Main geothermal water resources that can be used in balneology in the Polish Lowlands abstract /

Tyt. z nagłówka.Bibliogr. s. 479.Geothermal waters can be used in two ways: for direct utilisation and for indirect utilization - electricity generation. Direct utilization of geothermal waters is mainly considered for space heating. But geothermal waters could be widely use in balneology and recreation too. The Polish Lowlands covers huge area, which is about 80% of Poland's territory. The most perspective disposable resources of geothermal waters are accumulated in the Lower Jurassic aquifers containing about 1.88E + 18 J/year = 4.48E + 07 TOE/year (TOE -tons of oil equivalent, 1 TOE = 4.18 · 1010 J) (Górecki 2006). The two main types of water occurring in the area are chloride waters, which are the most common and sulphate-sulphide waters, both used in balneology. Geothermal waters when used for balneology must fulfil some specific conditions. Water must contain appropriate chemical composition and TDS level. Also temperature of water for baths is very important and it is determined in connection to human's body temperature. Additionally, waters, which are labelled as healing waters must be accepted by the Ministry of Health. In the Polish Lowlands there are a very few geothermal health resorts, such as Ciechocinek, Konstancin and Grudziądz. There are also a few geothermal recreation and spa centres. However, the possibility of geothermal waters utilization in balneology is much better. Some the most perspective localizations of waters for geothermal balneology are shown in the presentation.Dostępny również w formie drukowanej.KEYWORDS: geothermal waters, Polish Lowlands, geothermal resources