Analysis of Select Trace Elements of Alkaline Bottled Water and Consumer’s Perceived Benefits

The study aimed to determine the levels of select trace elements – Iron, Calcium, Potassium and Total Alkalinity of the two different brands of bottled alkaline water and a survey of the residents of RER Subdivision Phase 1 regarding their reasons for drinking alkaline water. The study was done between January and February 2016. The study revealed that according to the chemical analysis methods laboratory results showed that on both Brand X (Red Top) and Brand Y (White Top), Iron and Calcium parameters has similar values, 0.02 mg/L for Iron and less than 0.1 mg/L for Calcium. Also, Brand Y showed higher levels of Total Alkalinity as CaCo3, 183.7 mg/L and Potassium, 1.40 mg/L than Brand X which has Total Alkalinity as CaCo3 of 104.3 mg/L and has Potassium level of only 0.04 mg/L. However, despite the fact that Brand Y showed more significant values than Brand X, both brands are said to be still suitable for drinking based on studies and the reference normal values.

Keywords: Alkaline water, chemical analysis, trace elements, total alkalinity, frequency and benefits