Some physical-chemical characteristics evaluation of bottled water versus municipal tap water!available in Fogo Island (Cape Verde)

Abstract

In recent years, a continuous demand for drinking water has been growing worldwide, thus demanding stricter quality control of this resource. The present study was designed to investigate the physical-chemical quality of tap water from two locations in Fogo island and two brands of bottled water. The investigated parameters were mainly: hydrogen potential (pH), electrical conductivity (EC), total dissolved solids (TDS), temperature (T), calcium (Ca), fluorine (F), iron (Fe), total hardness (CaCO3), aluminum (Al), sulfate (SO4) and magnesium (Mg). A higher concentration of minerals was observed in tap water samples. A sample of bottled water showed almost zero mineral content, and almost all analyzed parameters were following the parametric values established by Cape-Verdean Regulatory Decree and WHO standards. It is essential to analyze and understand the water label before purchasing any bottled water in order to know the mineral concentration and choose the water that is most appropriate considering individual food needs.