Analysing for Toxic Elements in Tap and Bottled Drinking Water Using ICP-OES

Over the last decade, there has been a remarkable increase in the popularity of bottled drinking water. Bottled water manufacturers have capitalised on public concerns about tap water quality and have implemented marketing activities aimed at convincing consumers that bottled water is purer and safer than tap water. According to the 2008 Global Bottled Water report produced by Zenith International, Asia/Australasia represents the

largest regional market with a 26.5% share [1]. It has been forecast that the notable rise of Asia’s middle classes will expand the global bottled water market to an annual consumption of 280 billion liters by 2012 [2].

Tap and bottled drinking water normally contains small amounts of toxic elements. These amounts can increase owing to a number of reasons, including agricultural practices (such as the use of pesticides

containing heavy metals), industrial waste and the leaching of toxic elements from containers that come in contact with water. As long as toxic elements exist in low levels, they don’t pose a significant health threat.

However, excess concentrations of these compounds can cause serious health problems such as liver and kidney failure, cancer and reproductive difficulties. Increasing tap and bottled drinking water safety concerns have prompted the introduction of strict legislation with which water companies and bottled water manufacturers must comply. Bottled water regulations, in particular, apply to the country in which the water is purchased

and consumed. As a result, bottled water manufacturers must adhere to multiple international regulations specifying maximum limits for toxic elements.