Characteristics of mineral, thermal and thermomineral waters of Carpatho-Balkanides Region (Eastern Serbia): The potentials and possibilities of their exploitation

Abstract

Hydropower, biomass, biogas, biofuels, wind power, solar energy and geothermal energy are the major resources to provide the Republic of Serbia with most of renewable energy in the future. In this paper, the focus will be on renewable sources, specifically on thermomineral, thermal and mineral waters in the Carpatho-Balkanides Region (Eastern Serbia). The territory of Serbia is very rich in sources of mineral, thermal and thermomineral water. These numerous sources differ in their physico-chemical properties. Thus, they represent a very important natural resource with versatile possibilities for their usage. Region of Carpatho-Balkanides (Eastern Serbia) is highlighted in this regard. The distribution of mineral, thermal and thermo-mineral waters in this region is very significant, both by the number of known occurrences and deposits, as well as by the presence of certain types or classes and subclasses of water. This potential, at the same time, represents the basis for the development of various activities in the fields of medicine, tourism, sport and recreation, water bottling industry, as well as in processing of various mineral, agriculture etc. All these facts imply on the need for detailed and complex investigations in the field of hydrogeology of this natural wealth which offers, in economic terms, the great opportunities for the development and growth. However, the practice, on studied territory, showed neither proper understanding nor proper approach to the exploitation of this raw potential.