US EPA

914045 

Journal Article 

Drinking water quality: Comparing inorganic components in bottled water and Italian tap water 

Cidu, R; Frau, F; Tore, P 

2011 

Yes 

Journal of Food Composition and Analysis
ISSN: 0889-1575
EISSN: 1096-0481 

24 

2 

184-193 

10.1016/j.jfca.2010.08.005 

WOS:000289021800009 

http://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S0889157510002838
Exit
 

This study reports an evaluation on the quality of drinking waters: 37 bottled water samples available in the market and 15 tap water samples supplied by municipal pipelines. Water samples were analyzed for 57 dissolved inorganic components. Considering the Italian and WHO guidelines for drinking water, results show an ample compliance with respect to the toxic elements Cr, Cd, Hg and Pb. In 20% of the bottled water samples, one or more components have been found at concentrations exceeding the Italian regulations (Cl(-), SO(4)(2-), NO(3)(-) limit for infants, F(-), As) and the WHO guidelines (B, U). These bottled waters are natural mineral waters, sometimes containing trace elements at concentrations significantly higher than those normally accepted in drinking water. With reference to the studied components, the overall quality of the investigated bottled waters does not appear to be always superior when compared with the municipal tap waters. Results indicate the need to update the current guidelines for drinking waters (including bottled waters) on the basis of epidemiological studies capable of assessing the toxicity related to long-term exposure to toxic and harmful trace elements. The mineral waters with excess concentrations of harmful elements should clearly report on the label the maximum daily uptake based on the lowest health risk exposure. (C) 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. 

Bottled water; Drinking water guidelines; Health effect; Tap water; Trace elements; Water quality; Food analysis; Food composition