Survey on heavy metals, nitrate and nitrite contents in mineral water distributed in West Azerbaijan province markets

Water is the most important inorganic compounds for living cells. Water Contamination with heavy metals and pesticides is one of the most important concerns of the health food and environmental problems. The increasing consumption of mineral water in societies, make it essential to assess the possible contaminations. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the amount of metal contaminants such as arsenic, lead, cadmium and pesticides (nitrate and nitrite) in mineral water. For this purpose, 10 brands of bottled mineral water were chosen from the market of West Azerbaijan province and concentration of heavy metals such as lead and cadmium were measured by atomic absorption furnace and arsenic by usingAtomic Absorption System Based on Hydride Steam Production , nitrate and nitrite contents were measured by spectrophotometer technique. The results showed that the concentration range for arsenic, lead and cadmium in the samples were variable between 0.00008-0.0520 ppm, 0.0002 -0.0061 ppm and 0.0001 - 0.0030 ppm respectively. Nitrite concentrations in samples varied from 0.0048 ppm to 0.0152 ppm and for nitrate from 0.364ppm to 8.994ppm. There was a significant difference between the average concentration of arsenic, lead, cadmium and nitrite, but not for nitrate. The concentrations of these heavy metals, nitrite and nitrate in the samples were less than the maximum limit of ISIRI standard No. 2441. Therefore, there is no threat in the use of bottled mineral water for the consumers' health. However, because of the importance of toxicology, further studies and periodic measurments are essential.