Water for human consumption in Zagreb city as a possible source of some contaminants

Abstract

In the Zagreb city area extensive monitoring of water for human consumption has been carried out for years, which includes several dozen different chemical, biological and physical parameters. Given the daily water intake in our bodies, the possibility of ingesting certain contaminants via water has a significant role. This especially applies to nitrates, which are in the second place of importance, since it has been found that the water is their source. In this paper, we present results of the presence for the following contaminants: aluminum, cadmium, chlorate and chlorite, nitrate and mercury in water that can be consumed via water in the city of Zagreb for the period 2016-2020. The results indicate stable average annual values of monitored contaminants, except for aluminum and chlorates, for which it was found that the values of annual averages differ several times. However, even in cases of higher values, their contribution to water intake does not pose a risk to the health of consumers, nor it significantly contribute to their overall intake. Still, given the assumption that this is a specific exposure, to which the consumer is tied to the place of residence, it is important to constantly monitor trends, so that each exposure is kept to a minimum.