| Abstrakt: |
A study conducted by researchers at North-West University in South Africa assessed the health risks associated with heavy metals in natural mineral bottled drinking water. The study analyzed 21 different brands of bottled water for heavy metal concentrations and physicochemical parameters. While the physicochemical parameters were within acceptable ranges, some samples exceeded permissible limits for heavy metals set by the World Health Organization and the South African Water Quality Guidelines. However, the mean values of chronic daily intake for heavy metals were below acceptable limits, and the estimated values for cancer risk were insignificant. The study concluded that the consumption of natural mineral bottled drinking water in South Africa is safe, but long-term effects should be considered. The findings contribute to the ongoing discourse on water quality assurance and emphasize the importance of maintaining high-quality standards in the bottled water industry for public health and environmental sustainability. [Extracted from the article] |
