Quality of Mineral Water sold in the Middle West Potiguar

This study aimed to verify the potability of mineral water sold in electronic fountains in various municipalities in the state of Rio Grande do Norte, including Mossoró, Caraúbas, Frutuoso Gomes, Patu, Felipe Guerra, Umarizal and Olho D'água do Borges, and Serra Negra do Norte. To this end, physicochemical analyses were carried out on the water samples, taking into account essential quality parameters such as: pH, electrical conductivity, alkalinity, total dissolved solids, chlorides, total hardness, dissolved oxygen, turbidity, potassium, sodium and salinity. Based on the analyses and the identification of the sources of contamination, measures were suggested to improve the quality of the mineral water sold, including actions to raise awareness among the population and reinforcement of inspection by the competent authorities. Thus, the study emphasizes the need for an integrated approach to guarantee the potability of marketed mineral water and public health, highlighting the shared responsibility between the authorities and the community.