Thermal Mineral Research Articles

Geochemical characteristics, Li source and genesis mechanism of thermal mineral water in Sichuan Basin, SW China

Thermal mineral water (temperature >25 °C) is a valuable resource, especially when it contains a certain amount of Li. In this study, an attempt was made to elucidate the factors affecting spatial distribution of lithium (Li) resources and interpret the formation mechanisms of thermal mineral waters in the Sichuan Basin. The spatial distribution, reservoir temperatures, and hydrochemical characteristics of thermal mineral waters were systematically analyzed in the Sichuan Basin, preliminarily revealing Li sources through hydrochemical methods. Results are showed as follows: (1) The Li-bearing (Li ≥ 1 mg/L) thermal mineral waters are mainly distributed in the southwestern part of the Sichuan Basin. There are three sites of thermal mineral waters with Li content greater than 25 mg/L with the hydrochemical type of Cl–Na type: Pengji Well (37.7 mg/L), Foguanghu Well (99.5 mg/L) and Zhougongshan New Well (118.0 mg/L). Among them, the Foguanghu Geothermal Well and the Zhougongshan New Well have high Li content and low Mg/Li (10.7 and 2.5), indicating great potential for utilization. (2) The Li-bearing thermal mineral waters are mainly formed in the fissure and pore reservoirs of the Middle–Lower Triassic. They are mainly affected by the dissolution of halite minerals and the deeply buried ancient seawater of the Triassic. The Li-bearing thermal mineral waters possess high contents of total dissolve solids (TDS) (4.3–230.0 g/L), Cl (0.7–142.9 g/L), Na (0.5–76.7 g/L), K (0.1–52.0 g/L), B (4.1–739.6 mg/L), and Li (1.5–118.0 mg/L). Moreover, the temperature of the geothermal reservoir ranges from 40 to 150 °C. The geothermal reservoir temperatures calculated by K–Mg and Mg–Li geothermometers are positively correlated with the Li content. (3) The Li source of the thermal mineral waters of the Sichuan Basin are dominated by multiple factors: first, Li concentration by evaporation, concentration and deep-seated metamorphism of ancient Triassic seawater; second, water–rock interaction between deep thermal mineral waters and mung bean rock or Emeishan basalt; and third, active tectonic activity and deep faulting induced upward flow of Li in deep fluids. This research enhances understanding of the formation of thermal mineral waters in the Sichuan Basin, offering scientific basis for the exploitation of Li resource.

Geochemical Evolution in Historical Time of Thermal Mineral Springs at Campetti Southwest (Veii, Central Italy) through Geoarcheological Investigation

A multidisciplinary study, involving hydrogeological, geochemical, and mineralogical analyses, was conducted to define the evolution of thermal mineral springs in the Sabatini Volcanic District (SVD) (Central Italy) in a historic period. The outcomes were integrated with the archeological findings to improve the knowledge of the evolution of Veii, a settlement established since the Iron Age and later expanded by Etruscans and Romans. During the archeological excavations, water-related buildings were identified, especially at the Campetti Southwest site in the Veii settlement. Votive inscriptions also suggest the presence of buildings linked to sacred waters, even if a clear definition of the source and type of water is missing. In the SVD, some low-flow thermal mineral springs are present as a result of the mixing of thermal and CO2-rich groundwater from the deep carbonate aquifer and the cold, shallow volcanic aquifer. Mineralogical and chemical analyses characterized the travertine and Fe-hydroxide deposits on Roman tanks and walls in Campetti Southwest and in a nearby ancient Roman bath along the Valchetta River. These deposits showed different relative concentrations of sedimentary and volcanic-related elements, testifying a geochemical evolution of the groundwater mixing and the presence of a paleothermal mineral spring in Campetti Southwest.

ТУРИСТИЧЕСКАЯ ПРИВЛЕКАТЕЛЬНОСТЬ КАК ФАКТОР ДИВЕРСИФИКАЦИИ ЭКОНОМИКИ ЕВРЕЙСКОЙ АВТОНОМНОЙ ОБЛАСТИ

Tourist attraction means an assessment of the region’s ability to meet the needs of potential tourists. The Jewish Autonomous region is a specific area, which is unlike others, and, therefore, attractive to tourists. In order to better imagine what might attract tourists to the Jewish Autonomous region besides its name, it is necessary to put yourself in the place of people who have heard and read something about the Jewish autonomy, but have not been to it, and who want to get a complete information about the region. In this article, the author reveals the tourist potential of the region, sharing with potential guides some interesting facts from the autonomy history, the types of its individual objects, regional problems and solutions aimed to create even greater attractiveness of the region. The attractiveness of the Jewish Autonomous region lies in its distinctive history, diverse natural resources, including rare and large reserves of minerals, thermal mineral healing springs and fantastic landscapes. It goes without saying, tourists are interested in the regional culture, primarily the Jewish one, which is also an important factor of tourist attraction.

Development of the cream composition with Georgian thermal water and herb extracts

Thermal mineral waters contain a certain amount of mineral substances. They are widely used around the world to develop pharmaceuticals and cosmetics. Georgia is rich in thermal mineral water and plant resources, but Georgian mineral waters and medicinal plant raw materials have not been used together in any of the dermato-cosmetic products produced in Georgia. The aim of this work is to develop the cream composition with mineral waters from Georgian hot springs and herb extracts. Material and methods. The objects of the study were Georgian thermal waters and herb extracts. Thermal waters of various degrees of mineralization were used: Sulori (mineralization - 182,6 mg/L), Tskaltubo (mineralization - 0,8 g/L) and Borjomi (mineralization - 5-7 g/L). For the study, the main methods for developing dosage forms, experimental and technological studies, physical, physico-chemical, biopharmaceutical and other methods were used. Research results. Based on preliminary tests, preference was given to highly mineralized water “Borjomi” and its dilutions. This allowed us to develop a general strategy for creating a formula for creams containing thermal mineral water and herb extracts. The experiments were conducted with different dilutions of Borjomi. A model system suitable for mineral waters of any degree of mineralization was developed. Preliminary tests determined the ratio of the main components, with the use of which ten versions of cream were developed, and their physicochemical properties, sterility and toxicological safety were studied. Conclusions. The critical analysis of thermal waters of Georgia was carried out and the more mineralized thermal water of Borjomi was used in the model systems. A methodological approach to the development of this type of medical and cosmetic creams for the use of selected thermal waters and plant raw materials was substantiated. The cream formulation was developed using Georgian thermal water and plant extracts. The conditions of their stability and safety were studied

ORGANIC MATTER IN THE PARATUNKA GEOTHERMAL FIELD (KAMCHATKA) THERMAL WATERS

Link for citation: Poturay V.A. Organic matter in the Paratunka geothermal field (Kamchatka) thermal waters. Bulletin of the Tomsk Polytechnic University. Geo Аssets Engineering, 2023, vol. 334, no. 8, рр. 98-109. In Rus. The relevance of the research is determined by the need to obtain actual data on the composition of organic compounds in thermal mineral waters. Hydrothermal systems contain different classes of organic matter, its composition in the Far East thermal waters being poorly investigated. The organic matter study is primarily aimed at elucidating the mechanisms of organic components transformation under high temperatures and pressure. This study contributes to deeper understanding of the processes occurring in the system «water–rock–organic matter». The main aim of the research is to determine the organic compounds composition and genesis in the Paratunka geothermal area (Northern and Karymshin sites) thermal waters; estimation of the hydrocarbons molecular weight distribution; compare the obtained data with that for other hydrothermal systems of Kamchatka. Objects: the Paratunka hydrothermal system (thermal water from deep wells in the Northern and Karymshin areas), the Mutnovka and Uzon hydrothermal systems (steam-water mixture from deep wells in the Dachnoe and North Mutnovskaya thermal fields, and thermal water from shallow wells in the Eastern thermal field). Methods: field routes, solid-phase extraction, capillary gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, calculation of geochemical hydrocarbon distribution indices. Results. In the Paratunka geothermal area thermal waters 40 organic compounds are found, which belong to 11 homological series. Aromatic and aliphatic hydrocarbons of thermogenic (formed as a result of thermocatalytic transformation of organic residues) and bacterial origin reach their maximum distribution. The specific molecular-weight distribution of normal alkanes showing only even low-molecular-weight homologues is characteristic of the Karymshin thermal waters. Comparison of the data with the results of the study of organic matter in Kamchatka (the Paratunka, Mutnovka, and Uzon geothermal areas) demonstrates a great similarity of main organic components composition, all of them showing a sharp predominance of aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbons.

Quality Evaluation of Geothermal Fluid in the Lindian Area of the Songliao Basin

The quality of geothermal fluids determines their direction of use, and in the past, the evaluation of geothermal fluid quality mainly focused on single well evaluation or local area evaluation. This article uses 5 pieces of geothermal water chemistry data to conduct quality evaluation of geothermal fluids in the Lindian area, mainly including medical thermal mineral water quality evaluation, drinking mineral water evaluation, domestic drinking water evaluation, fishery water evaluation, agricultural irrigation water evaluation, and geothermal fluid corrosiveness and scaling tendency evaluation. The evaluation results show that the geothermal wells in the study area are not suitable for developing drinking mineral water; Not suitable as drinking water for daily use; It cannot be directly used as irrigation water evaluation; Suitable for medical hot mineral water development and aquaculture; Geothermal fluids are all non-corrosive water with minimal fouling, and can be used for geothermal heating after treatment.

Search for Novel Halophilic and Halotolerant Producers of Antimicrobial Compounds in Various Extreme Ecosystems

Abstract—The recent increase of antibiotic resistance in pathogenic microorganisms stimulated interest in the search for new antimicrobial compounds and their producers. Among the latter, halophilic microorganisms are considered to be the most promising group, since actinomycetes, producers of the majority of the known clinically important classes of antibiotics, are widely represented in this group. The present work reports the results of the search with three different approaches for new antimicrobial compounds in halophilic and halotolerant microorganisms inhabiting three different types of extreme ecosystems. Metagenomic analysis of microbial communities of subsurface thermal mineral waters revealed biosynthetic clusters of putative antimicrobial compounds, which belong to bacteria and archaea of uncultured lineages. Enrichment cultures with antimicrobial activity were obtained from the cold, deep oceanic sediments; analysis of their phylogenetic diversity resulted in identification of the potential producers of antimicrobial compounds as the members of class Desulfuromonadia. Finally, antimicrobial activity of a new species of soil natronophilic streptomycetes, Streptomyces sp. ACA25, was characterized; it was active only against gram-positive bacteria. The genome of this organism was sequenced, and the pathways for biosynthesis of polypeptide, polyketide, and beta-lactam antibiotics were identified. Active fractions of the ACA25 culture, containing antimicrobial compounds of polyketide and beta-lactam nature, were obtained. The active polyketide was identified as rosamycin, an antibiotic of the macrolide structural group. However, the fact that it did not inhibit bacterial translation highlighted structural differences between the new polyketide and rosamycin.

Technology for Hot Spring Cooling and Geothermal Heat Utilization: A Case Study for Balneology Facility

Reducing energy costs in Europe is more challenging than before due to extreme price increases. The use of local renewable energy sources is one way to contribute to this effort. In the case of spa resorts, the use of heat from hot springs for therapeutic baths is an option. It is necessary to cool down this thermal mineral water to a temperature acceptable to the human body. However, due to the high mineral content of this water, heavy fouling can be a problem for conventional heat exchangers. The purpose of this study is to identify the suitable cooling technology in terms of required cooling capacity and waste heat recovery capability. The cooling technology was selected on the basis of a literature search. A pilot cooling unit consisting of vacuum cooler and plate heat exchanger was designed and tested in a real spa resort for six months. Both selected technologies have demonstrated the ability to cool thermal mineral water in long-term operation, as well as the possibility to utilize waste heat for domestic hot water heating. However, fouling problems occur in the plate heat exchanger. The vacuum cooler demonstrated greater operational robustness and resistance to encrustation.

The effects of immersion in 42℃ radon, natrium, calcium, bicarbonate content thermal-mineral water on chronic low back pain. Controlled, follow-up study.

In our minimized follow-up trial with 137 participants with chronic low back pain, one group of participants received regular outpatient care, and the other group received balneotherapy by immersion in 42℃ thermal-mineral water in addition to regular outpatient care on 15 occasions for 3weeks. Pain on movement and at rest on the 0-100mm visual analogue scale (VAS), Oswestry index, the number of participants evaluating the symptoms clinically acceptable (Patient Acceptable Symptom State, PASS) and the EuroQol-5D-5L (EQ-5D-5L) quality of life questionnaire were assessed at basal time (at week 0) and after balneotherapy (at weeks 3 and 12). The VAS pain scores, the Oswestry index, the EQ-5D-5L index and the EQ-VAS significantly improved in the balneotherapy group after treatment at week 3 (p < 0.001) and week 12 (p < 0.001) compared to baseline, with a significant between group difference at week 3 (p < 0.001) and week 12 (p < 0.001). The pain VAS score on movement was 66.82 ± 11.48, 26.69 ± 21.49, and 20.09 ± 23.29 in the balneotherapy group, and 63.67 ± 14.77, 67.35 ± 15.44, and 70.23 ± 18.26 in the control group at the consecutive visits. The PASS increased in both groups at week 3 and week 12 compared to the baseline, with a significant between-group difference at week 3 and week 12 for the balneotherapy group. Our results suggest the therapeutic efficacy of immersion in 42℃ thermal mineral water on chronic low back pain.ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT05342051.

Особливості та перспективи рекреаційного використання термальних мінеральних джерел курортними готелями

The Russian invasion of Ukraine and the COVID-19 pandemic have actualized the need to rethink the recreational use of thermal mineral springs by resort hotels in order to treat the consequences of post-war injuries, psychological rehabilitation and health restoration. Solving these problems requires strengthening the role of recreational enterprises and resort hotels in restoring the health of the population by expanding the directions of their economic activity and forming the investment attractiveness of the national resort and recreational product in world markets. The publication pays special attention to determining the physical and chemical properties of thermal mineral springs, which is an important component in the development of healing methods and the creation of specific health recovery programs. The spatial structure of the distribution of thermal mineral springs by regions of the world is clarified. The main types of establishments with thermal mineral springs, which provide recreational, healing and therapeutic services, are determined. In addition, the amount of financial losses suffered by institutions with thermal mineral springs as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic is determined, as well as the dynamics of volume and forecast of growth of the world market of thermal mineral springs, due to the need to recover health, is identified. According to the results of the study, it is found that thermal mineral springs are a unique natural resource. Their recreational use is the main activity of many resort hotels. As a result of the Russian aggression and the COVID-19 pandemic, there was a shift in emphasis in the functioning of resort hotels from relaxation and rest towards treatment and rehabilitation, which will help restore the demand for resort and recreational services in the post-war period. Thus, the increase in demand for the health-recovering, medical and recreational services will make it possible to expand the recreational use of thermal mineral springs, update the menu of services and become more appealing for attracting investment capital.

Historical issues of hydrotherapy in thermal–mineral springs of the Hellenic world

Many springs have been recorded in Greece; some of them are characterized as thermo-mineral springs and are associated with their position between Eurasia and Africa, the volcanic activity, and the presence of tectonic faults. The therapeutic use of water (hydrotherapy) has been recorded in ancient Greece since at least 1000 BC. Asclepius was the god of medicine in ancient Greek religion and priests operated his worship centers (Asclepieia) offering medical services in areas with proper climatic conditions. In historical times, Hippocrates from the Aegean island of Kos (460–375 BC) is considered the father of scientific medicine as well as hydrotherapy. During the Hellenistic period, the significance of water in health was widely recognized. In the Roman era, many doctors evolved hydrotherapy treatment and the use of hot baths continued in the early Byzantine period until the sixth century AD. Finally, during the Ottoman period, the kind of respiratory bath, named Hamam, was the dominant form in public baths. Their temperature ranges between 20.5 and 83 °C, and the dominant hydrochemical type is Na-Cl. This review describes the history of hydrotherapy in Greece through the centuries, the physicochemical characteristics of thermal springs, as well as contemporary and future trends and challenges are presented.

Podzemní vody hluboké struktury regionálního rozsahu: Pasohlávky–Laa an der Thaya

The regions of South Moravia in Czech Republic and Lower Austria are well-known for their use of thermal mineral waters for balneological purposes. Mineral waters are exploited from a Jurassic aquifer by two about 1.5 km deep wells MUS-3G (Pasohlavky, Czech Republic) and Laa TH Nord 1 (Laa an der Thaya, Austria). This Jurassic aquifer buried below the Neogene foredeep overlies a crystalline basement of Bohemian Massif and continues to the southeast below the Western Carpathians. Jurassic sediments which are mainly composed of autochthonous carbonates increase their thickness in this direction due to the decline of the crystalline basement. Because of this decline, there are two developments of Jurassic sediments, the shallower on the northwest and the deeper on the southeast. The zone between these two developments is known as the Mušov transition zone. For sustainable mineral water resources development, a groundwater flow pattern and recharge are evaluated. This evaluation includes both the hydrogeologic structure of Jurassic carbonates and hydraulically continuous underlying and overlying rocks. Because of the considerable depth of this hydrogeologic structure, which ranges from 100 to 3 000 metres below sea level, this study was based mostly on archive reports related to deep wells at the study area. The extent of studied units was identified on well-log data and geophysical survey interpretation. The resulting groundwater level contour map is based on the spatial distribution of hydraulic heads ranging approx. from 180 to 220 metres above sea level (masl) that were derived from pressure and water density conditions at the Jurassic aquifer. The general direction of groundwater flow is from northwest and southeast to the drainage zone (hydraulic head approx. 170–190 masl) identified in the middle of the studied area, which is identical to a course of the Mušov transition zone and parallel to the course of Dyje river (water table 170–180 masl). The northwestern part of the studied hydrogeological structure also differs from the southeastern part in a lower total mineralization which indicates active inflow of fresh water. The study was also enhanced by a spatial distribution of hydraulic parameters of all modelled units. These parameters were derived from hydrodynamic tests. The hydraulic conductivity values for the major Jurassic aquifer range from 6.0 × 10-4 to 1.3 × 10-9 m/s. The occurrence of the higher hydraulic conductivity near the drainage zone indicates the presence of a well-developed drainage network.

Assessment of indoor radon concentration and time-series analysis of gamma dose rate in three thermal spas from Portugal

This work is a follow-up study on the exposure to indoor radon levels in Portuguese thermal spas. The previous research involved 16 thermal spas, where radon measurements in air and thermal mineral water were performed twice a year, from 2012 to 2016. These studies revealed concerning radon concentrations both in air and water. Therefore, a follow-up study on long-term radon measurements was conducted to estimate the year-round average radon exposure. The closer the long-term measurement is to 365 days, the more representative it will be of annual average radon levels. Continuous measurements over 1 year for the indoor radon levels are now presented for three of the 16 previously studied thermal spas, together with a time-series analysis of the gamma dose rates registered within the facilities of these thermal spas (TS). An attempt to identify possible patterns in the variation of gamma dose rates was made. Hourly gamma dose rates were modelled and forecasted using the Box–Jenkins seasonal time series models (SARIMA). The results showed that between December 2018 and November 2019, the indoor radon concentration varied from 202 to 1941 Bq/m3 (TS1), from 52 to 191 Bq/m3 (TS2), and from 937 to 1750 Bq/m3 (TS3). Approximately 60% of the obtained values for radon concentration in the indoor air exceed the reference level of 300 Bq/m3. Gamma dose rates were continuously measured with GAMMA SCOUT® detectors for hourly readings (µSv/h) between 83 and 229 days. On average, the results are similar in all considered locations and range between 0.169 and 0.264 µSv/h, although variations are different in winter and summer. The calculated effective doses ranged between 3.49 and 18.65 mSv/year (TS1), between 1.37 and 2.53 mSv/year (TS2), and between 13.89 and 22.97 mSv/year (TS3). For occupational exposure purposes, workers would be classified as category A in nine locations (out of 20), as the exposure is liable to exceed an effective dose of 6 mSv/year. For the time-series analysis, the obtained models captured the dynamics of the time series data and produced short-term forecasts. Their accuracies have been quantified by minimizing the root mean square error, the mean absolute error due to the actual forecast, and the mean absolute scaled error. The current results corroborate the conclusions of previous research and give continuous data on occupational exposure to radon for three Portuguese thermal spas. For TS1 and TS3, the indoor radon levels are much higher than the reference level. Under this circumstance, mitigation measures must be implemented to reduce the radon levels accordingly with the Euratom Directive 2013/59 and the Decree-Law No. 108/2018. In general, the gamma dose rates were below 1 μSv/h and, therefore, the contribution to the annual effective dose is not significant. Nevertheless, the variation of the gamma dose rates showed a coherent behavior with the radon progeny build up in closed spaces, as when the considered facilities were closed for certain periods. The time series analysis made it possible to fit some models to the gamma dose rate variation, and although the produced models cannot forecast exact gamma dose rates, they can provide valuable information to build sound planning and decision-making strategies in occupational exposure.

Effect of HEAT therapy in patiEnts with type 2 Diabetes mellitus (HEATED): protocol for a randomised controlled trial

IntroductionThe burden of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is increasing worldwide. Heat therapy has been found effective in improving glycaemic control. However, to date, there is a lack of randomised...

Hydrochemical assessment of the quality of thermal mineral water for irrigation: The case of Hammam Meskoutine (northeast Algeria)

This study was carried out to assess the state and quality of Hammam Meskoutine's thermal mineral water and its suitability for irrigation. To accomplish this, water samples from ten different thermal mineral springs were evaluated in February and June of 2016, respectively, in the region of Hammam Meskoutine in northeastern Algeria. The analyzed parameters are the water’s physical and chemical characteristics (temperature, pH and electrical conductivity) as measured in situ, and the dosing of the major components (Cl-, SO42-, HCO3-, Ca2+, Mg2+, Na+, and K+) in the laboratory. Based on the chemical analyses, irrigation quality parameters were calculated, e.g. the sodium absorption ratio (SAR), the percent of sodium (% Na), residual sodium carbonate (RSC), permeability index (PI), and magnesium hazard (MH). The results showed the spring water there to be generally unsuitable for irrigation practices during the two sampling periods.

Species Composition and Features of Fish Biology of Thermal Mineral Springs of the Arctic River Gilmimliveem (East Chukotka)

The fish fauna of the Gilmimliveem River (the Bering Sea basin) includes five taxa of species and subspecies ranks: Arctic grayling Thymallus arcticus signifer, resident (landlocked) dwarf Dolly Varden trout Salvelinus malma, relict three-spined stickleback Gasterosteus cf. aculeatus, the nine-spined stickleback Pungitius pungitius, and the western slimy sculpin Cottus cognatus cognatus. Arctic grayling and nine-spined stickleback were found for the first time. Two rare Beringian subspecies are recorded (T. arcticus signifier and C. cognatus cognatus) and a local endemic of Northeast Asia (G. cf. aculeatus). A morphological description, some features of the biology and current state of populations of freshwater fish of a unique ecosystem of thermal mineral springs of the Gilmimliveem River are presented for the first time. The linear growth of these fish on the Chukchi Peninsula of the Russian Arctic (the northeastern edge of the Asian continent) is discussed.

Recognition of Significant Multi-Element Geochemical Signatures of Lower Soil on Hainan Island, China: Implications for Thermal Mineral Water Exploration

As an important geothermal resource, thermal mineral water has high resource efficiency and thermal energy efficiency. The aim of this study was to delineate prospective areas of thermal mineral water based on potential thermal mineral water sites and faults. Linear regression was used to process the temperature of 22 known thermal mineral water sites as dependent variables, and 54 indices of the lower soil of multipurpose regional geochemical surveys as independent variables, in the area of intermediate-acid intrusive rocks and sediment degeneration rocks on Hainan Island. Published data were quoted from the National Multi-Purpose Regional Geochemical Survey (Hainan Province, China). According to the regressive modelling of 2197 lower soil samples, 547 potential thermal mineral water sites were delineated after considering 4 factors—geological background, regional structure, interval of dependent variable’s predictive temperature, and boundary of independent variable’s contents—which were compared against 22 known thermal mineral water sites to choose the 2197 lower soil samples, based on the choice of prospective sites of thermal mineral water on Hainan Island. The results showed that the proportion of A1-level sites that were &gt;70 °C constituted 11% of all A1-level prospective sites, reflecting the superiority of east–west or north–east directional regional faults in controlling the distribution of thermal mineral water. This study shows the indications of the multipurpose regional geochemical survey with regards to thermal mineral water, which is one of the most important tourist resources of Hainan Island.

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.

Effectiveness of Vascular Balneotherapy in the Treatment of Chronic Venous Disease (CVD)

Aim: Inside the “Antica Querciolaia” Thermal Station, located in the municipality of Rapolano Terme (Siena), there is a well, called “Well 5 – Cold Bath”, from which gushes a homeothermic alkaline bicarbonate-sulphate mineral water, considered suitable for thermal use with venous vascular address. The main endpoint of the study was to demonstrate the effects of vascular balneotherapy with thermal mineral water on classical symptoms, such as edema and quality of life of patients with chronic venous disease in the lower limbs, while the secondary endpoint was to verify the efficacy and tolerability of vascular balneotherapy carried out in predefined vascular paths and with a standardized protocol. Materials and Methods: In the double-blind, randomized controlled study, 60 patients with chronic venous disease of the lower limbs were enrolled in the first three stages of the CEAP classification. The patients were divided into two equivalent groups: “Balneotherapy Group”, treated with baths in thermal mineral water from “Well 5 – Cold Bath” and venoactive drug therapy and “Control Group” which only took drug therapy in an equivalent dose and duration. Results: The results of the study show a clear improvement of the “Balneotherapy Group” compared to the “Control Group” in the treatment of chronic venous disease of the lower limbs, concerning both the primary and secondary endpoints set by the study. Conclusions: Our findings show the undoubted efficacy and excellent tolerability of vascular balneotherapy in the treatment of chronic venous disease of the lower limbs.

Hydrochemické vlastnosti zdrojů termálních minerálních vod v oblasti Pasohlávky – Laa an der Thaya

The South Moravian region of Pasohlávky and the Lower Austrian town of Laa an der Thaya belongs to the areas of intensive use of thermal mineral water for recreational and balneological purposes. Thermal mineral water is extracted from a deep-seated Jurassic aquifer, mainly composed of carbonates. These carbonates overlie the crystalline bedrock, which is dipping towards the southeast below the Outer Western Carpathians. Due to this trend, there are two developments of the Jurassic sediments that differ in their lithological composition and are vertically separated by the Mušov transition zone. To the northwest from this zone, there is a shallower carbonate development and in the southeast, there is a deeper development which is composed of permeable carbonates together with impermeable marls. The Neogene sediments of Carpathian foredeep are deposited on the top of the Jurassic carbonate structure. Thermal mineral water is exploited by two hydrogeological wells – Muš-3G (Pasohlávky, 1 455 m deep) and Laa Th N1 (Laa an der Thaya, 1 448 m deep) situated in the shallower carbonate part of the Jurassic aquifer. The aim of this study, that summarizes the important partial outputs of the cross-border project Interreg HTPO (Hydrothermal Potential of the Area, ATCZ167), is to specify and clarify the origin, genesis and the processes of water formation based on the hydrochemical evaluation of thermal mineral water. For this purpose, both the final reports of studied wells and especially results from newly performed analyses of stable isotopes of hydrogen δ2H and oxygen δ18O were used. The δ18O and δ2H values of water samples from the Muš-3G well varies from –12,77 ‰ to –12,03 ‰ and from –92,23 ‰ to –88,05 ‰, respectively, while water samples from the Laa Th N1 well are isotopically heavier with δ18O values ranging from –7,04 ‰ to –6,31 ‰ and with δ2H values ranging from –51,04 ‰ to –49,33 ‰. In the Pasohlávky region we suppose it is an isotopically depleted water that has infiltrated in the cold climatic period (glacial). Evaluation of the chemical composition revealed that although the thermal waters from both areas of the hydrogeological structure are of the same Na–Cl type, their total mineralization differs significantly. Lower total mineralization in the Pasohlávky area (approx. 2,2 g/L) is also associated with higher relative concentrations of bicarbonate ions (HCO3–) and atmogenic nitrogen, typically bound to infiltrated meteoric waters. The thermal water in this area is mostly of meteoric origin, mixed with primary marinogenic water. In the Laa an der Thaya region, there is water with higher total mineralization (approx. 11 g/L) and lower relative concentrations of HCO3–, which together with the results of isotope analyses indicates a higher content of primary seawater. The marinogenic origin of waters also confirms the presence of bromides and iodides. The process of mixing primary marine waters with infiltrated meteoric waters significantly contributes to the chemical composition of the studied waters in both areas, while the original marinogenic water type of Na-Cl is preserved.