Major inorganic anions and cations in selected European bottled waters

Abstract Bottled waters, commonly called mineral waters, are important sources of minerals for the human organism. This article presents the results of the research onto the content of major inorganic anions (F − , Cl − , NO 2 − , Br − , NO 3 − , PO 4 3− , SO 4 2− ) and cations (Na + , K + , Mg 2+ , Ca 2+ ) in 88 brands of bottled waters commercially available in four European countries (Poland, Romania, Italy and Netherlands). The reported data were obtained using a validated ion chromatographic method. A comparative and chemometric evaluation of the obtained results was carried out, highlighting in many cases significant differences between the values declared by the producers and the obtained results; possible reasons of this situation are discussed.