Recreational Use of Spa Thermal Waters: Criticisms and Perspectives for Innovative Treatments

Federica Valeriani, Lory Marika Margarucci and Vincenzo Romano Spica
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Federica Valeriani: Public Health Unit, University of Rome “Foro Italico”, Rome 00135, Italy
Lory Marika Margarucci: Public Health Unit, University of Rome “Foro Italico”, Rome 00135, Italy
Vincenzo Romano Spica: Public Health Unit, University of Rome “Foro Italico”, Rome 00135, Italy

IJERPH, 2018, vol. 15, issue 12, 1-22

Abstract: Natural spa springs are diffused all over the world and their use in pools is known since ancient times. This review underlines the cultural and social spa context focusing on hygiene issues, public health guidelines and emerging concerns regarding water management in wellness or recreational settings. The question of the "untouchability" of therapeutic natural waters and their incompatibility with traditional disinfection processes is addressed considering the demand for effective treatments that would respect the natural properties. Available strategies and innovative treatments are reviewed, highlighting potentials and limits for a sustainable management. Alternative approaches comprise nanotechnologies, photocatalysis systems, advanced filtration. State of the art and promising perspectives are reported considering the chemical-physical component and the biological natural complexity of the spa water microbiota.

Keywords: recreational water; spa; thermal water; innovative treatment (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2018
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (3)

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