Concentrations of Trace Elements in Bottled Water Consumed in Angono, Philippines

Introduction@#We analyzed the concentrations of the trace elements [chromium (Cr), arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), cesium (Cs), lead (Pb), thorium (Th), and uranium (U)] in commercial bottled water consumed in the town of Angono, Rizal province, Luzon island, Philippines to evaluate the health risks of the trace elements in drinking water. There are some arguments that water resources available in the Philippines are heavily polluted by various materials, inparticular heavy metal elements. @*Method@#The concentrations of seven trace elements in commercial bottled water produced and consumed in the Philippines were analyzed using a solution nebulization inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (SN−ICP−MS).@*Result@#The concentrations of the trace elements except for Cs, which does not yet have a WHO guideline value, in the locally produced bottled water were below the WHO guideline values. The Cs concentrations (<0.6 μg/L) of the bottled water of the Philippines were generally similar to those of the bottled water produced and consumed in other countries such as Japan, China, and Indonesia. @*Conclusion@#The concentrations of trace elements in bottled water consumed in Angono, Philippines can be regarded as being at safe levels, as well as those of daily life water (i.e. tap, well, and spring water) consumed in the said town.

Fluoride concentration in bottled water: a systematic review / Concentração de fluoreto na água engarrafada: uma revisão sistemática

Abstract This study aimed to summarize major methodological features and main findings described in the studies on fluoride concentration monitoring in bottled water, published in specialized journals between 2008 and 2012, highlighting their implications for public health surveillance. A systematic review was conducted searching scientific articles in the databases: Lilacs, PubMed and Scopus. Twenty-two articles from the world’s main continents were included: 68.2% informed both the number of samples and brands collected; 81.8% examined products collected in only a city or metropolitan area; 77.3% assessed the outcomes using a sound criterion; 45.5% compared the values of fluoride measured in the sample and those informed in the label, being noted significant discrepancies. In conclusion, the discrepancy between the found amount and the informed concentration in the label was quite common reinforcing the warnings raised by several researchers. The parameters that define hazard to health and instruct the content of labelling should be revised. There is an important room for improvement of the methodological procedures in further studies.

Resumo O objetivo foi sumarizar as principais características metodológicas e os principais achados descritos em estudos sobre monitoramento da concentração de fluoreto em água engarrafada publicados em revistas científicas especializadas entre 2008 e 2012, examinando suas implicações para a vigilância em saúde pública. Uma revisão sistemática foi realizada buscando artigos nas bases de dados: Lilacs, PubMed e Scopus. Vinte e dois artigos dos principais continentes do mundo foram incluídos: 68,2% informaram tanto o número de amostras como de marcas recolhidas; 81,8% examinaram produtos coletados em somente uma cidade ou área metropolitana; 77,3% avaliaram os achados usando critério lícito; 45,5% compararam os valores observados na amostra com aqueles informados no rótulo, sendo notadas discrepâncias significativas. A discrepância entre o valor observado e o divulgado no rótulo do produto foi bastante comum, reforçando as advertências reclamadas por vários pesquisadores. Os parâmetros que definem risco para saúde e instruem o conteúdo da rotulagem deveriam ser revisados. Observou-se importante espaço para melhorar os procedimentos metodológicos em futuros estudos.

Analysis of fluoride concentration in commercial bottled waters / Análise da concentração de flúor em águas comercializadas

Objective: Evaluate fluoride concentration in 500ml commercial brands of bottled water and compare it to the amount ​​printed on the label. Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional epidemiological study was conducted. Samples of nine different commercial brands of 500ml bottled water were collected at authorized distribution points in the city of Fortaleza, CE, Brazil, in 2013. Fluoride concentration was determined in duplicate using a fluoride ion-selective electrode. The results were obtained from linear regression of the calibration curve. Results: Fluoride concentrations ranged between 0.07 and 0.63 ppm F- or mg F/L. There were significant differences between the values ​​​​printed on the labels and those found in the analysis. The fluoride concentration levels determined were not in compliance with the recommended levels by the National Health Surveillance Agency. Conclusions: The results obtained confirm the need for more careful monitoring of fluoride levels in bottled water and closer sanitary inspections.

Objetivo: Avaliar a concentração de flúor na água engarrafada comercializada, com padrão de apresentação de 500 ml, comparando-a aos valores impressos no rótulo da embalagem. Métodos: Estudo epidemiológico, descritivo e transversal. Foram coletadas amostras das nove marcas disponíveis, na forma de apresentação de 500 ml, nos pontos de distribuição autorizados do município de Fortaleza, em 2013. A concentração de flúor foi determinada por análise em duplicata, utilizando o eletrodo íon-específico para fluoretos. Os resultados de concentração de flúor foram obtidos através da regressão linear da curva de calibração. Resultados: A concentração de flúor variou entre 0,07 e 0,63 ppm de flúor por mg/l, com diferenças significantes entre os valores estipulados nos rótulos e os encontrados com a análise, além de apresentar a concentração foram do padrão preconizado pela vigilância sanitária. Conclusões: Os resultados reforçam a necessidade de um controle dos níveis de flúor em águas engarrafadas, além de uma maior fiscalização por parte da vigilância sanitária.

Physico-Chemical and Thermotolerant Fecal Coliforms Analysis of Commercial Bottled Water in Dar es Salaam City in Tanzania.

Background: There is currently an increased demand and consumption of bottled water in Tanzania especially among the middle and high income earners as it is generally perceived to be pure, clean and of good quality. This has led to the sale of different brands of bottled water on the Tanzanian market. Due to increased demand and consumption of bottled water in Tanzania, there has been a growing concern about the microbiological quality of this product. The objective of this study was to assess the physico-chemical quality parameters and microbial contamination level with thermotolerant fecal coliform bacteria commercial bottled water Dar es Salaam city in Tanzania. Materials and Methods: This cross sectional study was done in randomly selected ten different commercial brand of bottled water available in commercial market of Dar es Salaam city in Tanzania. Tap water from Dar es Salaam Water Supply Company (DAWASCO) was also sampled for comparison. Fecal coliform were enumerated by the membrane filtration and commercial field testing DelAgua®kit. The physicochemical examination of the water samples was done to determine pH, turbidity and Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) of the water samples using a Hach spectrophotometer (Hach Company, Loveland, Colorado, USA). Results and Discussion: All samples of bottled water (100%) analyzed did not show the presence of thermotolerant faecal coliform bacteria and thus meet the World Health Organization (WHO) acceptable value of zero cfu/ml. All the surveyed brands of bottled water were safe for drinking as they were devoid of any thermotolerant fecal coliforms bacteria. Tap water from DAWASCO revealed thermotolerant fecal coliforms contamination with mean CFU counts of 4.0/100ml. Coliform organisms found in tap water in this study were above the recommended levels by regulatory agencies such as Tanzania Bureau Standard (TBS), International Bottled Water Association (IBWA), Food and Drug Administration (FDA), United States Environmental Protection Agency for (USEPA), World Health Organization (WHO) and the European Community (EC). The overall mean results of the physicochemical parameters of bottled water brands and tap water studied were within the recommended limits by TBS and WHO. Conclusions: The absence of thermotolerant fecal coliform bacteria in the bottled water is indicative of safety for public consumption. Tap water from DAWASCO is unfit for human consumption and it needs to be treated to render it safe for human drinking. Physicochemical parameters revealed that the pH, TDS and turbidity were within the required levels by TBS and WHO. This indicates that, the manufacturers of bottled water brands and DAWASCO are conforming to the TBS and WHO standards on physicochemical requirements for drinking water.

Microbiological analysis of packaged drinking water sold in Chennai.

Background: Adequate supply of fresh and clean drinking water is a basic need for all human beings. In terms of public and environmental health, it is essential that water sources be free of pathogenic bacteria and safe to drink. Continuous increase in the sale and indiscriminate consumption of packaged drinking water is of public health significance. In order to safeguard public health it is essential that the available packaged water is of the highest quality. Aims & Objective: The current study was designed to assess the microbial quality of sachet and bottled drinking water sold in retail outlets in Chennai. Materials and Methods: In the present study, fifty one samples including 36 sachet and 15 bottled drinking water samples were analyzed for the presence of bacterial indicators of water quality. Total and faecal coliform count, total viable plate count and culture were performed to determine the identities of the isolates. Results: Of the 36 sachet water samples analysed, 33.3% failed to meet the WHO drinking water standard of zero coliform per 100 ml making them unsuitable for human consumption whereas all the 15 bottled water samples are of better quality. Faecal coliforms were not isolated from any of the sachet or bottled drinking water. The bacteria that were isolated from water samples included Klebsiella pneumonia, Enterobacter aerogenes, Citrobacter freundii, Pseudomonas spp., Acinetobacter spp., Staphylococcus aureus, Coagulase negative Staphylococci, Micrococcus spp. and Bacillus spp. Conclusion: The bottled water samples analyzed are of better microbiological quality when compared to that of the local brands of sachet water samples. The findings therefore suggests that these sachet water are not fit for human consumption and are hazardous to health. Hence there is a need for strict and routine monitoring of the packaged drinking water with the view of raising their standards.

Água envasada: qualidade microbiológica e percepção dos consumidores no município de Viçosa (MG) / Bottled water: microbiological quality and consumer perception in Viçosa (MG)

O objetivo deste trabalho foi caracterizar a qualidade microbiológica e física de águas envasadas comercializadas em Viçosa (MG) e compreender as percepções dos usuários relacionadas a essa fonte de abastecimento para consumo humano. O diagnóstico da qualidade da água envasada foi realizado por meio de avaliação microbiológica e física de amostras de quatro marcas de água mineral envasada em galão de 20 L. A qualidade dessas águas foi verificada por meio de análises bacteriológicas para Escherichia coli, coliformes totais, enterococos, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, valores de cor e turbidez. O perfil dos consumidores de água envasada, a percepção sobre a qualidade da água e os motivos para escolha dessa água foram obtidos por intermédio de entrevistas, empregando a estratégia da análise de conteúdo. A partir dos resultados encontrados foi constatado que as águas envasadas comercializadas no município de Viçosa (MG) apresentaram, em algum momento, contagem de microrganismos em valores superiores aos recomendados pela legislação. Já no estudo qualitativo sobre a percepção dos consumidores de água envasada foi possível perceber que a escolha para o consumo de água envasada está relacionada menos ao sentido de proteção da saúde e mais à disseminação de uma prática social, consolidada e legitimada no cotidiano.

The objective of this study was to characterize the microbiological and physical quality of mineral bottled water commercialized in Viçosa's city, Minas Gerais' State, and understand the perceptions related to its consumption. Samples of four brands of bottled water, in gallons of 20 liters, were analyzed for microbial (Escherichia coli, total coliforms, enterococci, Pseudomonas aeruginosa) and physical (color and turbidity) characterization. In addition, bottled water's consumers were interviewed to identity the perceptions concerning water quality and the reasons for choosing this water; these data were analyzed using content analysis strategy. The results showed that bottled water commercialized in Viçosa's city had, at some point, microorganisms counting higher than those recommended by Brazilian's regulation. The results concerning the qualitative study showed that the choice for bottled water consumption is less related to the sense of health protection than to a social practice, consolidated and legitimated in everyday.

Performance of methods for identification of yeasts isolated fromblotted water: High prevalence of Candida parapsilosis / Desempenho dos métodos de identificação de leveduras de águaengarrafada: alta prevalência deCandida parapsilosis

Yeasts of the Candida genus can colonize epithelium and mucosa of the vertebrate organisms; howeverthese can cause infection in a broad range of body sites. Candida species also can be found in drinking water and they are considered as a potential indicator of water quality. In this study were evaluated three methods to identify yeasts isolated from blotted water (seminested PCR, culture on CHROMagar Candida medium, and Candifast identification system). For this propose, we used 27 isolates fromblotted water and compared with 22 clinical isolates from vaginal fluid. Seminested PCR has shown specificity and sensitivity for identification of the Candida species. Candida albicans and Candida parapsilosis were the prevalent species from vaginal fluid and blotted water, respectively. Culture onCHROMagar and Candifast system had low agreement with snPCR (40.9% and 45.5%, respectively) in the yeasts identification from vaginal fluid. On the other hand, CHROMagar Candida can be used in the presumptive identification of yeasts isolated from bottled water and it had agreement’s percentage of 81.5% with snPCR method.

Leveduras do gênero Candida podem colonizar epitélio e mucosa dos organismos vertebrados, entretanto, podem causar infecções em vários lugares do corpo. Espécies de Candida, também, podem ser encontradas em água e são consideradas um potencial indicador da qualidade de água. Neste trabalho, foram avaliados três métodos de identificação de leveduras isoladas de água engarrafada (seminestedPCR, cultura no meio CHROMagar Candida e sistema de identificação Candifast). Foram utilizados 27 isolados de água engarrafada e comparados com 22 isolados clínicos de fluido vaginal. Seminested PCR tem mostrado especificidade e sensibilidade para a identificação das espécies de Candida. Candida albicans e Candida parapsilosis foram as espécies prevalentes do fluido vaginal e da água engarrafada,respectivamente. Cultura em CHROMagar e o sistema Candifast tiveram baixa concordância com snPCR(40,9% e 45,5%, respectivamente) na identificação de leveduras de fluido vaginal. Em contrapartida, CHROMagar Candida pode ser usado em identificação presuntiva de leveduras de água engarrafada apresentando concordância de 81,5% com o método snPCR.

Fecal indicators and bacterial pathogens in bottled water from Dhaka, Bangladesh

Forty-six bottled water samples representing 16 brands from Dhaka, Bangladesh were tested for the numbers of total coliforms, fecal indicator bacteria (i.e., thermotolerant Escherichia coli and Enterococcus spp.) and potential bacterial pathogens (i.e., Aeromonas hydrophil, Pseudomonas aeruginos, Salmonella spp., and Shigella spp.). Among the 16 brands tested, 14 (86%), ten (63%) and seven (44%) were positive for total coliforms, E. coil and Enterococcus spp., respectively. Additionally, a further nine (56%), eight (50%), six (37%), and four (25%) brands were PCR positive for A. hydrophila lip, P. aeruginosa ETA, Salmonella spp. invA, and Shigella spp. ipaH genes, respectively. The numbers of bacterial pathogens in bottled water samples ranged from 28 ± 12 to 600 ± 45 (A. hydrophila lip gene), 180 ± 40 to 900 ± 200 (Salmonella spp. invA gene), 180 ± 40 to 1,300 ± 400 (P. aeruginosa ETA gene) genomic units per L of water. Shigella spp. ipaH gene was not quantifiable. Discrepancies were observed in terms of the occurrence of fecal indicators and bacterial pathogens. No correlations were observed between fecal indicators numbers and presence/absence of A. hydrophila lip (p = 0.245), Salmonella spp. invA (p = 0.433), Shigella spp. ipaH gene (p = 0.078), and P. aeruginosa ETA (p = 0.059) genes. Our results suggest that microbiological quality of bottled waters sold in Dhaka, Bangladesh is highly variable. To protect public health, stringent quality control is recommended for the bottled water industry in Bangladesh.

Conocimiento sobre el consumo de agua simple en adultos de nivel socioeconómico bajo de la ciudad de Cuernavaca, México / Knowledge about consumption of plain water in adults of low socioeconomic status of the city of Cuernavaca, México

Objetivo. Describir los conocimientos cotidianos acerca del consumo de agua simple en adultos "pequeños bebedores" y "grandes bebedores" de agua simple. Material y métodos. Estudio cualitativo realizado entre abril y agosto de 2010 en México. Se conformaron ocho grupos focales con informantes clave adultos de nivel socioeconómico bajo; la mitad de los grupos se conformaron con hombres y la mitad con mujeres. El análisis de datos fue realizado mediante: a) codificación y categorización de acuerdo con literatura revisada acerca de hidratación, y b) mapeo conceptual, reconociendo proposiciones y afirmaciones hechas por los participantes. Resultados. Pequeños y grandes bebedores tienen conocimientos cotidianos similares sobre el agua simple; utilizan los mismos ejes epistemológicos para explicar la ingesta de agua simple en función de lo que "el cuerpo necesite". Ambos grupos tienen la noción de que el agua simple y el refresco "pueden ser dañinos" si se beben en exceso. Conclusiones. El conocimiento cotidiano sobre el agua se relaciona con el refresco, bebida que sirve para comparación y como sustituto. Los conceptos sobre el agua y el refresco se construyen con base en la experiencia personal y en las nociones sobre el efecto de ambos en el cuerpo y en la mente. Estas representaciones se utilizan para valorar la ingesta de líquidos y pueden constituirse como barreras para el consumo de agua simple.

Objective. To describe and compare the everyday knowledge about plain water consumption among "small" and "big drinkers". Materials and methods. A qualitative study was conducted between April and August 2010 in Mexico. Eight focus groups with low socioeconomic status adults as key informants were conformed; half of the groups were conducted with men and half with women. Data analysis was conducted with: a) coding and categorization according to hydration literature review b) conceptual mapping, recognizing propositions and affirmations made by the participants. Results. Small and big drinkers have similar everyday knowledge about plain water intake. Both groups use the same epistemological axes to explain its intake: "what the body needs". Both groups have the notion that plain water and other beverages such as soda "may be harmful" if you drink them in excess. Conclusions. Everyday knowledge about water is related to soda and drinks used to substitute water intake. The characteristics of water and soda intake are constructed based on personal experience and insights on their effect on the body and mind. These representations can be used to assess fluid intake and may constitute barriers to the consumption of plain water.

Fluoretos em Diferentes Fontes de Águas para Consumo Humano em Campo Alegre de Lourdes-BA / Fluoride in Different Sources of Drinkable Water in Campo Alegre de Lourdes-BA

Realizar o mapeamento dos níveis de fluoretosdas águas de poços, cisternas e de águas engarrafadascomercializadas no município de Campo Alegre de Lourdes-BA. Material e Métodos: Na zona urbana, a coleta de águasde cisternas foi domiciliar. As águas minerais foram adquiridasnos mercados. Foram coletadas amostras de águas de 11cisternas, dois poços e sete águas minerais engarrafadas.Na zona rural, foram sorteadas 18 amostras de cisternas devilas rurais. Resultados: As concentrações de fluoretos dascisternas dos bairros variaram de 0,08 a 0,48 ppmF. A maiorconcentração de fluoretos presente nas águas mineraisindustrializadas foi de 0,24 ppmF. A maioria das águasminerais não possuía em seu rótulo a concentração de fluor.As concentrações de fluoretos dos poços variam de 0,03 a0,27 ppmF. Em relação às águas da zona rural, observou-semaior concentração de fluoretos na água da vila Arroz 0,51ppmF e a menor na Barra em 0,03 ppmF. Conclusão: Aconcentração de fluoretos das águas de consumo domunicípio não proporciona risco ao consumidor, podendoser ingerida por crianças na fase de desenvolvimento dadentição. Por outro lado, as águas também não atingiram asconcentrações ideais para a prevenção da cárie dentária...

To evaluate fluoride concentration levels in watersamples from wells, cisterns, and bottled waters marketedin the municipality of Campo Alegre de Lourdes (BA).Methodology: In the urban area, samples from cisterns werecollected at home. Bottled waters were acquired in themarkets. Were collected samples from 11 cisterns, 02 wellsand 07 bottled waters. In the rural area, 18 samples fromcisterns were randomized. Results: Fluoride concentrationsin the cisterns water evaluated ranged from 0.08 to 0.48ppmF. The highest concentration of fluoride was 0.24 ppmF.Most samples of bottled waters did not disclose fluorideconcentration in their labels. Fluoride concentration in thewells ranged from 0.03 to 0.27 ppmF. Concerning to ruralarea, the highest concentration of fluoride in the water wasfound in Arroz (0.51 ppmF) and the lowest in Barra (0.03ppmF). Conclusion: The fluoride concentration present insources of drinkable water in the city provides no risk toconsumption, and may be ingested by children during dentitiondevelopment. Contrariwise, water did not reach a fluorideconcentration capable of acting in the prevention of dentalcaries...

Fluoride content of bottled water commercialized in two cities of northeastern Brazil

Aim: The objectives of this study were to evaluate the fluoride content of bottled water commercialized intwo cities of northeastern Brazil and to compare the fluoride values measured in the water to the ones printed on the bottle label, considering risks (dental fluorosis) and benefits (caries control) of systemic fluoride exposure. Methods: Fifty-six water samples were collected from 20 brands available in severalsupermarkets with high turnover in different regions of the municipalities of São Luís (State of Maranhão)and João Pessoa (State of Paraíba) in 2009. Fluoride concentrations were determined by triplicate analysisusing an ion-specific electrode. Results: The measured mean fluoride content varied from 0.001 to 0.270 ppmF with a mean (±SD) of 0.037 (±0.041) for the 56 samples. The majority of samples were found to contain less than 0.043 ppmF (92%). Conclusion: These results emphasize the importance of controllingthe fluoride levels in bottled water enforced by the Brazilian Sanitary Surveillance Agency. Concerning therisks and benefits, fluoride concentrations in the evaluated bottled water samples were below the suggested concentration (0.7 mg F/l), having neither preventive effect nor the potential for causing dental fluorosis.

Análise do teor de fluoreto em àguas minerais comercializadas em Belém do Pará / Fluoride content of still bottled water in Belém of Pará

Objetivo: analisar a concentração do íon fluoreto em amostras de água mineral comercializadas na cidade de Belém do Pará, 2009 Método: transversal analítico. Colhidas 07 amostras das marcas comerciais, (Terra Alta, Belágua, Y Yamada, Indaiá, Schincariol, Nossa água, Prata) e realizada análise quantitativa de flúor (mg/l), utilizando o espectrofotômetro, Metrolab 330. As amostras estavam com a temperatura ambiente de 28ºC. Resultados: Indaiá =0,0ppm; Terra Alta=0,1ppm ; Belágua=0,02ppm ; Y Yamada=0,02ppm; Schincariol=0,04ppm; Nossa água =0,04 ppm ; Prata=0,26ppm. Considerações finais: os resultados mostraram uma insuficiência de fluoreto de sódio nas águas minerais, tanto para prevenção, quanto para a ocorrência de fluorose dentária

Objective: the objective of the present study was to determine the fluoride concentrations of 07 commercial marks mineral water (mg/l) in Belém of Pará , 2009 Methods: analytic transversal study . Espectrofotometro, Metrolab 33 0 , was utilized to determinate thefluoride concentration of 7 samples of mineral commercial water. The samples were with the ambient temperature of 28ºC. Results: Indaiá =0,0ppm, Terra Alta=0,1ppm , Belágua=0,02ppm , Y Yamada=0,02ppm , Schicariol=0,04ppm, Nossa água =0,04 ppm , Prata= 0,26ppm Conclusion: the results had in such a way shown an insufficiencies of sodium fluoride in mineral waters for prevention how much for the dental occurrence of fluorose.