Entre o rótulo e a realidade: análise da qualidade da água mineral comercializada em em Areia - PB

Abstract

The growing concern over the water quality available for human consumption, intensified by climate change and the pollution of water sources, has led the population to seek safer alternatives of consumption, such as bottled natural mineral water. Considering the importance of this product for public health, the compliance with the potability standards established by regulatory agencies is of great importance. This study aimed to evaluate the quality of mineral water sold in the municipality of Areia, Paraiba, Brazil through physicochemical and microbiological parameters to verify its compliance with current regulations. The samples were obtained from a local distributor and delivered to the Analytical Chemistry Laboratory of CCA/UFPB on four different days between February and April. The physicochemical and microbiological analyses included pH, turbidity, electrical conductivity, free carbon dioxide, alkalinity, total hardness, calcium, chloride, total phosphorus, nitrate, sulfate, salinity, magnesium, dissolved oxygen, sodium, and potassium, and detection of pathogenic bacteria. The results were compared with the information declared on the product labels and the limits set by current legislation. The physicochemical analyses revealed minor variations compared to the values printed on the bottle labels and were within permitted standards. Regarding microbiological parameters, no coliforms were detected in any of the samples, indicating sanitary safety. This study reinforces the importance of monitoring the quality of commercial mineral water, as well as the accurate product labeling to safeguard consumer health.