Qualidade das águas adicionadas de sais e minerais, comercializadas no estado do Ceará

Abstract

The quality of the bottled water marketed in the state of Ceará is of extreme importance for the maintenance of consumer health, which often consumes a water added with salts without knowing the real difference between it and the mineral water. This study aimed to compare the microbiological and physical-chemical quality of six mineral water samples and six water samples with added salts. The method used in the microbiological analyzes was that of the filtering membrane for the counting of formed colonies. During microbiological analyzes, the presence of total and thermotolerant coliform microorganisms, Enterococcus, Pseudomonas aeruginosas and heterotrophic bacteria were present in the samples. In the physicochemical analyzes, Flame Photometry and Complex Titration methods were used, both recommended in Standart Methods, For The Examination Of Water & Wastewater. Based on the Collegiate Board Resolution - RDC Nº. 274 of September 22, 2005, which establishes the basic physical and chemical characteristics of mineral, natural and added salt waters, the concentrations of sodium, potassium, calcium and magnesium have been found to correspond to the concentrations suggested in the legislation. It was concluded that 100% of the mineral water samples were in accordance with RDC 275/2005, while 16.67% of the salt water samples did not meet the drinking water standard for human consumption. Comparison of the concentrations on the sample labels showed that the information provided by the mineral waters is closer to the actual ones than those provided by the added waters of salts. The conclusion of this study was that mineral waters are considered safe products for consumption, but the added waters of salts need reformulation of the specific legislation for this type of water to make the inspection more effective and increase the reliability of the product.