Mineral Ion Content in Selected Water Bottle Samples Sold in Maldives

Abstract

Majority of Maldivian population, especially those living in capital Male’ uses bottled water as the main source of drinking water. The aim of this study is to determine the mineral ion content in some of the bottled water sold in Maldives. A total of seven water samples of three brands of water were collected. Two different samples from each brand were used in sampling as, they were the most widely sold brands in Maldives. An additional sample of tap water which is used in households of Male’ was included as comparison. The samples were tested for the hydrogen ion concentration (pH), Electrical conductivity, total Dissolved solids (TDS), and
amounts of calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), copper (Cu), and zinc (Zn). These results were then compared to the guidelines provided by the World Health Organization, (WHO) to determine the suitability for human consumption. It was found from the test results that all he bottled water samples were in accordance with the standards of WHO, except for pH values of three samples, which had a pH value below the WHO standard value of 6.5. The samples were also having lower values for EC and TDS, which indicates that they have less mineral ions which were removed by the treatment of water. This can lead to health problems in long term, if a person consumes only these bottled water as the source of drinking water. This problem can be overcome with a proper balanced diet. In general, the overall quality of the most commonly consumed bottled waters in Maldives was in accordance to standards set by WHO and safe for drinking.