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The paper provides with the research results of physicochemical and balneological properties of thermal waters and hydrothermal mud of the Ebeko volcano (Paramushir Island, Kuril Islands). To assess recreational and tourist potential, we sample the most intensive thermal waters outputs. Ultra-acidic spring no. 1 of the Verkhne-Yuryeva group has a temperature of 88 °C, its mineralized (M – 13 g/l) chloride-sulfate waters contain biologically active elements in elevated concentrations (Si, B, Br, Fe2 +). Thermal waters of the Verkhne-Yuryeva springs can be roughly attributed to the Gaisky type of the acid water group and recommended for external use in the treatment and prevention of a wide range of diseases. Given the complexity of the route to the springs, the real development of this territory is considered not as a balneotherapy complex, but as an object of recreational and tourist activities. A similar situation is with an ultra-acidic sulfate thermal spring in the North-Eastern solfataric field. In addition to hydrotherms, it contains thin deposits of hydrothermal mud, which is almost impossible to use as a therapeutic due to its insufficiently good physical indicators and relatively small volume. The most promising deep hydrotherms for recreation and balneotherapy are opened by a well P-2 in the area of Severo-Kurilsk. In 2014, the hydrotherms temperature was 82 °C, mineralized water (M – 8.6 g/l) chloride-hydrocarbonate sodium, slightly alkaline (pH 7.6), with an elevated content of biologically active components (Si, B, Br). According to the physical and chemical properties, the thermal waters of well P-2 can be tentatively attributed to the Lazarevsky hydrochemical type of therapeutic drinking water of chloride-hydrocarbonate sodium group, and as an external (balneological) use, they are tentatively close to the Kuldur type of siliceous thermal waters of various ion composition.

The worldwide application of geothermal energy for direct utilization is reviewed. This paper is based on the world update for direct-use presented at the World Geothermal Congress 2010 in Bali, Indonesia (WGC2010) [1] which also includes material presented at three world geothermal congresses in Italy, Japan and Turkey (WGC95, WGC2000 and WGC2005). This report is based on country update papers prepared for WGC2010 and data from other sources. Final update papers were received from 70 countries of which 66 reported some direct utilization of geothermal energy for WGC2010. Twelve additional countries were added to the list based on other sources of information. The 78 countries having direct utilization of geothermal energy, is a significant increase from the 72 reported in 2005, the 58 reported in 2000, and the 28 reported in 1995. An estimate of the installed thermal power for direct utilization at the end of 2009, reported from WGC2010 is 48,493 MWt, almost a 72 % increased over the 2005 data, growing at a compound rate of 11.4% annually with a capacity factor of 0.28. The thermal energy used is 423,830 TJ/year (117,740 GWh/yr), about a 55% increase over 2005, growing at a compound rate of 9.2% annually. The distribution of thermal energy used by category is approximately 47.2% for ground-source heat pumps, 25.8% for bathing and swimming (including balneology), 14.9% for space heating (of which 85% is for district heating), 5.5% for greenhouses and open ground heating, 2.8% for industrial process heating, 2.7% for aquaculture pond and raceway heating, 0.4% for agricultural drying, 0.5% for snow melting and cooling, and 0.2% for other uses. Energy savings amounted to 250 million barrels (38 million tonnes) of equivalent oil annually, preventing 33 million tonnes of carbon and 107 million tonnes of CO2 being release to the atmosphere which includes savings in geothermal heat pump cooling (compared to using fuel oil to generate electricity).

The study presented in this paper assessed the multidisciplinary approach of geothermal potential in the area of the most southeastern part of the Pannonian basin, focused on resources utilization. This study aims to present a method for the cascade use of geothermal energy as a source of thermal energy for space heating and cooling and as a resource for balneological purposes. Two particular sites were selected—one in a natural environment; the other within a small settlement. Geothermal resources come from different types of reservoirs having different temperatures and chemical compositions. At the first site, a geothermal spring with a temperature of 20.5 °C is considered for heat pump utilization, while at the second site, a geothermal well with a temperature of 54 °C is suitable for direct use. The calculated thermal power, which can be obtained from geothermal energy is in the range of 300 to 950 kW. The development concept was proposed with an architectural design to enable sustainable energy efficient development of wellness and spa/medical facilities that can be supported by local authorities. The resulting energy heating needs for different scenarios were 16–105 kW, which can be met in full by the use of geothermal energy.

A strong infrastructure is a precondition for the development of balneology. On this base new tourism might build the modern services that supply the experiences. The key factor is the labor force: an EU project about labor force in Romania and Bulgaria in balneology allow us to present the preliminary findings focusing on general infrastructure and accommodation which allow the development of the balneology as well as the additional conditions as the existence of a social pact, easy access facilities etc. Our paper gives more details about the accommodation facilities in Romania insisting about the results of the transition and privatization of the former socialist facilities and the transformation of the property into private ones and the consequences of this. It also present the capability of new developed accommodation units built after 1990 and how they might compete in an international competition. The findings force us to conclude that the actual facilities do not allow the balneology resorts to compete in the international competition and might fill only a poor and low demanding tourists

Introduction. Balneological classification of the main occurrences and deposits of mineral, thermal and thermomineral waters of Serbia is based on the classification by V. V. Ivanov from 1977. This classification after countless and numerous check-ups on the international level has been accepted by the Commission for Mineral Waters of the International Association of Hydrogeology (IAH). Objective. The main goal of this paper is to show the complexity and mutual connections of all activities while distinguishing the main links and regularities of legalities on the relation hydrogeological environment and human health. Methods. As the basis of this study we used all up-to-date long-term detailed geological, hydrogeological, hydrochemical, balneological and numerous other researches of multidisciplinary character with their specific methods and research results, followed by their analysis and synthesis. Results. From the review of up-to-date classifications, it is evident that by their comparison common elements can be found, but not also adequate application when forming classification schemes, which results in the statement that there are only a few all-encompassing classifications that reflect the conditions of formation, existence, renewal and flowing out of mineral waters, which is the basis for the application in balneology. One such classification is that by V.V.Ivanov that is usable and conforms to our experiences and needs. Results of all previous detailed geological, hydrogeological and numerous other studies with multidisciplinary character represent the basis for these investigations. Conclusion. The suggested classification is recommended for future application in balneological sciences, because by the application of this classification all those involved in the research and usage of mineral waters would represent and treat them in a clear, distinct and unified manner based on scholarly confirmed foundations.

In 2006 there is the 110th jubilee of D.D. Yablokov – phthisiatrician and pulmonologist, radiologist and pathologist, parasitologist and physician, rheumatologist and balneologist. He is one of the best representatives and followers of the traditions of Russian doctors. The biographic paper about D.D. Yablokov from the book Tomsk Dynasties. Twentieth Century (Tomsk, 1996) by the well-known journalist T.Yu. Kupert.

In 2006 there is the 110th jubilee of D.D. Yablokov – phthisiatrician and pulmonologist, radiologist and pathologist, parasitologist and physician, rheumatologist and balneologist. He is one of the best representatives and followers of the traditions of Russian doctors. The biographic paper about D.D. Yablokov from the book Tomsk Dynasties. Twentieth Century (Tomsk, 1996) by the well-known journalist T.Yu. Kupert.