Variation of 66 elements in European bottled mineral waters

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Analytical Chemistry
• Food Science

Background:

• Bottled mineral water is increasingly consumed as a primary drinking water source across Europe.
• European Economic Community (EEC) drinking water safeguard values are not applicable to mineral water.
• There is a lack of comprehensive data on the chemical composition and natural variation of elements in bottled mineral waters.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the chemical composition of 56 randomly selected bottled mineral waters from Europe.
• To compare the chemical constituents of mineral waters against EEC drinking water regulations.
• To investigate regional variations and potential factors influencing mineral water composition.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of 66 chemical elements using Inductively Coupled Plasma Atomic Emission Spectrometry (ICP-AES), Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS), and Ion Chromatography (IC).
• Random sampling of bottled mineral waters from various European locations.
• Statistical analysis of elemental concentrations and comparison with regulatory standards.

Main Results:

• Significant variations in chemical composition were observed among the analyzed mineral waters.
• Only 15 out of 56 mineral waters met all defined EEC drinking water parameters.
• Regional differences in composition were linked to geological factors and local regulations.
• Higher concentrations of certain elements, like lead (Pb), were found in waters bottled in glass compared to plastic.

Conclusions:

• The chemical diversity of bottled mineral waters necessitates a re-evaluation of current regulations.
• Geological environment and local definitions significantly impact mineral water composition.
• Further research is needed on the natural variation of element concentrations and their health implications in drinking water.