Analysis of minerals in filtered and purified water sold in Senegal

Sylla Gueye Rokhaya, Diop Chei

Abstract

Nitrates, chlorides, fluorides and sodium ions were analyzed in filtered and purified water sold in Senegal in small plastic pouches. These pouches are subject to significant consumption by the population. Sodium ions were determined by flame photometry while the other mineral elements were determined by specific electrodes. Of the 6 samples studied, 5 had volumes non-compliant with respect to what was mentioned on the packaging. The analysis of nitrates showed relatively high concentrations, between 50 mg/l and 70 mg/l, for all 6 samples. A maximum of 25 mg/l of nitrates is recommended, by the World Health Organization (WHO), in water intended for consumption. The contents of the samples in fluorides, ranging from 6 mg/l to 11 mg/l, were significantly elevated compared to the standard of WHO in drinking water, which is 1.5 mg/l. The chloride contents of the samples ranged from 40 mg/l to 100 mg/l for all 6 samples, less than the maximum of 250 mg/l of chlorine tolerated by WHO. The sodium content of the studied samples ranged from 26 mg/l to 56 mg/l. For sodium, WHO has not made any recommendation for water intended for consumption, although in Senegal, 200 mg/l is applied.