**6. Use of geothermal energy**

#### **6.1 Agriculture and geothermal energy**

The agricultural field is compatible with the use of geothermal energy [12]. The heating of greenhouses, for example vegetable farms, can be carried out by heat from the ground and deep boreholes to collect geothermal hot water. The two main applications of geothermal energy in agriculture are fish farming and agricultural greenhouses. For fish farming, an increase in temperature by a few degrees and above all its maintenance at a constant level produces an increase in metabolism in fish and crustaceans.

## **6.2 Geothermal energy for health**

Geothermal energy is good for health! As a natural energy source, geothermal energy is not harmful to humans and their environment, unlike some fossil fuels [13]. Geothermal water is also known for its benefits and is particularly used in spas *The Hot Springs of Central Northern Algeria Hydro Geochemical and Therapeutic Aspects… DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.97803*

to treat rheumatism. Hydrotherapy was one of the first applications of geothermal energy during antiquity, recognized for its health qualities. Today, it remains an excellent natural remedy for thermal cures.

## **7. Spas in Algeria and their healing powers**

Over 80 spas are operated across the country, including five major national. 200 thermal springs inventoried across the country. Each source including therapeutic advantages. Spas most requested by the Algerian population for various therapeutic treatments (rheumatism, dermatology, gynecology etc. ...). Thermal establishments in Algeria have SPE and modern facilities with highly qualified medical and paramedical to the contribution of patient care and hydrotherapy. Thermal medicine offers an original approach health is not based only on the treatment of symptoms. The major advantage of the spa medicine is based on the overall pathology support, providing prevention as an important place that relief. Some treatments, such as jetted tubs will act as a leg massage to stimulate blood circulation, more oxygen to the muscles and reduce pain experienced. Due to the quality of its waters, for several decades there has been a craze for spa tourism in Algeria. Depending on the conditions being treated, customers opt for a stay in spas waters renowned for their healing qualities.

#### **7.1 Therapeutic hot springs North Centre of Algeria**

#### *7.1.1 Hammam-Melouane (Blida)*

Located 37 km south of Algiers at an altitude of 105 m - Nature and Thermality water: ferrugineous and chloride, with sodium, very little limestone, 29° to 41°C. Indications: Rheumatology, Dermatology.

#### *7.1.2 Hammam Righa (Ain Defla)*

Located 100 km south-west of Algiers, at 520 m altitude. It is located in a green and forested region appreciated for its unpredictable weather [14, 15]. Thermal water rich in minerals, Salinas, sulfated, calcium 39° to 67°C. Spa hammam Righa is a mecca for full health, adapted to different therapeutic orientations. Some sources have disappeared during the earthquake of 1980. Therapeutic Indications: arthritis, rheumatic diseases, nervous disorders, injuries and trauma, anemia, hepato-renal insufficiency, chlorosis, embarrassment digestive functions, in general all diseases know because the loss of blood. The curing techniques: general and local bathing, jet showers and ablutions, underwater massages. Dry massage, electrotherapy, rehabilitation and paraffin wraps.

#### *7.1.3 Hammam-Médéa*

He warm and therapeutic waters are excellent and strongly recommended for the treatment of gynecological, epidermal, neurological diseases as well as rheumatism.

#### *7.1.4 Hammam Bouira (a) (b)*

A thermal water with its important hydrothermal emergence with proven therapeutic virtues.

#### *Geothermal Energy*

Rheumatism, neuropathy, myopathy, and certain affections ENT, intestinal, dermatosis, sequel of burns, arteriopathy, varicose veins, asthma, paralysis, chronic bronchitis. Certains pathologies are treated by the thermal water of Hammam Bouira (a): herpes, mycoses, rheumatism, low back pain, certain arthroses, affections uro-genitales etc. ...

#### **7.2 Habitat heating**

In the case of a district heating network of large, deep aquifer Albian can be exploited by a geothermal doublet. Depending on the type of installation, geothermal covers 50–100% of the heat demand. After using the hot springs for heating, reclaimed water can ensure the supply of thermal pools complex Zelfana which falls within the field of health and recreation.

### **7.3 Agriculture**

#### *7.3.1 Aquaculture is a growth area in Algeria*

The two main applications of geothermal energy in agriculture are the fish and greenhouses [16]. Greenhouse crops are an attractive option because the energy requirements are high.

As regards fish farming, an increase in temperature of a few degrees above and keeping it at a constant level produces an increased metabolism of fish and crustaceans. In the field of food manufacturing, temperatures between 40° C and 100°C is used for dehydrating fruits and vegetables. From 60° C, the heated air can be used for drying agricultural products, fish and timber.

#### **7.4 Industry**

The frost of large industrial buildings can be achieved by a moderate temperature geothermal resource, but most hot water needs or steam industry is between 100° C and 200° C. If the geothermal resource is less than 100° C, it will be used to preheat iron water, whose temperature will be increased by means of a heat pump. Many processes require large amounts of hot water, such as pulp and paper, textile washing, extraction of chemicals or evaporation of concentrated solutions [17].

Thus it is easy to see, Algeria contains an abundance of thermo-mineral sources of various compositions and meet all the needs of modern therapeutics. It is highly probable that most of these radioactive sources are: education, barely sketched, can believe it. It is therefore obvious that most inhabitants of Algeria could find, there, in the colony, mineral waters they need [18].

### **8. Conclusions**

The center-north of Algeria is characterized by an abundance of springs and by high heat flow values [19]. Hot waters, seem essentially controlled by tectonics, because most thermals springs are located on faults or abnormal contacts. The heat flow study shows one important anomaly:

An anomaly situated in the region of Djelfa. The geophysical study highlights the Djelfa region is most favorable to the future exploitation of geothermal energy with a gradient of 4° C/100 m. The numerous thermal springs northern central Algeria, where better exploitation of these natural resources is an opportunity for a good investment in the housing niche, agriculture (greenhouses), aquaculture and

*The Hot Springs of Central Northern Algeria Hydro Geochemical and Therapeutic Aspects… DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.97803*

tourism health. Hot springs and hammam righa Hammam Bouira (a) (b) Ksénna have a significant amount of geothermal energy with temperatures respectively of 64° C and 63° C and a flow rate of 20 l/s each. The use of this renewable energy would achieve energy savings of sizes in addition to contributing to the reduction of greenhouse gases.
