Short description of the project summary The various types of sludge, including sapropelis, have been widely used for many centuries – both in agriculture and in folk medicine, where it has been used for healing purposes hundreds of years ago. In European practice, the use of sapropel in balneology and cosmetics began at the beginning of the 19th century. Both sapropel and other types of sludge are characterised by a complex chemical structure determined by its biological and biochemical diversity. Sapropel consists of three main components that interact with each other – the living organisms in organic, mineral, and sapropel. It has a multifunctional effect on the whole organism, related to its high calorific value and the penetration of chemical elements, hormones, amino acids and other substances through the skin. In Latvia, sapropel is mainly used for the production of various types of cosmetics, and it has not been fully researched, even though it is considered as one of the most important natural resources of Latvia, both due to the geographical and geological characteristics of our country, and due to the fact that unique resources, drainage and unspoiled sapropel resources are still available. Medically justified research of this product would provide the potential for the development of balneology in Latvia and the development of exportable products. During the project it is planned to conduct medical research on the properties of sapropel suitable for medical needs, to analyse the impact on lymph and blood circulation, immunity, antioxidative activity, autonomic nervous system function, skin regeneration capacity. To explore the medical qualities of sapropel obtained in Latvia in order to promote its scientifically based use in balneology, ensuring the development of new medical procedures and services, as well as promoting the development of new and exportable products. Publications on the properties of sapropel for medical use and the potential for their use in balneology and studies carried out so far on the medical properties of sapropel; Criteria for selection of sludge for medical and industrial uses; Research and patenting of innovative pharmaceutical forms for the use of sapropel. The scientific sector: 3. Medical and health sciences (3.3. Health sciences)The project is not related to economic activity, in the project it is planned to carry out industrial and fundamental research. Timing of implementation: 36 months (from 01.04.2017.-30.03.2020) Total costs of the project are 490 025.52 EURKey words: Sapropelis, balneology, medical effects Full description of the project summarySapropelis and other types of sludge have been widely used for various purposes for centuries – both in agriculture and in folk medicine. In Europe, the use of sapropel in balneology and cosmetics began at the beginning of the 19th century. Sapropellim is characterised by a complex chemical structure due to the biological and biochemical diversity of its constituent organisms, its components that interact with each other – the organic, mineral part and the living organisms in the sapropel composition. It is believed that sapropel has a multifunctional effect on the body due to its thermal capacity and the penetration of chemical elements (iodine, broma, calcium, sodium, manganese, zinc, etc. ), hormones, amino acids, etc. through the skin. Its biological activity is determined by humic, fulvoic and hymatomellonic acids, vitamins soluble in water and fat. In Latvia it is mainly used in agriculture, as well as production of certain cosmetics has started. There is information in the literature about the many beneficial properties of sapropel, however, so far there has not been a full research of its medical properties, even though it is considered one of the most important natural resources of Latvia, both because of the geographical characteristics of the country and because of the fact that the resources of sapropel without harming human activities are still available. Sapropel sludge has been found in more than 200 lakes in Latvia. Medically justified research of this natural resource would provide the potential for the development of balneology in Latvia and the development of exportable medical and cosmetic products. During the project, by carrying out fundamental research, it is planned to develop guidelines for assessment of compliance of sapropel in production of sludge used for treatment, to perform sapropel research of various deposits (carrying out evaluation of external signs, physico-chemical parameter research, biochemical indicators and assessment of microbiological indicators).