Chemical composition and heavy metals in bottled mineral drinking waters in Bandar Abbas

Introduction: In recent years, attraction toward drinking bottled mineral water has increased. Therefore, chemical composition and safety of these waters considering trace elements and heavy metals should confirm the national or international standard limits. The aim of this study was to evaluate and comparison of the mineral and heavy metal composition of bottled waters in Bandar Abbas with Iranian national standard range. Methods: A total of 125 samples from 25 bottled mineral water brands were analyzed for 17 elements including Zn, Cu,Ca, Mg, Na, K, Al, Mn, As, Pb, Cr, Se, Cd, Co, Ni, Mo, Ba using ICP-OES technique. Concentrations were compared to the desirable and permissible limits of Iran national standard. Results: Zn, Cu, Ca and Mg were lower than desirable limits. Na concentration in all brands was lower than maximum permissible limit. Concentrations of Cr and Se were higher than maximum permissible limit in 7 brands. As, Pb, Cd, Co, Ni, Mo and Ba concentrations were lower than maximum permissible limit in all brands. Conclusion: The results showed that the studied mineral waters could not provide clinically important dietary intake of Ca, Mg, Cu and Zn. Low Na concentration was a proper characteristic. Except for 7 brands with high Cr and Se concentrations, other bottled mineral waters were safe for daily intake.