Brands Of Bottled Water Research Articles

A solid phase extraction of bisphenol derivates for their LC-PDA-MS/MS determination in beverages of the Turkish market and its greenness, whiteness, and blueness assessment

Bisphenols transfer from the materials used to food and beverages packaging and disrupt the endocrine system. A solid phase extraction procedure for quantitatively determining bisphenol A, F, and S was developed here. The quantitative determination of these bisphenols was carried out by Liquid Chromatography with ultraviolet followed by tandem mass spectrometry for all types of food analysis laboratory. Analytes separation was carried out by a SUPELCO Ascentis® Express C18 (100×3.0mm, ID, 2.7µm) column with gradient elution mode. All samples were extracted with using Chromabond C18 (500mg, 6mL)ec cartridges before injection to concentrate the analyte. The working range was 0.5-20µg/mL in bisphenol S and bisphenol F, 1.8-72.0µg/mL for bisphenol A in ultraviolet; and 0.09-3.60µg/mL for bisphenol S, 1.5-60.0µg/mL for bisphenol F and 2.5-72.0µg/mL for bisphenol A in tandem mass spectrometry. The recovery range for the new solid phase extraction with liquid chromatography method developed is between 92.20% and 96.92%. This is the first time, 59 types of beverages, except alcoholic and dairy products, and 16 brands of bottled water, were analyzed in Turkish markets. Bisphenol derivatives were measured at LOD levels in 2 drinking waters and 26 beverages, and above LOQ levels in 6 beverages. The greenness score of the developed method is calculated as 0.6, blueness as 65.0 and whiteness as 90.8 and 92.6 for PDA and tandem mass detector, respectively. As a result, the proposed method is green, sustainable, and applicable.

Qualidade da água envasada consumida no estado de São Paulo: análise de substâncias inorgânicas

Introduction: The availability of different brands of bottled water on the national market, combined with the growing consumption by the population, makes it important to assess the quality of its chemical composition. Objective: To quantify inorganic chemical substances (nutrients and toxic metals) in samples of bottled water from national and imported sources consumed in the State of São Paulo, in compliance with legislation and compendiums; verify the parameters of inorganic elements indicated on labeling, as well as the recommended daily intake. Method: Determinations were carried out by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Results: The evaluation indicated that 93.5% of the total of the 107 samples analyzed presented concentrations of inorganic chemical elements in accordance with the maximum values allowed in national legislation for all analytes (96.5% for national and 81.0% for imported), thus being considered suitable for human consumption. Discordant results were obtained for 6.5% for the elements chromium (2.3%) and selenium (1.2%) in national water and chromium (19.0%) in imported water. Levels above the recommended limits by the international compendia for sodium intake were quantified in an imported water sample that could cause illness in the body. Furthermore, the variability observed between the experimental results and values declared in the chemical composition tables (labeling) can lead consumers to purchase a product containing inadequate information, thereby harming their daily intake needs. Conclusions: The results highlight the importance of establishing and maintaining continuous monitoring programs in the country to monitor the sanitary quality of food consumed by the population and thus protect population’s health.

The unique chemical and microbiological signatures of an array of bottled drinking water.

The bottled drinking water market has seen significant growth and diversification, yet the selection criteria lack scientific basis, as all must adhere to stringent health standards. Prior studies predominantly focused on chemical quality, with limited assessments of microbial quality using methods prone to underestimation. Moreover, insufficient research explores the impact of packaging materials and temperatures optimal for mesophilic growth on microbial quality. To understand the unique characteristics and justify the distinction among different types of bottled waters, a comprehensive analysis encompassing both chemical and microbiological aspects is imperative. Addressing these gaps, our study examines 19 diverse bottled water brands comprising purified, mineral, artesian, and sparkling water types from Saudi Arabia and abroad. Our findings reveal distinct chemical compositions among bottled waters, with notable variations across types. Flow cytometry analysis reveals significant differences in bacterial content among water types, with natural mineral waters having the highest concentrations and treated purified waters the lowest. Bacterial content in plastic-bottled mineral water suggests it may be higher than in glass-bottled water. Flow cytometry fingerprints highlight separate microbial communities for purified and mineral waters. Additionally, temperatures favorable for mesophilic growth reveal varying microbial responses among different types of bottled waters. Some variation is also observed in mineral water bottled in plastic versus glass, suggesting potential differences that warrant further investigation. 16S rRNA gene sequencing identifies unique microbial taxa among different mineral waters. Overall, our study underscores that all bottled waters meet health regulations. Furthermore, the combined chemical and microbial profiles may serve as authenticity indicators for distinct bottled water types. This study can serve as a basis for future research on the environmental impact of bottled water transportation, suggesting that locally produced water may offer a more sustainable option.

Occurrence and characterization of microplastics in bottled drinking water

Microplastics (MPs) have been identified in diverse settings, including drinking water, freshwater, food, air, and marine environments. This study employed stereomicroscopic and µ-Raman techniques to analyze water samples from ten widely consumed bottled water brands, aiming to detect and characterize MPs. Additionally, the oral consumption of MPs per capita was estimated. The average abundance of MPs ranged from 9 ± 1.00 MPs/L to 3 ± 1.73 MPs/L across all brands. Various MPs shapes were observed, including fibers, fragments, films, and pellets, with fibers being predominant (58.928%). MPs were categorized by color into five groups (red, blue, black, yellow, and transparent), with red comprising approximately 35.714% of the total count. All identified MPs were less than 500 µm in size. µ-Raman analysis validated the presence of eight different polymer types in the samples, namely Polypropylene (PP) (37.5%), Polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) (3.571%), polystyrene (PS) (33.928%), polycarbonate (PC) (3.571%), polybutylene1 (PB1) (14.2%), Isotactic polypropylene (iPP) (7.142), Nylone 6-α polymorph (αNY6) (5.357%), and polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH) (1.785%). The estimated daily intake of MPs per person was determined to be 0.42 MPs, translating to an annual intake of 153.3 MPs per person. The origin of MPs in bottled water was likely attributed to both raw water sources and packaging materials, underscoring the need for further investigation. Given the potential health implications of human exposure to drinking water MPs, careful consideration should be given to the use of plastic packaging for potable water.

Physicochemical and microbial quality of bottled drinking water sold in Embakasi Central, Nairobi, Kenya

ABSTRACT Bottled drinking water is among the fastest-growing options for seemingly safe drinking water in low- and middle-income countries. However, comprehensive water quality information is rarely made available to consumers. The objective of this study was to assess the physicochemical and microbial quality of bottled drinking water at the point of sale in Embakasi Central sub-county, Nairobi County. Using a cross-sectional study design, we assessed eight bottled water brands purchased from local retail outlets (n = 158 bottles). Laboratory analysis was conducted to assess a range of parameters, including Escherichia coli, heterotrophic bacteria, lead, nitrite, nitrate, fluoride, and pH. Across all bottles sampled, 12% exceeded the national standards for microbial safety (detectable E. coli) and 3% presented a high risk to health (>10 colony forming units per/100 mL for E. coli). Select brands were frequently contaminated, with all samples of Brand 5 having elevated fluoride levels. Overall, one in four samples exceeded national standards for contaminants of public health concern. These findings reveal the poor quality of bottled drinking water in a suburb of Nairobi, presenting risks to consumers. There is a need to strengthen risk management and oversight of water packaging facilities in this setting.

Social Media Marketing Dynamics and Brand Loyalty: A Sequential Mediation Model in the Indonesian Packaged Drinking Water Industry

Purpose – This study uses the stimulus organism response (SOR) as the theory framework to analyze the sequential mediating roles of brand experience (BE), brand trust (BT), and brand love (BLV) to show the connection between Social Media Marketing (SMM) activities and brand loyalty (BL). Design/methodology/approach – The study approach was empirically evaluated using 310 SM users as data who follow bottled water brands on any platform and have made a purchase. Furthermore, a sequential multiple mediation model was tested using PLS-SEM. Findings – The results indicate that SMM significantly impacts BE, and BE significantly affects BT and BLV. Subsequently, this influence of BT and BLV contributes to an increase in BL. Additionally, it was revealed that BE, BT, and BLV sequentially and significantly mediate the relationship between SMM and BL. Research limitations/implications – Its cross-sectional design, sample bias towards younger, educated respondents, a narrow focus on BL from SMM activities, and a lack of consideration for sustainability and broader product types suggest a need for more diverse and longitudinal future research. Practical implications – The result emphasizes the need for brands to leverage SM as a critical channel for consumer engagement, suggesting the adoption of personalized, entertaining, and interactive digital campaigns to increase through memorable BE. Originality/value – This study pioneers using SOR theory to explore the SMM impact on BL within the bottled water industry, providing novel insights through empirically validating a model that links SMM activities with loyalty via BE, BT, and BLV.

Hydrologic source identification using stable isotope ratios of bottled drinking water in Egypt

A convenient way to understand hydrologic source identification is to make use of a suitable tracer. Isotopes of oxygen and hydrogen provide that opportunity since the isotope ratios of the primary source, precipitation, can be modified by post precipitation processes. This approach has been tested by carrying out a comprehensive isotope ratios investigation of domestic and imported bottled water sourced and distributed across Egypt. Our collection of bottled water includes 33 samples distributed under 27 distinct brands. We compare the isotope ratios of the bottled water with the isotope ratios of the reported natural water source of this water. The bottled water isotope ratios preserve information about the water sources from which they were derived. The measured oxygen and hydrogen ratios of the studied bottled water samples range from −11.51‰ to 2.94‰, with an average value of −1.89‰ for δ18O and from −81.69‰ to 23.94‰, with an average value of −9.54‰ for δ2H. The observed variability of isotope ratios in the bottled water falls within the span of the natural groundwater resources in Egypt, such as shallow and deep groundwater aquifers as well as claimed non-Egyptian sources. In general, the bottled water samples in the data set can be divided into four distinct groups based on their isotope ratios. One group represents imported bottled water brands, and three groups include domestic brands. The first group represents the imported bottled water brands. Their measured isotopic compositions are similar to those of their claimed sources. The second group has the lowest δ18O and δ2H values and likely originated from the Nubian aquifer. The third and fourth groups appear to have been sourced from the Nile Valley and Delta aquifer. The third group isotopic content and d-excess values indicate a higher degree of mixing with evaporated return flow water. The results provided in this study indicate the diverse hydrogeology of the local bottled water brands. This promises extending the approach to several sites globally.

Validated Chromatography Method for Analysis of Formaldehyde Migration Levels in Bottled Drinking Water

Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is utilized in the containment of potable water, nonetheless, it is susceptible to impairment due to temperature and duration of storage. Migration of formaldehyde from PET arises as a consequence of thermal deterioration. This study aims to ascertain the extent of formaldehyde transference in PET-contained drinking water of varying condition, subjected to diverse temperature setting and storage durations. An examination into the levels of formaldehyde migration in polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottled drinking water was effectively carried out employing a validated high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) technique. A total of 162 water samples from three different PET bottled water brands sourced from supermarkets in Palu City, Central Sulawesi, Indonesia, underwent analysis. The formaldehyde assessment was executed utilizing a mobile phase composition of methanol:acetonitrile:water (48:12:40 v/v) for 12.97 minutes at a flow rate of 0.8 mL/minute on the 1st day, the 14th day, and the 42nd day while stored at room temperature and exposed to sunlight. Formaldehyde, lacking effective chromophoric entities and not readily ionizable, necessitated derivatization with 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine before HPLC analysis. The findings of the study demonstrated exceptional method linearity within the concentration span of 0.5 to 1321 µg/mL, exhibiting a commendable correlation coefficient of 0.999. The limit of detection (LOD) and quantification (LOQ) were determined to be 17.33 and 57.76 µg/mL, correspondingly. Precision evaluations displayed average intraday and interday values of 128.46±3.48% and 103.19±0.12%, respectively (%RSD < 2/3 CV Horwitz ratio). The intraday and interday %recovery values were computed at 97.22±3.48% and 96.83±0.14% (n = 6). The scrutiny of formaldehyde concentrations in the water samples unveiled the absence of formaldehyde migration.

A powerful method for In Situ and rapid detection of trace nanoplastics in water—Mie scattering

The pervasive presence of nanoplastics (NPs) in environmental media has raised significant concerns regarding their implications for environmental safety and human health. However, owing to their tiny size and low level in the environment, there is still a lack of effective methods for measuring the amount of NPs. Leveraging the principles of Mie scattering, a novel approach for rapid in situ quantitative detection of small NPs in low concentrations in water has been developed. A limit of detection of 4.2 μg/L for in situ quantitative detection of polystyrene microspheres as small as 25 nm was achieved, and satisfactory recoveries and relative standard deviations were obtained. The results of three self-ground NPs showed that the method can quantitatively detect the concentration of NPs in a mixture of different particle sizes. The satisfactory recoveries (82.4% to 110.3%) of the self-ground NPs verified the good anti-interference ability of the method. The total concentrations of the NPs in the five brands of commercial bottled water were 0.07 to 0.39 μg/L, which were directly detected by the method. The proposed method presents a potential approach for conducting in situ and real-time environmental risk assessments of NPs on human and ecosystem health in actual water environments.

Heavy metal profile with health risk peculiarities in Enugu State and their long-term challenges in drinking water.

Health authorities are particularly concerned about water security in Enugu, southeast Nigeria and heavy metal (HM) pollution. The HM profiles of 51 samples collected from 17 different commercial bottled water brands in Enugu were examined using an flame atomic absorption spectroscopy. Cd, Cr, Cu, Pb, Ni, and Zn had mean values of 0.15 ± 0.03, 0.03 ± 0.02, 0.16 ± 0.03, 0.13 ± 0.02, and 0.02 ± 0.01 mg/L, respectively. The highest levels of Pb2+ were 0.27 mg/L in Exalté, Ni2+ 0.26 mg/L in Jasmine, Cd2+ 0.36 mg/L in Ezbon, Cr3+ 0.07 mg/L in Trinity, Cu2+ 0.04 mg/L in Bigi, and Zn2+ 0.02 mg/L in Aquarapha. The amounts of Cr, Cu, and Zn were below the allowable limits; nevertheless, the Pb content in eight bottled water samples exceeded both the Nigerian and World Health Organization (WHO)/U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) permissible limits. The Cd2+ and Ni2+ levels in the 11th and 4th bottled water samples were above the WHO/USEPA-approved limits. Statistical evaluation revealed significant differences in the amounts of HM ions in the samples (p < 0.05). The findings indicated that concentration levels of Cd2+ Ni2+, and Pb2+ pose a public health concern that needs to be addressed due to potential risk to consumer health.

Levels of naturally occurring radioisotopes in local and imported bottled drinking water available in Québec City, Canada

Consumption of local and imported bottled water in Canada has greatly increased during the past three decades. While the presence of natural radioactivity is often overlooked when dealing with the water quality of these bottled products, it could contribute substantially to the uptake of radionuclides especially when sourced from regions with higher radioactivity levels compared to where it is consumed. In this study, the activity of several naturally occurring radionuclides (i.e., 210Po, 226,228Ra, 230,232Th, 234,235,238U) were measured in bottled water available in Québec, Canada after sample pretreatment and analysis by either radiometric or mass spectrometry approaches. 230,232Th and 228Ra concentrations were below minimum detectable activity levels in all samples tested. Analytical results for 234U, 235U, 238U, and 226Ra showed concentrations that ranged from 0.38 to 115 mBq/L, (2.2–313) x 10−2 mBq/L, 0.48–58.4 mBq/L, and 1.1–550 mBq/L, respectively. 210Po was detected in only 5 samples and its activity ranged from 2 to 26 mBq/L. To determine variability in activity within brands, the same brands of bottled water were purchased during two consecutive years and analyzed. The possible radiological impact of the consumption of these types of water was assessed based on different drinking habit scenarios. Some of the imported water brands showed higher activity concentrations than local sources or tap water, suggesting that individuals drinking predominantly imported bottled water would receive a higher radiation dose than those who drink mainly local water.

Levels of Phthalate Acid Esters in Drinking Water Bottled in PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate) and PC (Polycarbonates) Bottles - stored under Different Storage Conditions in Mwanza City, Tanzania

Bottled drinking water is widely advertised and sold in glass or, to a greater extent, plastic bottles with metallic or plastic caps, and is regularly drank by both children and adults. Mwanza City markets have many brands of bottled drinking water packed in PET and PC plastic bottles whose polymers may contain additives such as phthalates. Certain cancer types, hormone imbalances, and developmental delays have all been connected to these phthalates, which are harmful to human health. This study investigated, the effects of storage conditions, time spent in storage, and type of container polymer on the leaching of phthalates from packaging materials into particular brands of locally produced PC and PET bottled drinking water that are regularly consumed by adults and children and sold in Mwanza City markets. The method of determination was liquid-liquid extraction followed by chromatographic analysis for identification of the specific phthalates compounds.&#x0D; The results that the lowest mean Di methyl phthalates (DMP) concentration in water packed in PET bottles was 0.085 µg/mL before storage and that the mean DMP concentration increased to 0.235 µg/mL following six months of storage at room temperature and outdoor temperature. Additionally, the 18.9-liter PET bottle migrated higher than the 1.5-liter PET bottle due to its larger surface area for water contact and higher surface-to-volume ratio; however, it was found that production contamination, not migration, was the cause of the higher Di methyl phthalates concentrations in the PC bottles. These findings suggest that storing PET bottles containing drinking water at room and outdoor temperatures for an extended period of time directly impacts phthalate migration. Furthermore, this study shows reusing plastic water bottles raises the risk that the inner surface will deteriorate and release more phthalates, which raises concerns about the safety of drinking water that has been prepared and stored in a plastic bottle.

Estimated exposure to microplastics through national and local brands of bottled water in Central India.

Microplastics (MPs) are ubiquitous pollutants that affect various environmental matrices, including air, water, soil, food, and beverages. In India, there is limited research on microplastics in bottled drinking water, which is a significant route of MP exposure to the human body. To date, the data on the occurrence of MPs in national and local bottled water brands have not been studied and compared. Therefore, the current study focuses on the contamination of MPs in bottled water from different national and local brands procured from the market of Nagpur, India. The MPs were observed in all the analyzed samples. It was observed that the local bottled water showed higher MP contamination compared to national bottled water, with MP concentrations of 212 ± 100 MPs/L and 72 ± 36 MPs/L, respectively. The MPs were identified and characterized using microscopic and attenuated total reflectance-fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) analysis, revealing that the dominant MP particles were fragments (71%), followed by fibers (23%), and others (6%). Among the observed particles, 50% of particles were black colored, followed by transparent (16%), red (13%), orange (8%), green (3%), blue (5%), and yellow (5%). The predominant polymer types were polyethylene (PE) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET). Overall, the pollution load indices suggested a moderate level of contamination in bottled water samples. Furthermore, the estimated annual human exposure to MPs was calculated as 5186 ± 3751 p/kg-bw/year for children and 1482 ± 1072 p/kg-bw/year for adults, making it a significant route of human exposure to MPs.

Analisis Persaingan Pasar Air Minum Galon Pada Brand Aqua Dan Le Minerale

The gallon drinking water market in Indonesia is one of the most competitive markets. This is due to several factors, including the high public demand for drinking water liters and the large number of competing brands. Ultimately, choosing the best brand of bottled water will be a decision based on individual needs. The purpose of this study is to help people make better decisions in choosing the appropriate gallon bottled water for consumption. The population in this research is consumers of gallon drinking water on the Aqua and Le Minerale brands in the Bina Bangsa Campus environment, especially regular management students 4 semester 5, with a sample size of 300 people. The results of hypothesis testing show Competition in the Gallon Drinking Water Market in the Aqua and Le Minerale Brands. We recommend that gallon mineral water in the Aqua and Le Minerale brands maintain quality by maintaining water purity.

Potential risk of dental fluorosis associated with different baby formulas and water brands marketed in Spain.

Despite efforts to promote breastfeeding, many babies aged <6 months receive only baby formula reconstituted with bottled water. The intake of high levels of fluoride during amelogenesis has been associated with hypomineralization of the tooth enamel, with aesthetic and mechanical repercussions. The objective of this study was to determine the potential risk of dental fluorosis associated with baby formulas marketed in Spain. We measured 26 baby formulas frequently consumed in Spain; 17 brands for babies aged <6 months, 5 for those aged >6 months, and 4 ready-to-use brands. They were prepared with 4 types of water: distilled water and three brands of bottled water with different levels of fluoride. The fluoride concentration (mg/L or ppm F) was measured with an ion-specific electrode coupled to an ion analyzer. Each sample was prepared according to the manufacturer's instructions and analyzed in triplicate. A descriptive analysis was carried out. The minimum fluoride level found was 0.04 mg/L and the maximum was 1.02 mg/L. Considering the daily intake of these formulas, none exceeded the clinically-acceptable daily dose limit risk for fluorosis (0.07 mg F/day/kg body weight) when mixed with bottled water with a low level of fluoride (0.1 mg/L). However, when the same brands of formula were reconstituted with bottled water with a higher fluoride content (0.99 mg/L), they all exceeded the daily dose limit for the risk of fluorosis. As the potential risk of dental fluorosis associated with the formulas tested depends exclusively on the fluoride concentration of the waters used for reconstitution, formula packaging should contain a warning.

Influence of UV light, ultrasound, and heat treatment on the migration of bisphenol A from polyethylene terephthalate bottle into the food simulant

This research examined the impacts of ultrasound, UV light, storage time, and temperature on the leaching of bisphenol A (BPA) from polyethylene terephthalate (PET) drinking water bottles in Turkey. The initial phase of the investigation encompassed the quantification of BPA in two distinct brands of bottled water. Samples were extracted by solid- phase extraction (SPE) and analyzed by high performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection (HPLC‐FLD). According to the results in the first part, the highest BPA levels were found in bottled water. In the second part of the study, 10 to 30 min of ultrasound treatment increased the BPA migration with increased time in simulants. In the first and second weeks of storage at 25 °C, the effect of storage on BPA migration was below the detection limit (<LOD) in simulants. However, at 35 °C and 45 °C, BPA concentration increased with increased temperature. According to these results, increasing the storage temperature to 35 °C and 45 °C increased the BPA pass faster than the increase in storage time. When simulants in PET bottles were exposed to UV light for 1 and 6 h, BPA transitions higher from 6 to 1 h was found in simulants. Except for first-brand water samples, the passing of bisphenol A was found to comply with the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) criteria in this study.

Kualitas Produk Dan Harga Terhadap Keputusan Pembelian Air Minum Dalam Kemasan (Amdk) Merek Aqua

This study aims to determine the instrument validity of product quality and price on purchasing decisions for bottled drinking water (AMDK) brand Aqua. The price and quality of Aqua drinking water have a close relationship. Consumers need to consider various factors, such as water quality, packaging, service, personal needs, and available promos, before buying Aqua. So this makes researchers interested in doing this research. The method in this study uses quantitative scientific methods by applying ex post facto, which has independent variables (variables that influence) and dependent variables (variables that are influenced), with the population in this study being 74 students in Surabaya. Data collection in the study used a questionnaire which was then tested for validity using SPSS. The results in this study use a validity test at a significant level of 5%, resulting in 9 valid statement items and 1 statement said to be invalid for the product quality variable (X1) and price (X2) because r-count&gt; must be greater than &lt; r-table and there are 4 valid statement items and 1 invalid statement item for the Aqua bottled water purchase decision variable (Y) because r-count&gt; must be greater than &lt; r-table.

THE IMPACT OF PRODUCT QUALITY, BRAND IMAGE, AND PRICE PERCEPTION ON BOTTLED MINERAL WATER (BMW) PURCHASING DECISION IN JABODETABEK

The aims of the research are to find out and to analyze the impact of Product Quality, Brand Image, and Price Perception partially and simultaneously to the purchasing decision of Aqua, the brand of bottled mineral water. Primary data is used as the method of analyzing. The testing phases are done by using validity test, reliability test, classical assumption test, multiple linear regression analysis, t test, F test, and coefficient determination test. The data is taken by using questionnaire, and the valid data gained in this research is 100 respondents who are the consumers of Aqua. The method of sampling used in this research is non probability sampling with accidental sampling technique. The instrument used in conducting the tests is SPSS 25 version The results showed that the variables of Product Quality, Brand Image, and Price Perception had a simultaneous and partial impact on the purchasing decision of bottled mineral water, Aqua. And the variable that has dominant impact on the purchasing decision of bottled mineral water, Aqua, is the Product Quality variable.

Estimating human health risks associated with heavy metal exposure from bottled water using Monte Carlo simulation

Water is the most important non-organic compound for living cells, and the life of all living organisms depends on it. Water is not found purely in nature, but it always contains some solutes, suspended matters and soluble gases. In this study, 11 bottled water brands (500 mL) were sampled across the Kashan city market to determine the concentration of selected heavy metals (Cr, Cd, Pb, Ni and As) and evaluated their potential risks following consumption. The concentration range of Cr, Cd, Pb, Ni and As were 5–34 μg/L, 1.5–7 μg/L, 1–7 μg/L, 2–29 μg/L, <LOD – 3.5 μg/L, respectively. The heavy metals (HMs) concentration in this study was compared with other national and international studies on bottled water and other drinking water sources. Additionally, the results of non-carcinogenic health risk assessments using point estimations and Monte Carlo Simulations (MCS) showed that the concentration of HMs in none of the samples pose adverse health effects. However, it was found that drinking the studied bottled water may potentially lead to carcinogenicity over the lifetime. Lack of including spring water and larger-sized (1.5 L) bottled water samples, though less consumed than the samples of this study and lack of study on children's exposure level can be mentioned as potential limitations.

Physico-Chemical Quality of Bottled Drinking Water Sold in Zomba City, Malawi

The quality of drinking water is a key priority from a human health perspective. The present study was conducted to assess the physico-chemical quality of bottled drinking water marketed in Zomba City, Malawi. Seven bottled water brands were analyzed for pH, EC, TDS, K, Na, Ca, Mg, NO3-, F-, Cl- and total water hardness using standard methods. The results of the analysis were compared with Malawi Standard (MS) 560 for natural mineral water, MS 699 for bottled water other than natural mineral water, and the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines for drinking water. The results showed that EC, TDS, Cl-, NO3-, F-, K, Na, Ca, and Mg in all the bottled water brands complied with MS 560, MS 699, and WHO guidelines for drinking water. Further, four bottled water brands had their mean pH below the minimum MS 560 and MS 699 value of 6.5. Comparison of the analyzed water quality parameters with the reported label values showed considerable variation in both exaggeration and undervaluing. This study has also shown that all brands had low fluoride content as compared to recommended levels by MS 560 and MS 699. The paper suggests the need for strict monitoring to check bottled water quality compliance.