Statistical evaluation of mineral water from Valcea County area through quality indices

Significant global consumption of mineral water is fueled by perceived therapeutic and medicinal qualities, cultural habits and taste. In Valcea County are several resorts with such mineral springs, which can have multiple benefits for human health. For this reason, it is important to investigate the level of their pollution with heavy metals. The aim of this study was to detect the level of heavy metals present in the studied mineral waters, to evaluate the analytical results using environmental statistical indices, and to compare the results with the legislation in force. Thus, mineral water samples were collected from three resorts of Valcea County (Baile Olanesti, Calimanesti-Caciulata and Baile Govora). The analyzed metals (Cd, Cr, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn) were determined with the ICP-EOS technique and the obtained results were compared to enforce legislation. Statistical analyses were applied and two environmental statistical indices, namely the metal distribution coefficient (kd) and the total environmental risk index (IER) were evaluated. The calculated values for the total environmental risk index were below 0 (IER ≤ 0), which indicates that none of the studied water samples pose a risk for the environment. The low values of the distribution coefficient indicate a low ability to bind the metal in particles and therefore, insignificant toxicity. The distribution coefficient calculated for zinc (1.12 L/kg) and lead (0.68 L/kg) in Baile Olanesti indicates a high capacity of the metals to bind in particles, compared to other metals.