Trace metal content in bottled natural mineral waters and tap water

Abstract

In this paper the content of selected heavy metals in bottled mineral waters of various producers, both carbonated and noncarbonated, packed in PET and glass bottles, as well as in tap waters were analysed. Popular, good selling bottled waters on the Serbian market were collected from a frequent market in Belgrade and analyzed. Traces of metals Li, Be, Al, V, Mn, Co, Ni, Cu, Ga, As, Se, Rb, Sc, Mo, Ag, Cd, Sb, Cs, Ba, Tl, Pb, U, Pb, Cr, Zn, and Hg were analyzed. Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) and mercury analyzer (DMA) were used for quantification of trace elements. The obtained results were compared with current regulations in Serbia for bottled mineral waters and drinking water, European Union Directives and World Health Organization recommendations for drinking water quality. It was found that all examined samples of bottled mineral waters in PET and glass packaging, as well as in tap water, are safe for use in terms of heavy metal trace content. An increased content of antimony was observed in samples of mineral water from PET packaging compared to glass packaging, especially with the increase in temperature and time.