Metal(loid)s, phthalate esters and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in Croatian natural mineral waters: Regulatory compliance and associated health risk

• DOI: 10.1016/j.eti.2024.103570
• Publication Date: 2024-02-10T07:59:10Z
• Authors: Zorana Kljaković-...; Blanka Tariba Lov...; Iva Smoljo; Andreja Jurič; Tatjana Orct; Ankica Sekovanić; Nataša Brajenović; Irena Brčić Karač...; Gordana Pehnec; Mario Lovrić; Marinko Pleština; Ekaterina Šprajc; Sandy Lovković; Jasna Jurasović
• Keywords: Fluoranthene; Diethyl phthalate; Bottled water

A leading Croatian manufacturer of natural mineral waters and soft drinks utilizes two artesian wells located in the western part Pannonian region to produce over 600 million liters per year. In order assess chemical contamination levels sourced from these wells, this study examined presence metal(loid)s [by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS)], phthalate esters (PAEs) gas chromatography-mass (GC-MS)], polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) chromatography-tandem (GC-MS/MS)] at various stages bottled water production (artesian tanks before filling, products after bottling). The results revealed considerable variability concentrations between due differences local lithology. Concentrations individual PAEs (<LOD – 1.435 µg/L) PAHs 6.528 ng/L) were generally low or below detection limits, with diethyl (DEP) bis(2-ethylhexyl) (DEHP) being most prevalent fluoranthene (FLU) pyrene (PYR) PAHs. storage medium had a significant effect on inorganic composition freshly filled products. Antimony (Sb) was dominant element leached plastic packaging, whereas chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), lead (Pb), tin (Sn), strontium (Sr) glass packaging. All compounds analyzed samples significantly legal thresholds for drinking water. probabilistic analysis indicated that cumulative non-carcinogenic carcinogenic risks associated ingestion containing metal(loid)s, PAEs, mostly safe (HI < 1.0; CCR 10-4) both children adults.