectory of biological potential. We carried out the aseptic collection of samples and comparison of the bacterial and archaeal communities associated with basaltic fumaroles and rocks of varying weathering states in Hawai‘i to test four hypotheses concerning the diversity of life in these environments. Using high-throughput sequencing, we found that all these materials are inhabited by a low-diversity biota. Multivariate analyses of bacterial community data showed a clear separation between sites that have active fumaroles and other sites that comprised relict fumaroles, unaltered, and syn-emplacement basalts. Contrary to our hypothesis that high water flow environments, such as fumaroles with active mineral leaching, would be sites of high biological diversity, alpha diversity was lower in active fumaroles compared to relict or nonfumarolic sites, potentially due to high-temperature constraints on microbial diversity in fumarolic sites. A comparison of these data with communities inhabiting unaltered and weathered basaltic rocks in Idaho suggests that bacterial taxon composition of basaltic materials varies between sites, although the archaeal communities were similar in Hawai‘i and Idaho. The taxa present in both sites suggest that most of them obtain organic carbon compounds from the atmosphere and from phototrophs and that some of them, including archaeal taxa, cycle fixed nitrogen. The low diversity shows that, on Earth, extreme basaltic terrains are environments on the edge of sustaining life with implications for the biological potential of similar environments on Mars and their exploration by robots and humans.

Natural Gas Saving And Emissions Decrease In Public Health Care Sector – A Case Study

Abstract A study on natural gas saving and emissions decrease in the public health care sector is presented. The analyzed hospital complex belongs to the largest ones in Slovakia and uses both hot water and water steam for heating purposes. Visual steam system inspection revealed serious inefficiencies, including steam venting, missing pipelines insulation and obsolete steam sources with dysfunctional blow-down system. Defined experiment with stepwise steam appliances shutdown enabled quantification of excess natural gas consumption due to these inefficiencies. Measures proposed for the solution of this state are inexpensive, with a short payback period. The expected natural gas savings amount up to 3200 MWh/year, which represents roughly 50% of the total natural gas consumption in the hospital complex.

Volatile distributions in and on the Moon revealed by Cu and Fe isotopes in the ‘Rusty Rock’ 66095

The Apollo 16 ‘Rusty Rock’ impact melt breccia 66095 is a volatile-rich sample, with the volatiles inherited through vapor condensation from an internal lunar source formed during thermo-magmatic evolution of the Moon. We report Cu and Fe isotope data for 66095 and find that bulk-rocks, residues and acid leaches span a relatively limited range of compositions (3.0 ± 1.3 wt.% FeO [range = 2.0–4.8 wt.%], 5.4 ± 3.1 ppm Cu [range = 3–12 ppm], average δ56Fe of 0.15 ± 0.05‰ [weighted mean = 0.156‰] and δ65Cu of 0.72 ± 0.14‰ [weighted mean = 0.78‰]). In contrast to the extreme enrichment of the light isotopes of Zn and heavy isotopes of Cl in 66095, δ65Cu and δ56Fe in the sample lie within the previously reported range for lunar mare basalts (0.92 ± 0.16‰ and 0.12 ± 0.02‰, respectively). The lack of extreme isotopic fractionation for Cu and Fe isotopes reflects compositions inherent to 66095, with condensation of a cooling gas from impact-generated fumarolic activity at temperatures too low to lead to the condensation of Cu and Fe in the sample, but higher than required to condense Zn. Together with thermodynamic models, these constraints suggest that the gas condensed within 66095 between 700 and 900 °C (assuming a pressure of 10−6 and an fO2 of IW-2). That the Cu and Fe isotopic compositions of sample 66095 are within the range of mare basalts removes the need for an exotic, volatile-enriched source. The enrichment in Tl, Br, Cd, Sn, Zn, Pb, Rb, Cs, Ga, B, Cl, Li relative to Bi, Se, Te, Ge, Cu, Ag, Sb, Mn, P, Cr and Fe in the ‘Rusty Rock’ is consistent with volcanic outgassing models and indicates that 66095 likely formed distal from the original source of the gas. The volatile-rich character of 66095 is consistent with impact-generated fumarolic activity in the region of the Cayley Plains, demonstrating that volatile-rich rocks can occur on the lunar surface from outgassing of a volatile-poor lunar interior. The ‘Rusty Rock’ indicates that the lunar interior is significantly depleted in volatile elements and compounds and that volatile-rich surface rocks likely formed through vapor condensation. Remote sensing studies have detected volatiles on the lunar surface, attributing them dominantly to solar wind. Based on the ‘Rusty Rock’, some of these surface volatiles may also originate from the Moon’s interior.

Environmental hydrogeochemistry assessment as a tool for sustainable hydromineral resources management (Entre-os-Rios thermal baths, NW Portugal)

Portugal is a country rich in hydromineral resources mostly encompassed by alkaline sulphurous groundwater. These waters are mostly confined in the so-called Ancient Massif and result from the infiltration of meteoric waters that may reach great depths giving groundwater special physicochemical characteristics. The main aim of the research was to evaluate the hydrogeochemical evolution of the sulphurous mineral waters of Entre-os-Rios, as well as to achieve a better knowledge of the hydromineral system and to improve its hydrogeological conceptual model. Entre-os-Rios thermal baths are sited in NW Portugal and are recognised for their thermal spa tradition that dates back at least to the middle of sixteenth century. The hydromineral resources of Entre-os-Rios emerge from a confined granitic aquifer, deep seated, and are geotectonically controlled. Hydrochemical data was collected, both from the main mineral spring waters (Torre, Curveira, Arcos Esquerda, and Arcos Direita) and Barbeitos well. Hydrochemical analyses were gathered, including organoleptic characteristics, physicochemical properties, major anions, and cations and minor elements from the 1938 to 2017 periods. In addition, some historical data, from late 19th to early 20th centuries, were included. Moreover, some isotopic hydrology data were discussed (oxygen-18, deuterium, and tritium). Entre-os-Rios groundwater is colourless, with no turbidity, and has a foul odour of rotten eggs, has a low temperature, 17°–21 °C, is alkaline, pH values 8.4–8.8, a total mineralisation lower than 500 mg/L and a high total sulphuration, about 24 mg/L. Major anions follow the tendency HCO3 > Cl > F > SO4 > CO3, with high concentrations of fluoride, 18–21 mg/L and major cations follow the tendency Na > Ca > K > Li > NH4 > Mg. Among minor elements, boron, caesium, and tungsten have the highest concentrations, 986 µg/L, 247 µg/L, and 186 µg/L, respectively. The dominant hydrogeochemical facies are Na–HCO3. Isotopic data indicate a meteoric origin for Entre-os-Rios mineral waters, with a long residence time in the aquifer system, and that these waters are, most probably, sub-modern, recharged prior to 1952. The mineral waters of Entre-os-Rios are one of the most important sulphurous groundwater in Portugal and their hydrogeochemical status exhibited a good equilibrium through the last 100 years.

On using a new strain of Acidithiobacillus ferridurans for bioleaching of low-grade uranium

ABSTRACTIn the present investigation, isolation and determination of a new strain of Acidithiobacillus ferridurans SBU-SH2 from an Iranian sulfur hot spring are carried out and then it is used to evaluate the performance of uranium bioleaching from a low-grade natural resource host. The efficiency of uranium recovery is studied by considering the influence of experimental factors like pulp density, pH value, temperature, and source of energy. Experimental tests reveal that more than 96% of uranium is recovered at 35°C, initial pH 2.5, agitation speed of 120 rpm, and pulp density of 5% in about 1 week.

MATERIALS BASED ON TITANIUM AND MANGANESE OXIDES FOR SELECTIVE RECOVERY OF LITHIUM FROM WATER SOURCES

Due to the ever-increasing production of electronic portable devices, including gadgets, lithium recovery is used to produce lithium-ion batteries. Lithium is electrochemically active, has the highest value of oxidation-reducing potential and the highest specific heat capacity among solid materials, making it a key element in the modern revolution of electric vehicles. The crust contains about 0.007% lithium, which is not in its pure form, but its insignificant concentrations are found in virtually all volcanic rocks and in the waters of mineral springs, sea water, and oceans. There are more than 20 minerals that contain lithium, but only few of them have content that is sufficient for commercial interest. A promising area is the processing of brines that are formed after desalination of seawater and mine waters. It is environmentally friendly and cost-effective. Since the concentration of lithium in such resources is low, sorption methods are advantageous compared to other. In this article materials that are widely studied in order to produce lithium-selective adsorbents are described. Most amphoteric oxides and hydroxides are amphoteric ion exchanges having both cation exchange and anion exchange properties. Such materials are of scientific interest in connection with the study of fission fragments behavior, release of radioactive isotopes, decontamination of sewage and concentration of microquantities of elements. The synthesis of such ion exchangers as amphoteric oxides and hydroxides is fairly simple and their cost per unit of capacity in most cases is much lower than the cost of organic resins. The combination of the material formed on the basis of hydrated titanium dioxide with known lithium manganese spinels allows to obtain a strong ion-exchange material for the selective extraction of lithium ions.

The bacterial diversity on steam vents from Paricutín and Sapichu volcanoes.

Vapor steam vents are prevailing structures on geothermal sites in which local geochemical conditions allow the development of extremophilic microorganisms. We describe the structure of the prokaryotic community able to grow on the walls and rocks of such microecosystems in two terrestrial Mexican volcanoes: Paricutín (PI and PII samples) and its satellite Sapichu (S sample). The investigated samples showed similar diversity indices, with few dominant OTUs (abundance > 1%): 21, 16 and 23, respectively for PI, PII and S. However, each steam vent showed a particular community profile: PI was dominated by photosynthetic bacteria (Cyanobacteria and Chloroflexia class), PII by Actinobacteria and Proteobacteria, and S by Ktedonobacteria class, Acidobacteria and Cyanobacteria phyla. Concerning the predicted metabolic potential, we found a dominance of cellular pathways, especially the ones for energy generation with metabolisms for sulfur respiration, nitrogen fixation, methanogenesis, carbon fixation, photosynthesis, and metals, among others. We suggest a different maturity stage for the three studied fumaroles, from the youngest (PI) to the oldest (S and PII), also influenced by the temperature and other geochemical parameters. Furthermore, four anaerobic strains were isolated, belonging to Clostridia class (Clostridium sphenoides, C. swellfunanium and Anaerocolumna cellulosilytica) and to Bacilli class (Paenibacillus azoreducens).

Composition and distribution of saturated hydrocarbons in the thermal waters and vapor–water mixture of the Mutnovskii geothermal field and Uzon caldera, Kamchatka

The paper presents data on the composition and molecular-mass distribution of saturated hydrocarbons in sterile vapor–water mixture from wells and in high-temperature springs in the Mutnovskii hydrothermal area and Uzon caldera. The condensate of the vapor–water mixture and thermal waters from the Mutnovskii area contain low-molecule n-alkanes, which were generated by thermogenic processes. The boiling mud pot of the Donnoe fumarole field typically contains hydrocarbons whose origin is likely related to thermocatalytic transformations of the biomass of thermophilic microorganisms. A separate type of the molecular-mass distribution is typical of the geyser in the caldera of Uzon volcano: this material contains n-alkanes, which were generated by two processes: chemical re-synthesis of floral organic remnants and biogenic synthesis with the probable involvement of bacteria and algae.

Individuals’ experiences with Spa technology consumption in Zimbabwe

ABSTRACTExperiences with Spa products consumption are under theorised, overlooked and disregarded in most developing countries. This qualitative study examined individuals’ experiences. These experiences are important as they are fundamental in the assessment of the contributions of Spa products consumption to an individual and to the development of Spa tourism. In-depth interviews were conducted with 30 purposively sampled respondents. The study was carried out within seven study sites of day Spas and thermal and mineral springs. Thematic analysis was implemented, identified spiritual upliftment, personality development, gastronomic benefits and emotional healing as the dominant factors influencing individual experiences with Spa products consumption in Zimbabwe. The study concluded that experiences with Spa products consumption are different among individuals, but at the same time being instrumental to the development of the consumer psychosocially and economically. Positive experiences help in the development of Spa tourism in diverse social settings. These findings are significant as they offer means by which the Spa sector can propose reasonable strategies and mechanisms to optimise the consumption of the Spa products for individuals’ well-being and the development of Spa tourism in Zimbabwe. Given these findings, there is a need to promote the use of Spa products by individuals through various means.

Acid‐Induced Dissolution of Andesite: Evolution of Permeability and Strength

AbstractVolcanic systems often host crater lakes, flank aquifers, or fumarole fields that are strongly acidic. In order to explore the evolution of the physical and mechanical properties of an andesite under these reactive chemical conditions, we performed batch reaction experiments over timescales from 1 day to 4 months. The experiments involved immersion of a suite of samples in a solution of 0.125 M sulfuric acid (pH ∼0.6). Periodically, samples were removed and their physical and mechanical properties measured. We observe a progressive decrease in mass, coincident with a general increase in porosity, which we attribute to plagioclase dissolution accompanied by the generation of a microporous diktytaxitic groundmass due to glass dissolution. Plagioclase phenocrysts are seen to undergo progressive pseudomorphic replacement by an amorphous phase enriched in silica and depleted in other cations (Na, Ca, and Al). In the first phase of dissolution (t = 24–240 hr), this process appears to be confined to preexisting fractures within the plagioclase phenocrysts. However, ultimately these phenocrysts tend toward entire replacement by amorphous silica. We propose that the dissolution process results in the widening of pore throats and the improvement of pore connectivity, with the effect of increasing permeability by over an order of magnitude relative to the initial measurements. Compressive strength of our samples was also modified, insofar as porosity tends to increase (associated with a weakening effect). We outline broader implications of the observed permeability increase and strength reduction for volcanic systems including induced flank failure and related hazards, improved efficiency of volatile migration, and attendant eruption implications.

Risorse forestali e risorse acquifere in aree alpine

Forests are a fundamental biological purification system that allows the production of water with high quality standards at reduced costs. The water produced by forests can be considered potable or of high biological value. A study promoted by the Alpine Forests Working Group of the Alpine Convention investigated the protection of potable drinking water in the Alpine forests. Data was collected from all the Italian Alpine Regions on the presence of springs and mineral springs in the forests and on the overall forestry surface dedicated to springs safeguarding and conservation. Discussion and reflections upon forestry springs protection and management were developed with focus on particular aspects such as remuneration services, cost-benefit interventions, quality marks and hydroforestry policies

O turismo de saúde e bem-estar como fator de desenvolvimento local: uma análise à oferta termal portuguesa

Abstract - Health and Wellness Tourism - For a local development strategy: the Portuguese case, it presents a reflection on the new and re-dimensioned (re) interpretation of the thermalism in Portugal. Interviewing a holistic vision of the strategic product Health and Wellness Tourism with the exemplification at the level of the case study - thermal and mineral springs in Portugal -, a new proposal of a model of strategic management of the tourist destiny is consubstantiated, in order to identify the contribution of thermal tourism to local development. It should be emphasized, therefore, the health and wellness tourism in Portugal, despite its regional differences, as a pool of factors that permeate the development of a health and wellness destination, the development of wellness facilities, in addition to the tradition and experience of the spas and the affirmation, today, of a competitive offer. The study results in an act of searching and documented identification of the strategies and management models followed by the international and national good practices of health and wellness tourism, not losing sight of the competing destinations that have, after all, a similar offer In addition, there is an empirical study of the profile and consumption habits of the health and wellness tourist, supported by the case study, which allowed to achieve a sense of the motivations, behaviors, perceptions and satisfaction of the same, and also to outline a development strategy for the thermalism based on the pillars of sustainability, quality, innovation and competitiveness.

The Structure of Hydrobiocenoses in Mineral and Thermal Springs of the Baikal Lake Region: A Review

The Structure of Hydrobiocenoses in Mineral and Thermal Springs of the Baikal Lake Region: A Review

Composition and Distribution of Saturated Hydrocarbons in the Thermal Waters and Vapor–Water Mixture of the Mutnovskii Geothermal Field and Uzon Caldera, Kamchatka

The paper presents data on the composition and molecular-mass distribution of saturated hydrocarbons in sterile vapor–water mixture from wells and in high-temperature springs in the Mutnovskii hydrothermal area and Uzon caldera. The condensate of the vapor–water mixture and thermal waters from the Mutnovskii area contain low-molecule n-alkanes, which were generated by thermogenic processes. The boiling mud pot of the Donnoe fumarole field typically contains hydrocarbons whose origin is likely related to thermocatalytic transformations of the biomass of thermophilic microorganisms. A separate type of the molecular-mass distribution is typical of the geyser in the caldera of Uzon volcano: this material contains n-alkanes, which were generated by two processes: chemical re-synthesis of floral organic remnants and biogenic synthesis with the probable involvement of bacteria and algae.

Recently diverged killifishes: Morphometry and caudal skeleton osteology of two members of the Aphanius dispar species group (Aphaniidae, Teleostei)

Recently diverged killifishes: Morphometry and caudal skeleton osteology of two members of the Aphanius dispar species group (Aphaniidae, Teleostei)

Sulfurous Balneotherapy in Poland: A Vignette on History and Contemporary Use.

Balneotherapy experiences a sharp increase in popularity during recent years. The present paper gives a perspective on the therapeutic use of mineral baths in the town of Solec-Zdroj in southeastern Poland, an old time spa endowed with rich natural sulfurous water resources. Historical aspects of the formation and development of the spa are presented, along with the contemporary insights into the plausible mechanisms and benefits of sulfide treatment, not only in otherwise hardly treatable chronic skin disorders but also in a variety of disease processes in organ systems. Sulfurous balneotherapy is not without potential risks, particularly for the skin, a tissue it is considered the most viable treatment for. The healing effect of sulfide waters does not increase in proportion to the sulfur content. As in every stimulus-based treatment, the stimulant strength should not go beyond the favorable hormetic boundaries of safety. Although the exact bioproperties of a high content of hydrogen sulfide in natural mineral springs are yet to be fully unraveled and understood in the context of healing capability, sulfide bath treatment is capable of growing and developing. It remains a cost-effective alternative to pharmaceutical products in a variety of disorders.