Análise da qualidade de águas comercializadas no município de Pombal-PB.

Abstract

Among the most important natural resources for the development of life, water is the most outstanding, because without it it is impossible to survive. In the quest for quality water for human consumption, mineral water presents itself as an alternative, such demand has intensified in cities, this is probably due to the fact that they associate it with healthy habits. The objective of this study was to evaluate water samples to identify if the information contained in the labels of the mineral water containers is consistent with the quality of the water contained inside the packages, avoiding that consumers are harmed and that there is no harm to human health. Five samples of mineral water of different brands were acquired and one of water supply. The physical-chemical parameters analyzed were pH, Electrical Conductivity and Turbidity. The pH measurements were performed through a TECNOPON mPA 210 benchtop pH meter. The conductivity measurement was performed with HMCDP-150 conductivity meter. Turbidity measurement was performed using the SL2K Turbidimeter. According to the analysis and with the values on the labels, the turbidity was within the desired parameters, since they were lower than 5NTU5. Waters A, B, C and D showed the pH described on the label below 6.0. The only pH that showed the pH within the standards was E. The results of the pH analysis of waters A, B, C and E are outside the required parameters and D is inside. This shows a certain variation between the values of the label and the analysis. Regarding the samples of mineral waters A, C and E, the values of EC of the label were higher than that of the analysis, whereas samples B and D were lower. When compared to EC water supply the mineral waters were lower. According to the study, it is concluded that the analyzed mineral waters that are commercialized in Pombal-PB have only partially complied with the specifications set forth by the National Health Surveillance Agency regarding pH and Electrical Conductivity. Regarding turbidity, all the waters were within the required standards because values were below 5NTU. The pH of the mineral waters analyzed were all lower than 7.0, therefore denominating these waters as acidic. The information contained in the labels is not always faithful to the data acquired in the analyzes performed before the packaging, because after the study can be observed difference between the data of the analysis in relation to the label.