A survey on the composition of mineral water and identification of natural mineral water

Abstract The inorganic composition of about sixty mineral water samples from different sources were analysed using standard methods. Some of the analytes were found to not comply with international guidelines for drinking water and may not be suitable for babies and people suffering from heart or kidney diseases. The composition of natural mineral waters was also compared with those of the respective tap waters, using surface water at source as raw material. The silica content was found to be a useful indicator for the authenticity of natural mineral water and to distinguish them from surface water.