TRACE ELEMENTS IN SPRING AND PURIFIED BOTTLED WATER: A CASE STUDY IN SHANGHAI

This study was designed to evaluate trace elements in bottled water. Five brands of the most commercialized spring and purified waters sold in Shanghai were collected in January, 2013. Water samples were measured for Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Se, Cd, Ba, Pb and Bi using an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry equipment. Anions, such as SO4, Br, NO2, F-, NO3 and cl(-) were detected using ion chromatography. The results of spring water were compared to Chinese standard GB 8537-2008 for spring and natural water, which showed an over limit for Se. The results of bottled purified water were also compared with the Chinese hygienic standard for bottled water GB 17324-2003, which showed an over limit for cl(-). The results were also compared with Food Drug Administration standard for bottled water and all results, except Pb, NO3 and Cl-, were in compliance with the limit Trace elements, such as As, Cd, Br and NO2, were not detected in all the spring and purified bottled water samples. Overall, these results highlight the importance of considering heavy metals and anions in bottled water.