Brands Of Water Research Articles

Impact of a corporate social responsibility message on consumers' sustainable behaviours and purchase intentions

AbstractThis study investigates the impact of a water brand's CSR message highlighting the brand's environmental concerns on brand‐related variables (attitude towards the brand and CSR) and consumer‐related variables (consumer efforts to adopt sustainable behaviours and well‐being). A research model is proposed, and the relationships postulated are tested on 414 French consumers. The study establishes the effectiveness of this kind of CSR messaging in influencing French consumers to purchase and recommend a particular brand. It then shows the direct and indirect ways in which a brand's CSR messaging can improve consumers' behavioural intentions (i.e., intentions to purchase the brand's products and to recommend the brand and/or its products). It also underscores that brand‐related variables contribute to increasing brands', and thus companies', business performance, whereas consumer‐related variables contribute to increasing their social performance. Finally, the REBUS‐PLS method emphasises the existence of several consumer groups and identifies the core target customer groups on which companies should focus their communication efforts.

Evaluation of the impact of fluoride in drinking water and tea on the enamel of deciduous and permanent teeth

BackgroundSystemic fluoride intake is predominantly derived from drinking water and tea. It’s been noted that water and tea containing fluoride, within the boundaries set by the World Health Organization, can lessen the prevalence of dental caries. A review of the literature did not uncover any study that has examined the impact of fluoride in bottled drinking water and tea on enamel of deciduous and permanent teeth. Thus, we assessed the effects of fluoride present in seven different brands of bottled water from distinct geographical regions of Turkey, and a type of tea produced and packaged in Turkey, on the enamel of deciduous and permanent teeth.Materials and methodsFluoride analysis was performed on drinking water sourced from seven different regions of Turkey and a brand of tea brewed with these waters. The tea was harvested and packaged in Turkey. The analysis was conducted using an ion-selective electrode. In total, 112 tooth enamel samples (56 deciduous molars and 56 permanent molars) were randomly divided into eight distinct groups. These were kept in water for 15 min and tea for 15 min every day for a month. The eighth group was treated with fluoride gel prior to tea and water applications. The amount of fluoride in the tooth enamel structure was evaluated using an SEM EDX device before and after the experiment.ResultsStatistically significant differences were found in fluoride content of enamel between water brands and tooth type (deciduous and permanent teeth). Fluoride levels were higher in the enamel of deciduous teeth than in permanent teeth.ConclusionRegular exposure of enamel samples to black tea and water led to an increase in fluoride levels in the enamel; thus, regular consumption of black tea and fluoride water could help reduce the prevalence of dental caries.

Radon measurement and age-independent effective dose attributed to ingestion of bottled water in Iran: sensitivity analysis

A comprehensive study was made to measure the radon concentration in bottled water available in Iran market. The 222Rn concentration in 70 bottled water samples were measured by the sniffing mode technique and RTM 1688-2 (SARAD, Germany) in immediate sampling time and 3 months later for determination of radon decay. The measured radon concentration ranged from 0.003 to 0.618 Bq L−1 in bottled water samples, which were much lower than the recommended value for radon in drinking water by WHO (100 Bq L−1) and United states environmental protection agency (USEPA) (11.1 Bq L−1). The annual effective dose of 222Rn due to ingestion bottled water was also evaluated in this research. The mean annual effective dose due to ingestion of radon in bottled water for adults, children, and infants were estimated to vary from 5.30 × 10−4 mSv−1, 4.90 × 10−4 mSv−1, and 2.15 × 10−4 mSv−1, respectively. Overall, this study indicated that the Iranian people receive no significant radiological risk due to exposure to radon concentration in bottled water brands common consumed in Iranian market.

Quantitative Microbial Risk Assessment (QMRA) of major drinking water sources at household level incorporating boiling treatment effect

This study conducted a quantitative microbial risk assessment (QMRA), incorporating the effect of boiling of water, on major sources of drinking water for households in Afikpo North LGA, Ebonyi State, Nigeria. Water samples were collected from12 drinking water boreholes (n =36), a popular spring water (n= 36) and four popular brands of sachet water (n= 36).The samples were analysed in the laboratory for colonies of microorganisms, coliform organisms, E. coli, Salmonella spp and Giardia lamblia. Data were analysed for specific parameters of the study population (n =1150). The parameters include daily water consumption per person per day (L/person/day), the fraction of thepopulatonexposed to the contaminated drinking water source under consideration, the percentage ofthe population vulnerableto pathogenic infection among the exposed population,the pathogen strike rate in each water source, and the probability that water is boiled before drinking. Quantitative microbial risk assessment was performed for concentrations of E. coli (CFU/L), Salmonella spp (CFU/L), and Giardia lamblia (Cyst/L) in the water samples. From the findings, the risk of diarrhea is significantly highin all the drinking water sources examined. The risk of diarrhea ranged between0.090 and 0.190 for borehole water source, 0.004 and 0.032 for spring water source, 0.039 and 0.125 for sachet water sources. The implication is an urgent need to regualte the operation of water boreholes, protect spring water source, and enforce standards on the processes of production, distribution and storage of sachet water in Afikpo North LGA.

Assessment of levels and health risk of Potentially Toxic Elements (PTEs) in selected sachet water packaged from groundwater resources in Ogun State, Nigeria

BackgroundSachet water is a source of affordable drinking water for low-income socioeconomic class. However, contamination by potentially toxic elements (PTEs) could pose severe adverse health risk to consumers. ObjectiveThe present study aimed at assessing the levels and health risk of PTEs in selected sachet water samples packaged from groundwater resources in Ogun State, Nigeria. MethodsA total of 140 bags of selected sachet water brands were purchased and analysed for eleven PTEs (some of which are rarely reported in Nigeria) using inductively coupled plasma - optical emission spectrophotometer. Recovery experiment was conducted to validate the performance of the used analytical instrument. Blank samples were also run to cancel the matrix effect of the analysing reagents, and to calculate the limit of detection. PTE data were evaluated for simple descriptive and inferential statistics using SPSS for Windows. Health risk assessment was conducted for hazard quotient (HQ), hazard index (HI) and cancer risk (CR). ResultsChromium (Cr) was the highest observed PTE in sachet water from Asero (707±1102 µg L−1), Isolu (363±374 µg L−1) and Makun-Shagamu (359±204 µg L−1) sites. The concentrations of Cr were higher than the permissible limit of the World Health Organization in 63% of the sachet water samples. Furthermore, the average contents of lead (Pb) and thallium (Tl) were observed at higher concentrations than the acceptable limits. The HQs exceeding the permissible threshold of 1.0 were observed for silver (Ag), aluminium (Al), arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), Cr and Tl in 29% of the sachet water consumed by adults and children; indicating adverse health effects. The CRs of Cd and Cr at all the sampling locations, and As at few sites were higher than the acceptable limit of 1 × 10−4; suggesting possible development of cancer by the consumers. ConclusionThe high levels and health risk estimates of PTEs in the sachet water samples suggested unsafe for consumption. Periodic monitoring of PTEs in sachet water from the study area is recommended.

Migration and leaching behaviour of Bisphenol A from polyethylene terephthalate water bottles under different storage conditions

SummaryThe release of bisphenol A (BPA) from polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles in non‐carbonated water was investigated in this work through migration and leaching tests. Several types of PET bottles approved and used by several Romanian non‐carbonated mineral water brands were tested in this work. It was highlighted that both the storage temperature and the storage time of bottled water in PET bottles influence the degree of PBA release. Thus, increasing the temperature and storage time favours the release of BPA from PET. The higher the storage temperature, the higher is the diffusivity of BPA. The degree of BPA release is also closely related to the brand of PET. This could be related to the degree of contamination of the raw material in the manufacturing process of PET bottles or during their recycling. The physico‐chemical characteristics and stability of PET bottles in different environmental conditions can also influence the release of BPA from them. The leaching tests confirmed the potential for BPA contamination of long‐term non‐carbonated water bottled in PET bottles.

Early screening of suspected microplastics in bottled water in the Santiago Metropolitan Region of Chile

Bottled water has emerged as a possible healthier alternative due to concerns about the quality of drinking water sources. However, recent studies have detected worrying concentrations of environmental contaminants in bottled water, including microplastics. Therefore, it is an emerging need to quantify their concentrations in local suppliers which could differ among countries and regions. In this work, we used fluorescence microscopy with Nile Red for the identification and quantification of potential microplastics in twelve brands of bottled water distributed in the Santiago Metropolitan Region of Chile. The average concentration of microplastics was 391 ± 125 p L−1, while the highest concentration observed was 633 ± 33 p L−1. Microplastics between 5 and 20 μm were the major contributors, a size fraction that has been reported to be susceptible to accumulate in the digestive tract or generate potential alterations in the lymphatic and circulatory systems. The estimated daily intake value for per capita was estimated to be 229 p kg−1 year−1 for people weighing 65 kg and 198 p kg−1 year−1 for those weighing 75 kg.

Influence of Green Marketing, Product Quality and Brand Image on Buying Interest in Bottled Drinking Water Brand Le Minerale

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of green marketing, product quality and brand image on consumer buying interest. This type of research is quantitative with a descriptive approach. The research population was all students of the Faculty of Health Sciences, Universitas Muhammadiyah Bengkulu. The number of research samples was 70 people. Data collection using a questionnaire. Data analysis techniques using multiple linear regression analysis. The results showed that partially green marketing has a positive and significant effect on purchase intention, product quality has a positive and significant effect on purchase intention and brand image has a positive and significant effect on purchase intention. Simultaneously there is an influence of green marketing, product quality and brand image on buying interest decisions.

Antibacterial activity of Garcinia kola and Hunteria umbellata extracts on bacterial isolates from consumed sachet water in Edo State, Nigeria

"Water is an essential resource and its purity should not be negotiated when it comes to human consumption. This study investigated the antibacterial activity of Garcinia kola and Hunteria umbellata seed and epicarp on some bacterial isolates from sachet water. Duplicate samples of ten brands of sachet water were purchased from sales outlets around Ugbowo community, Benin City. Plate count techniques, minimum inhibitory and minimum bactericidal concentrations of the extracts were adopted in this investigation. Heterotrophic bacterial counts revealed highest range of 3.72±0.50x102 cfu/mL in EJ water and lowest in IB water (0.00±0.0x102 cfu/mL) while total coliform counts revealed its highest value in EJ water (3.62±0.30x102 cfu/mL) and lowest value (0.00±0.0 x102 cfu/mL), in OL, IB, NOS and UNI water. Aeromonas sp., Bacillus sp., Pseudomonas sp., Staphylococcus aereus and Enterobacter sp. were isolated. The antimicrobial susceptibility profile revealed varying zones of inhibition of 4 mm for Aeromonas sp., for Garcinia Kola and 20 mm recorded against Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus sp. for Hunteria umbellata epicarp extract. The Minimum Inhibitory Concentration of susceptible bacteria to Hunteria umbellata and Garcinia kola extract were 6.25mg/mL and 12.5mg/mL, respectively, except Aeromonas sp. which had 50 mg/mL. Hunteria umbellata epicarp had a greater bactericidal effect of 6.25mg/mL against Staphylococcus aureus, while Garcinia kola had its greatest bactericidal effect on Enterobacter sp. with a minimum bactericidal concentration of 12.5mg/mL. This study has revealed the potentials of Hunteria umbellata epicarp and Garcinia kola as effective natural therapeutic agents against some harmful bacteria, preventing their pathogenic effect. Keywords: Herbal extracts, Hygiene education, Minimum Bactericidal Concentration, Minimum Inhibitory Concentration, Sachet water."

Bottled Water Quality in Lubumbashi, Assessment of Producer Label Information

The preference for the consumption of drinking water in bottles in the city of Lubumbashi is a reality almost present in developing countries, where tap water is not drinkable. This study examined the quality of the information carried by the labels of drinking water bottles sold in the city of Lubumbashi, in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The purpose of this assessment was to compare the information of the physico-chemical parameters as stated by the producer of the water brand with the composition as recommended by the 2001 WHO guidelines for bottled water. And we collected information on 30 brands of bottled water produced and marketed in the city of Lubumbashi. It emerges from this research that 7 brands presented no useful information to consumers and of the remaining 23 brands we observed a difference in the labeling of the bottles and discrepancies in the chemical composition. None of the bottles met all the parameters required by the WHO. The article highlighted the need for strict regulations on labeling standards and related information to adjust water bottle labels according to water characteristics.

Assessment of Microplastics Contamination in River Water, Bottled Water, Sachet Water and Branded Table Salt Samples in Kaduna Metropolis, Nigeria

Microplastics (MPs) < 5 mm-sized are regarded as global environmental contaminants. This study analyzes MP concentrations in the Kaduna River (raw water), treated water from two conventional water treatment plants, brands of bottled water, and food-grade salts available in Kaduna Metropolis, Nigeria using standard methods. Data obtained show that levels of MPs ranged from 25 to 36 particles L-1 in treated water, and to 153 particles L-1 in raw water. While samples of bottled water contained 1.4 to 3.7 particles L-1 and samples of table salt contained 0.13 to 0.27 particles g-1. Water and salt samples contained five different types of polymers, including polyethylene, polypropylene, polyester, polyvinyl chloride and polyethylene terephthalate. Additionally, MPs were divided into three groups based on their physical characteristics. In both raw and treated water, fragments were clearly more prevalent; in samples of bottled water and table salt, fragments and fibers predominated. Microplastics in bottled water pose a medium pollution risk, according to pollution risk indices. The estimated daily intake was generally minimal, indicating little harm from daily consumption, but it also demonstrates that children have a larger intake of microplastics than adults. Leaching from the packing material was identified as the MPs' primary source. This study fills the knowledge gap in the area of emerging microplastic pollution of water sources, drinking water, and food-grade salt.

The Mediating Role of Brand Trust in Social Media Marketing Activities and Brand Equity Relationship: Case of Bottled Water Brands in the Market of Bosnia and Herzegovina

The Mediating Role of Brand Trust in Social Media Marketing Activities and Brand Equity Relationship: Case of Bottled Water Brands in the Market of Bosnia and Herzegovina

Fluoride levels in Almadinah Almunawwarah bottled water

ObjectivesThis research aimed to determine the fluoride levels in commercially available bottled waters and assess the accuracy of the fluoride levels labels on the bottles. MethodsWe obtained the labels from 28 water bottles from markets in Almadinah Almunawwarah. Water samples were diluted with an equal volume of total ionic strength adjustment buffer at the General Administration for Water Services. The electrode potential of each sample was then directly compared to standard fluoride solutions. For each sample, two readings were taken, and the average was recorded. Fluoride-ion levels were determined using a fluoride-ion-selective electrode and a digital readout ion meter. ResultsOn average, the mean fluoride levels in the labelled bottles were 0.94 ± 0.14 PPM. The level of the actual fluoride content was 1.13 ± 0.31 PPM. Inconsistencies between the brand labels and true levels of fluoride were detected. Only one brand of bottled water was comparable in terms of the fluoride levels on the labels and the analysed fluoride levels. Only 85.71% of the brands tested had fluoride levels within the permissible fluoride range (0.6–1.5 PPM), 10.71% had fluoride levels above the permissible fluoride range, and 3.57% had fluoride levels below the permissible fluoride range. ConclusionsIn the KSA, most brands of bottled waters had fluoride levels above the ideal levels that are vital to the prevention of dental caries. There were differences in the fluoride levels recorded on the labels and the true levels determined in the laboratory. Fluoride levels must be accurately reported if we are to achieve necessary aesthetic and cosmetic benefits. Bottled water must meet critical quality standards to avoid the negative consequences of higher fluoride levels. Dentists and parents should be aware of this discrepancy.

Bisphenol A and di-ethylhexyl phthalate analysis in gallon water distributed in Makassar

Bisphenol A (BPA) and Di-Ethylhexyl Phthalate (DEHP) are chemical compounds that are used as raw materials for making disposable bottles or PET, including gallons. BPA can migrate into food or drink if the temperature is raised due to heating processes. This research aimed to identify BPA and DEHP compounds in various brands of gallon water distributed in Makassar and the effect of sun exposure towards BPA and DEHP migration. The sampling method was done based on an early analysis from field survey data in the location that represents all gallon water refills distributed in Makassar. There were 4 selected samples from 2 most marketed brands of gallon water refill. Research method included sample preparation with two different treatments, namely with exposure and without exposure to sunlight by letting them settle inside and outside the room for 6 days, afterwards, BPA and DEHP were analyzed using Gas Chromatography - Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS). The results of the study show that in various brands gallon water packages, both with sun exposure or without, no BPA and DEHP compounds were detected.

Identification of Microplastics in Plastic Bottled Drinking Water Using Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) and Raman Spectroscopy

Microplastics contamination in drinking water is a growing concern globally as reported in recent papers. Here we report an investigation on the identification and classification of microplastics present in bottled drinking water using Laser induced breakdown spectroscopy, and Raman spectroscopy. Different brands of bottled drinking water from different manufacturers were sampled for this investigation in Kenya. Rapid classification and identification of microplastics polymer types presence in the sampled water was done with Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy, and Raman Spectroscopy. The two techniques were used to determine molecular and atomic information of various MP polymers detected using scattered signal and plasma spectra. Five polymers polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene (PE), polystyrene (PS), polypropylene (PP) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) were successfully detected and identified in the sampled water. Among the five polymers, the most common was PE, which was observed in 5 out of the 14 samples (35.71%). The second most dominant polymer was PET, which was detected in 4 out of the 14 samples (28.57%). Three polymers, PS (14.28%) and PP (14.28%) were detected in 2 out of 14 samples each, while PVC (7.14%) was identified in 1 sample. All the particles detected had sizes ranging between 20 µm to 70 µm. The findings clearly demonstrate possible contamination of bottled drinking water with microplastics. Raman spectroscopy and Laser Induced Breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) are promising techniques for detection and identification of microplastics in bottled drinking water.

Investigation on the Quality of Prolonged Storage of Packaged Water Commonly Produced in North Central, Nigeria

This study investigated the effects of prolonged storage conditions on the physicochemical parameter, toxic metals, microbial loads, and health risks assessment of randomly selected three brands of sachet and bottled water in North Central, Nigeria. One hundred eighty samples of water brands (sachet and bottled) were collected from 10 different factories and were grouped into three. They were analyzed immediately (initial), being exposed to mild sunlight (stored with a container) and exposed to intense sunlight (stored without a container) conditions for six weeks. The results of the physicochemical parameters (sachet and bottle) were within the limits set by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Standard Organization of Nigeria (SON). While the results of heavy metals analysis for both sachet and bottled water recorded 0.15 - 0.51 mg/L (0.10 mg/L , 0.05 mg/L), 0.13 - 0.38 mg/L (0.015 mg/L, 0.01 mg/L) and 0.55 - 1.11 mg/L (0.03 mg/L, 0.3 mg/L) for Chromium (Cr), Lead (Pb) and Iron (Fe) respectively, as compared to the permissible limits (values in the bracket for each heavy metals) set by WHO and SON. The microbial analysis results ranged between 6.58 - 124.51 Cfu/100 mL, 0.52 - 37.56 Cfu/100 mL, 0.07 - 5.00 Cfu/100 mL, 0 - 2.07 Cfu/100 mL for Total Bacteria Count (TBC), Total Coliform Count (TCC), Faecal Coliform Count (FCC) and Total Fungal Count (TFC) respectively, which showed no effective quality control system. Incremental lifetime cancer risk (ILCR) assessment revealed a carcinogenic health risk to the populace drinking this water. The study concludes that water stored under sunlight for a long period is not good for human consumption and therefore adequate monitoring by the appropriate agencies is emphasized.

The Effect of Different Storage Conditions on the Levels of Bisphenol A in Bottled Drinking Water in Jeddah City, Saudi Arabia

Bisphenol A (BPA) in drinking water sources is a significant concern in society because BPA is one of the endocrine disruption compounds (EDCs) that can cause hazards to human health even at extremely low concentration levels. This study investigated the leaching potential of BPA from drinking water bottles in five brands of bottled drinking water in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, using high-performance liquid chromatography with a diode array detector (HPLC-DAD). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to evaluate the level of BPA in bottled water in the city of Jeddah. The separation was carried out under isocratic elution, and the detector was set to UV mode. Low levels of BPA were detected in all samples from polyethylene terephthalate (PET) containers. The mean concentration of BPA in water bottles stored at room temperature for 30 days was 9.46 ng·L−1, while the concentration of BPA in water bottles exposed to sunlight and boiling water bath was 16.13 ng·L−1 and 14.7 ng·L−1, respectively. Although the results show that the daily consumed concentration of BPA for an adult with 60 kg of body weight is 32.26 ng, which is lower than the total tolerable daily intake limit of BPA, health risks from the consumption of bottled water may increase after UV exposure for an extended time.

Assessment of internal radiation exposure caused by radon in commercially bottled spring waters consumed in Turkey

ABSTRACT The variation of dissolved radon levels in water supplies remains of interest since radon ingested through drinking water can give considerable radiation to the lining of the stomach. This study aims to determine the radon concentration levels in bottled spring drinking water (BSW) brands commercially sold in Turkey using a radon gas monitor and to assess the internal radiation exposure caused by the ingestion and inhalation of radon. The activity concentrations of radon analyzed in 77 BSW brands varied from 7.1±0.8 to 28.7±2.7 mBq/L with an average of 15.7±5.1 mBq/L. The total annual effective dose was estimated to assess the radiological risk for three age groups in four different scenarios based on annual drinking water intake. All estimated dose values are well below the recommended reference dose of 100 µSv for drinking water. Therefore, radon gas in the investigated BSW samples poses no significant radiological risk to the public.

Effect of Simulated Transport Conditions on Microbiological Properties of Bottled Natural Mineral Water

Bottled mineral water is distributed globally through complex supply chains, making it available far beyond its bottling plants. In low-viscosity food matrices, invisible changes may occur due to shaking. The primary purpose of this research was to investigate the potential correlation between the intensity of mechanical agitation and the number of detectable microorganisms in bottled mineral water. The simulation of dynamic mechanical vibration was conducted using both time-accelerated and real-time tests. Freshly bottled natural mineral water and commercially available mineral water brands from different bottling locations and times were subjected to random vibration at three intensities as specified by the ASTM D-4169-16 standard, which simulates road transport on semi-trailer trucks. The study investigated the specific growth rate, the generation time, and the maximum cell numbers of microorganisms. The quantitative PCR (qPCR) technique was used to determine and compare the concentrations of microbes. Dynamic mechanical vibration affected the microbiome of mineral waters, influencing growth rates and generation times. In the case of waters from different bottling locations and times, the specific growth rate varied significantly for each water and for each intensity. This finding demonstrates that the microbiome composition of the water source and the interaction between microbes influence the response to mechanical impact. The time-accelerated test was shown to be suitable for analyzing the reaction of the microbiome of the tested matrix to the intensity and duration of vibration. The applied test protocol enabled the monitoring of changes in cell numbers by qPCR. All three intensities of the time-accelerated method were effective in testing the effects of real-time mechanical agitation on the microbiome.

Deterioration of the quality of packaged potable water (bottled water) exposed to sunlight for a prolonged period: An implication for public health.

The exposure of bottled water to sunlight leaches heavy metals into the water, thereby deteriorating its quality and this informed the study. Three plastic bottle brands (n = 100 per brand) were exposed to sunlight for different durations. The leaching of contaminants was exposure duration dependent. The following ranges were recorded for temperature (26.67-29.83 °C), pH (4.73-6.12), conductivity (159.00-298.67 μs/cm), turbidity (0.92-1.22 N.T.U), TDS (98.17-192.77 mg/l), hardness (38.12-78.17 mg/l), Fe (0.01-0.57 mg/l), Mn (BDL - 0.46), Cr (BDL - 0.37 mg/l), Al (BDL - 0.53 mg/l), Cd (0.02-0.21 mg/l), Zn (1.18-9.90 mg/l), Pb (0.03-1.68 mg/l), As (BDL - 1.48 mg/l), and Ni (0.05-1.55 mg/l). Health risk evaluation in all bottled water brands revealed possible Cr, Cd, Pb, As, and Ni toxicity. The carcinogenic risk of Cr, As, and Ni, indicated potential cancer. Arsenic posed the highest non-carcinogenic risk, while Ni posed the highest carcinogenic risk in all brands after 42 days of exposure. The microbial parameters failed to meet the WHO safety limits. The exposure of bottled water to sunlight should be avoided, to ensure a healthy population.