Conditions and Possibilities of Geothermal Energy Utilization to Enhance Economic-Touristic Development of Jošanička Banja

Abstract

Abstract According to the temperature, thermomineral water can be used for various balneological treatmens, as well as for agriculture, communal economy, electro economy, etc. This paper analyses homeohtermal (36°C) and hiperthermal (78°C) waters of the spa Jošanička banja which, together with that of Sijarinska (70°C) and Vranjska banja (90-110°C) are some of the hottest waters in the Republic of Serbia. Besides the temperature for balneo and wellness therapies, also very important are mineral properties which show that the water of the spa in question is characterised by the law level of mineralisation with slightly increased concentration of fluorine, sulfate, metabolic acid, silicon dioxide and similar compounds, which makes them suitable for the treatment of degenerative and inflammatory rheumatism, muscle disease, lumbago, sciatica etc. Based on the analysis of the water temperature and yield of dozens of springs with hiperthermal water, thermal capacity of spa water is determined as well as the possibility of using it in the electro economy, communal economy and agriculture. In conclusion, the use of thermomineral water during balneological treatmens can have different, more practical and more economic model. Practice shows that partial use of healing thermomineral water represents a significant loss in energy on the one hand, where, on the other hand, direct discharge of hot water can negatively affect individual components of the enviroment.