Thermal Mineral Research Articles

New Thermal Mineral Water from Aguas (Penamacor, Central Portugal): Hydrogeochemistry and Therapeutic Indications

Thermal mineral waters are a potential resource in the local and economic development of a region. The thermal area of Termas das Águas is in the inner region of central Portugal and its grant will enable the exploration and exploitation of this water resource for medical and therapeutic purposes through a thermal medical SPA. In Portugal, the classification and legalization of a thermal unit must provide a natural mineral water resource, recognized by Portuguese Energy and Geology General Directorate and integrated in a concession granted by the Portuguese Government. For this purpose, it will be necessary to have available mineral water, with physico-chemical and microbiological, temporal stability, ensuring water’s high quality. The purpose of a certified mineral water includes a detailed geomorphological, geological and hydrogeological characterization of the survey area, as well as the water’s compositional temporal stability. Only after the recognition conferred by the national agency as a natural mineral water, it is possible to start a medical-hydrological study, for this resource. This process follows an experimental period of 3 years, during which it is implemented the different and specific balneotherapy techniques associated with the therapeutic features of the mineral water. A final report, to be submitted to Portuguese General Directorate for Health, will gather the main results and conclusions, regarding the benefits of this natural resource on human health, and allow its inclusion as an official medical thermal SPA in the Portuguese Normative Decrees. The main subject of this research is the geological and hydrogeological characterization of Termas das Águas aquifer, as well as the mineral water quality study (AM4 – well). The main topics for the medical hydrological study, mainly related to rheumatic and respiratory diseases, are also presented to the medical SPA of Termas das Águas.

Weakly mineralized nitrogen thermal waters of Russia

Russia has almost all hydrochemical types of underground mineral waters; however, unlike the well-known and popular resorts in the world, they are used very limitedly. In addition to their high medicinal value, mineral waters, when properly marketed, is a natural product that is comparable, and, in many cases, superior in price to that of similar volumes of high-octane gasoline. In addition to the characteristics of the chemical and gas composition, some underground mineral waters in their native state have an elevated temperature and are thermal and hyperthermal. Low-mineralized nitrogen thermae are one of the large groups of mineral waters; they are common in the areas of young tectonic faults in the earth's crust, which frame the mountainous areas. The deposits of thermae within the blocky and folded-blocky structures are fractured water-pressure systems; the thermal waters in the sedimentary and volcanic-sedimentary rocks saturate the reservoir or fissure-interstitial aquifers and are typical artesian basins. The successful development of health resort business in Russia should be, first of all, based on the extensive use of natural therapeutic factors. As clearly confirmed by the experience with spa treatment in both Russia and world practice, accumulated data from researches, thermal mineral waters determine the possibility of creating large spa centers that provide high economic efficiency.

Valorization of the mineral and thermal water of Kosovo and Metohija in a function of health tourism

Valorization of the mineral and thermal water of Kosovo and Metohija in a function of health tourism is an important issue for recognizing the Autonomous Province of Kosovo and Metohija (AP KiM) as a significant tourist destination. Valorization of the mineral and thermal water in the territory former SFRY, to which Kosovo and Metohija belonged was largely based on the applicable legal regulations in the observed time period. The economic valorization of mineral and thermal water was generally lacking. The situation has changed significantly in recent years in the area of health tourism, which needs yet to get its portion of the budget while competing with the other social areas. Therefore, health tourism itself should become the very source of profit. Valorization of the mineral and thermal mineral water of Kosovo and Metohija should be based on the world criteria that contribute both to the economic development and reconciliation process. Furthermore, a part of research in the study paper, the special emphasis has been placed on the identification of sources of thermal and mineral water as a natural attraction in Kosovo and Metohija, elements of tourist valorization and the importance of mineral and thermo mineral water for development the tourist economy in Kosovo and Metohija.

Physicochemical characteristics and suitability of curative pastes made of Tunisian clay minerals and thermal waters for use in pelotherapy

This study presents the physicochemical characteristics of peloids prepared from two Tunisian clays, CZ (clay from the region of Zaghouan) and CS (from the region of Siliana), and two thermal mineral waters. The samples were analyzed by several physicochemical techniques: X-ray diffraction, chemical composition (major and minor elements), grain-size distribution, cation-exchange capacity, plasticity index, and thermal properties (cooling kinetic). The results prove that the two clays are suitable for use in Tunisian spa with differences in their characteristics, especially with regard to their composition, plasticity, grain size distribution, and thermal properties.

Polyphasic approach to a characteristic Ulva population from a limno-rheocrenic, mineral (chloride, sodium, sulphate) spring in the Siwa Oasis (Western Desert of Egypt)

An interesting population of ulvacean green algae was collected from a limno-rheocrenic, thermal, mineral (chloride, sodium, sulphate) spring known as Ain Abu Sherouf in the Siwa Oasis, the Western Desert of Egypt. A detailed combined investigation on its morphotaxonomy, autecology, and a multilocus sequence data set including the chloroplast-encoded rbcL gene and the nuclear-encoded nrDNA SSU and ITS allowed us to identify this population as Ulva flexuosa subsp. paradoxa (syn. Ulva paradoxa, Ulvales, Chlorophyta), although the algal thalli were in average narrower than usual in this taxon. Analysis of the molecular rbcL-ITS sequencing data demonstrated a close phylogenetic relationship of the studied population to two Ulva isolates from Japan and China and their taxonomic status was further discussed. The pigment profiling confirmed chlorophylls and carotenoids typical of the Ulvaceae (lutein, α/β-carotenes, violaxanthin, and neoxanthin). Lipidomic analysis revealed the presence of the monogalactosyl diacylglycerols (MGDG), digalactosyl diacylglycerols (DGDG), sulfoquinovosyl diacylglycerols (SQDG), and diacylglyceryl N,N,N-trimethylhomoserine (DGTS) lipid classes. Presence of the plasma membrane DGTS lipids in remarkable proportion might be an adaptation to this nutrient-poor mineral spring habitat, with relatively low phosphorus values. The lower unsaturation index (UI) values of the plastidial DGDG and SQDG lipids are likely to reflect the need to maintain adequate membrane fluidity in this thermal mineral spring system. This polyphasic study not only extended our little knowledge on the distribution, autecology, and adaptive mechanisms of U. flexuosa subsp. paradoxa in the Saharan habitats of Africa, but also re-assessed and refined the taxonomic and phylogenetic affiliation of previously sampled close relatives from East Asia.

Fine-Grained Concretes on Non-Clinker Binders with Highly Disperse Mineral Components

World and domestic experience in the development of various compositions and technologies for composite and mixed binders (including cementless ones) and concretes is reduced to the use of components based on ashes of thermal power plants and other secondary mineral resources. But their qualitative, ecological and economic indicators, as well as the energy intensity of production, do not meet modern requirements.

Geothermometry and Isotope Geochemistry of CO2-Rich Thermal Waters in Choygan, East Tuva, Russia

The Choygan area of southern Siberia, Russia hosts a variety of CO2-rich thermal mineral and other waters emerging from springs at temperatures between 7 °C and 39 °C. Chemical analyses of the spring waters (n = 33) were carried out to characterise the waters and determine their origin. A continuum of compositions was observed between relatively lower temperature (7 °C) HCO3-Ca-Na dominated waters with relatively low amount of total dissolved solids (TDS) and high Eh, and higher temperature (39 °C) HCO3-Na-Ca dominated waters with higher TDS and lower Eh—this reflects largely conservative mixing of these components between near surface low temperature, oxidising groundwaters and higher temperature, more reducing thermal waters derived from a deeper geothermal reservoir. Stable isotopic data are consistent with all the water ultimately being derived from meteoric water that has undergone varying degrees of isotopic fractionation following evaporation. The inferred δ18O and δ2H isotopic composition of the unfractionationed meteoric waters is lighter than that expected that of mean annual local precipitation, which together with a strong negative correlation between δ18O and the elevation of the sampled discharging springs, suggests recharge at higher elevations (1600 m to 3000 m; average 2600 m). Reservoir temperature, calculated using geothermometers and an analysis of saturation indices of plausible reservoir minerals, ranged from 70 °C to 100 °C at an inferred depth of 2 to 3 km. Not all chemical components were found to follow conservative mixing behaviour. In particular, (i) the CO2 contents of the waters were highly variable, suggesting either varying degrees of degassing and/or near discharge admixture with air, and (ii) SO4 concentrations in the lower temperature thermal CO2-rich waters were highly variable, suggesting a role of near surface oxidation processes, for example of pyrite, in modifying the concentration of redox sensitive components. Limited δ13C data are consistent with the CO2 predominately being derived from dissolution of metamorphic/igneous carbonate minerals in the reservoir. Based on geological conditions, isotope and chemical data, a conceptual circulation model of the Choygan hydrothermal system is proposed.

In vitro evaluation of natural thermal mineral waters in human keratinocyte cells: a preliminary study.

We aimed to test the anti-inflammatory and angiogenic properties of two different thermal waters at the cellular level in human keratinocyte cells in the present study. Two different thermal waters, thermo-mineral BJ1 (Bursa, Turkey) and oligomineral BG (Bolu, Turkey), were tested in human keratinocyte (HaCaT) cell line. HaCaT cells were incubated for 3days with thermal waters; RNA isolation was carried out in the treated and untreated cells. The gene expressions of TNFα, IL-1α, and VEGF were measured using the RT-qPCR. The tested thermal waters significantly decreased the expression of IL-1α (BJ1 93% p = 0.0024 and BG 38% p = 0.0303). BJ1 and BG thermal waters downregulated the expression of TNFα (59% p = 0.0001 and 23% p = 0.0238 respectively). Furthermore, BJ1 and BG significantly downregulated the gene expression of VEGF (98% p = 0.0430 and 15% p = 0.0120). The observed decrease in the gene expression of TNFα and IL1α could be interpreted as an anti-inflammatory effect of mineral waters on HaCaT cells. Moreover, the suppressed VEGF expression might be an indicator of the antiangiogenic effect on human keratinocytes. Therefore, we hypothesized that depending on their specific chemical composition such as silica (128mg/L) in BJ1 and hydrogen sulfide (1.2mg/L) in BG, thermal waters suppress pro-inflammatory cytokines and angiogenic growth factor. These preliminary findings might give insight on the underlying mechanisms of the therapeutic benefits observed in some skin diseases such as rosacea and psoriasis.

Development of Formulas and Technology of Dental Elixirs with the Use of Plant Resources and Thermal Mineral Waters of Georgia

Development of Formulas and Technology of Dental Elixirs with the Use of Plant Resources and Thermal Mineral Waters of Georgia

Correction to: The effects of the calcium-magnesium-bicarbonate content in thermal mineral water on chronic low back pain: a randomized, controlled follow-up study.

The original article mistakenly displays each set of author names in the wrong order, i.e., first names as last names and vice versa. The author correct names are: Tamás Gáti, Ildikó Katalin Tefner, Lajos Kovács, Katalin Hodosi, Tamás Bender. The original article has been corrected.

The Dead Sea Mud and Salt: A Review of Its Characterization, Contaminants, and Beneficial Effects

The Dead Sea has been known for its therapeutic and cosmetic properties. The unique climatic conditions in the Dead Sea area make it a renowned site worldwide for the field of climatotherapy, which is a natural approach for the provision of medications for many human diseases including unusual exclusive salt composition of the water, a special natural mud, thermal mineral springs, solar irradiation, oxygen-rich and bromine-rich haze. This review focuses on the physical, chemical, and biological characteristics of the Dead Sea mud and salts, in addition to their contaminants, allowing this review to serve as a guide to interested researchers to their risks and the importance of treatment. Beneficial effects of Dead Sea mud and salts are discussed in terms of therapy and cosmetics. Additional benefits of both Dead Sea mud and salts are also discussed, such as antimicrobial action of the mud in relation to its therapeutic properties, and the potency of mud and salts to be a good medium for the growth of a halophilic unicellular algae, used for the commercial production of β-carotene; Dunaliella.

The effects of the calcium-magnesium-bicarbonate content in thermal mineral water on chronic low back pain: a randomized, controlled follow-up study.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of balneotherapy on chronic low back pain. This is a minimized, follow-up study evaluated according to the analysis of intention to treat. The subjects included in the study were 105 patients suffering from chronic low back pain. The control group (n = 53) received the traditional musculoskeletal pain killer treatment, while the target group (n = 52) attended thermal mineral water treatment for 3weeks for 15 occasions on top of the usual musculoskeletal pain killer treatment. The following parameters were measured before, right after, and 9weeks after the 3-week therapy: the level of low back pain in rest and the level during activity are tested using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS); specific questionnaire on the back pain (Oswestry); and a questionnaire on quality of life (EuroQual-5D). All of the investigated parameters improved significantly (p < 0.001) in the target group by the end of the treatment compared to the base period, and this improvement was persistent during the follow-up period. There were no significant changes in the measured parameters in the control group. Based on our results, balneotherapy might have favorable impact on the clinical parameters and quality of life of patients suffering from chronic low back pain.

Local community attitudes and perceptions towards thermalism

ABSTRACTThermalism is enjoying a global resurgence of interest as consumers seek out ethical, natural, and place-based wellness experiences. In Europe, the ‘success rate of healing through thermalism has maintained the high reputation of thermal springs with curative powers’. However, thermalism has been culturally lost in the UK. This study focuses on a UK historical spa site currently undergoing restoration. Once restored, this will be one of three UK's only spa hotels with direct access to natural thermal mineral waters. An ethnographic case study design was used to explore community's perceptions and attitudes towards thermalism and the wellness tourism development model being implemented on location. Findings suggest that memories of the values and virtues of thermalism persist within the community and that, if harnessed, can play a significant role in supporting the local and national wellness agenda. However, findings also suggest that the reintroduction of thermal tourism in the location is perceived by the community as a luxury commodity reserved exclusively for the wealthy and elite members of society. Thermalism is a social and cultural resource and thus attention should be paid to ensure that any wellness tourism development model follows a cultural participatory logic and not solely an economic one.

Концептуален модел на находището на термоминерална вода Кюстендил

The objective of the paper is to construct conceptual model of the oldest and most significant deposit of thermal mineral water in Bulgaria. The hot springs in the town of Kyustendil are located in the southern part, at the foot of Hisarlaka hill. The thermo-mineral water deposit is characterized by a high temperature of 73-76 °C, low TDS content of about 0.6 mg/l and a constant chemical composition. Summarized hydrogeological data of all previous studies for the region are presented. The representative hydraulic parameters of the geologic environment from hydraulic tests are described. The geological and tectonic environment in which the mineral waters occur is described in details. A categorization of faults with different directions is made in view of their hydrogeological significance for the Kyustendil water deposit. Thematic overview maps in GIS environment summarize the relevant information for the area. A hydrogeological conceptual model is composed with delineated boundaries for zones of recharge, transition, and drainage of mineral waters. A GIS model with a description of the geological, tectonic and hydrogeological environment of the Kyustendil deposit was built.

Conditions and possibilities of geothermal energy utilization for economic-touristic development

Using thermal mineral water in various economic activities would reduce the need for conventional energy sources and increase complementarity and sustainability of the tourism business. Since the temperature of spring wells of Vranjska banja ranges from 63 °C to 95 °C, this paper deals with the possibilities of their use as a renewable energy source. The paper gives the results of water physical and chemical characteristics testing, the temperature and discharge of ten geothermal springs in Vranjska banja, respectively A-1, A-2, EX-2, EX-3, EX-2, B-1, A-3, B-2, Gornji source and a collecting drain. Test results show that the water contains a high concentration of fluorine (8–8.5 mg/l), the impact of which exhibits in the treatment of cancer, nervous system diseases, and a lot of respiratory diseases, arthritis and musculoskeletal disorders. Based on the results of the temperature and the abundance of the geothermal resources in Vranjska banja, the paper presents data on the heat capacity of the spa springs. The paper reports the results of the possibilities of using water springs of Vranjska banja water temperatures up to 25 °C and 37 °C in agriculture, industry, sports activities, etc. This article has been retracted. Link to the retraction 10.2298/IJGI181008004E

The effects of the calcium-magnesium-bicarbonate content in thermal mineral water onchronic low back pain: a randomized, controlled follow-up study

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of balneotherapy on chronic low back pain. This is a minimized, follow-up study evaluated according to the analysis of intention to treat. The subjects included in the study were 105 patients suffering from chronic low back pain. The control group (n = 53) received the traditional musculoskeletal pain killer treatment, while the target group (n = 52) attended thermal mineral water treatment for 3 weeks for 15 occasions on top of the usual musculoskeletal pain killer treatment. The following parameters were measured before, right after, and 9 weeks after the 3-week therapy: the level of low back pain in rest and the level during activity are tested using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS); specific questionnaire on the back pain (Oswestry); and a questionnaire on quality of life (EuroQual-5D). All of the investigated parameters improved significantly.

Thermal mineral waters of Vojvodina (Serbia) and the possibility of their use: A case study of the Municipality of Kikinda

On the territory of Vojvodina in the period from 1969 to 2010 78 boreholes were drilled for the purpose of finding thermal mineral water. Serbian part of Banat in Vojvodina has 18 boreholes, most of which in the municipality of Kikinda (six). All boreholes reach first hydro geological system. The geothermal gradient in the municipality of Kikinda is in the range of 0.052 to 0,057oCm-1, and the density of terrestrial heat flow is of 94 mWm-2 to 105 mWm-2, which is significantly more than in the area of the continental part of Europe. Thermal mineral waters in the wells in the municipality of Kikinda are hypothermal, with favorable mineralization, pH and salinity, which enable various possibilities of use. The waters have been used for heating needs of business premises and pig farm. However, in addition, water can be used in balneological purposes, for sports and recreation, agriculture, industry. Thermal mineral water found in the municipality of Kikinda can have a huge part in regional development, but also attract investors from our country and abroad. However, financial and administrative problems are just some of the restrictions when creating or implementing studies for the use of thermal mineral water in the municipality of Kikinda.

Clinical improvement of patients with osteoarthritis using thermal mineral water at Szigetvár Spa-results of a randomised double-blind controlled study.

Since 1966, Szigetvár in Hungary is well recognised as a thermal spa. Many patients suffering from rheumatic diseases are treated with its thermal mineral water. Our objective was to investigate the effects of a 3-week-long outpatient balneotherapy-based rehabilitation program on patients suffering from osteoarthritis of the hips and the knees. During the treatment period, patients received a 30-min underwater jet massage in a bath tub, five times a week. One patient group received jet massage in a bath tub containing mineral water; the other group received the same treatment in tap water. Primary outcomes were measured by range of movement of the involved joints and Western Ontario and McMaster University Osteoarthritis Index(WOMAC). Visual analogue scale(VAS) was applied to measure current severity of pain. Furthermore, quality of life was assessed using the Short Form 36 questionnaire (SF-36). Range of movement (ROM) score, Western Ontario and McMaster University OsteoarthritisIndex and visual analogue scale were determined before the first treatment, after the last treatment and 3months after the last treatment. SF-36 questionnaire was filled in before the first and after the last treatment. Fifty patients (17 male, 33 female mean age 66.7 ± 4.79 years) were enrolled. After randomisation, patients were divided into two groups: tap water n=24 and mineral water n=26. Treatment with the thermal mineral water of Szigetvár significantly improved ROM, WOMAC scores, and SF-36-scored quality of life of the patients. Our double-blind study provided evidence for the beneficial health effects of another Hungarian thermal mineral water masking the colour, odour and pH of the tap water and mineral water.

Geofluid Systems of Koryaksky-Avachinsky Volcanoes (Kamchatka, Russia)

The Koryaksky-Avachinsky volcanogenic basin, which has an area of 2530 km2, is located 25 km from Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky City and includes five Quaternary volcanoes (two of which, Avachinsky (2750 masl) and Koryaksky (3456 masl), are active), and is located within a depression that has formed atop Cretaceous basement rocks. Magma injection zones (dikes and chamber-like shapes) are defined by plane-oriented clusters of local earthquakes that occur during volcanic activity (mostly in 2008–2011) below Koryaksky and Avachinsky volcanoes at depths ranging from −4.0 to −2.0 km and +1.0 to +2.0 km, respectively. Water isotopic (δD, δ18O) data indicate that these volcanoes act as recharge areas for their adjacent thermal mineral springs (Koryaksky Narzans, Isotovsky, and Pinachevsky) and the wells of the Bystrinsky and Elizovo aquifers. Carbon δ13С data in СО2 from CO2 springs in the northern foothills of Koryaksky Volcano reflect the magmatic origin of CO2. Carbon δ13С data in methane CH4 reservoirs penetrated by wells in the Neogene-Quaternary layer around Koryaksky and Avachinsky volcanoes indicate the thermobiogenic origin of methane. Thermal-hydrodynamic TOUGH2 conceptual modeling is used to determine what types of hydrogeologic boundaries and heat and mass sources are required to create the temperature, pressure, phase, and CO2 distributions observed within the given geological conditions of the Koryaksky-Avachinsky volcanic geofluid system.

Characteristics of mineral water from nature hot springs in Ranong Province, Thailand

Background: There is interest in characteristics of mineral waters from two famous hot springs in Ranong province, Thailand, including Raksawarin and Porn-Rang hot springs. Aims: To objective is to determine characteristics of thermal mineral waters of Ranong region and describe its classification and therapeutic indications. Material and Methods: Mineral waters were collected from Rahsawarin and Porn-Rang hot springs. All analyses were conducted according to American Public Health Association. Temperature was measured in the field at the time of sample collection. Analyses of fecal coliforms and total bacterial count were performed. Physical-chemical analyses were used to evaluate pH, total dissolved solids (TDS), and conductivity. Total hardness was measured in the laboratory by titration. Metals (Al, Si, Fe, Mn, Pb, Cd, Ni, Cu) were measured by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectroscopy (GFAAS); major ions (Ca, Mg, Na, K, Cl, F, HCO3-, SO4, S2-) and nutrients (NH4, PO4-, NO3) were measured by ion chromatography technique. Results and Discussion: The mean of pH, TDS, and conductivity values observed for hot springs were met to reference value of Thai tap water standard by WHO guideline. Neither hot spring contained fecal coliform bacteria. Chemical parameters were also within standard excepted aluminum concentration. Potassium levels from mineral waters were also high. Ranong mineral spring water can be thermal waters and define to hot waters. Ranong mineral spring water can be define to fresh and low sodium water. Conclusions: Our suggestions regarding this mineral water indication were properly for external use and may concern in case of drinking.