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Heavy metals in bottled natural spring water
Michael J Sullivan1, Shannon Leavey
1Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, California State University at Northridge, Northridge, CA 91330, USA. michael.sullivan@csun.edu
Journal of Environmental Health
|June 15, 2011
Summary
California bottled spring water contains heavy metals, with arsenic exceeding health goals in all tested sources. While not exceeding legal limits, this highlights a need for improved consumer notification for bottled water contaminants.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Food Safety
- Analytical Chemistry
Background:
- California enacted new regulations in January 2009 for bottled water contaminants.
- These regulations mandate testing, reporting, and notification for heavy metals in bottled natural spring water.
- Consumer awareness regarding bottled water quality is crucial for public health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze six sources of bottled natural spring water sold in California for the presence of various heavy metals.
- To compare detected heavy metal concentrations against federal and California maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) and California public health goals (PHGs).
- To evaluate the adequacy of current California notification requirements for bottled water contaminants.
Main Methods:
- Six brands of bottled natural spring water were purchased in California.
- Samples were analyzed using methods to detect 19 heavy metals: silver, arsenic, barium, beryllium, cadmium, cobalt, chromium, copper, mercury, molybdenum, nickel, lead, antimony, selenium, thallium, vanadium, and zinc.
- Detected concentrations were compared to established regulatory limits and health goals.
Main Results:
- 16 out of 19 tested heavy metals were detected in at least one water source.
- Beryllium, mercury, and thallium were not detected in any of the analyzed samples.
- Arsenic concentrations exceeded California public health goals in all six water sources, though none exceeded federal or state MCLs.
Conclusions:
- While bottled natural spring water in California met current legal contaminant limits, arsenic levels in all sources surpassed public health goals.
- The study underscores a gap between regulatory compliance and public health recommendations for certain contaminants.
- Enhancing California's notification system for bottled water contaminants, aligning it with tap water regulations, would empower consumers with better information.
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