ABSTRACT
The chemistry of mineral waters is determined by the composition of the rock environment it is abstracted from. The main source of Ca in groundwaters is dissolution of minerals like: calcite, dolomite, aragonite, gypsum, fluorite, feldspars as well as reverse ion exchange. The main source of Mg is dissolution of dolomite and calcite, magnesite, ferromagnesian silicates, reverse ion exchange and dedolomitisation. In 2010 the number of registered mineral water brands in Europe was 1916. This chapter presents the results of study on chemical composition of 1903 different types of mineral waters originating from 41 European countries. Calcium concentration in these waters ranges from 0.05 to 1134 mg/l; 42% of waters show low Ca content (50-150 mg/l) and 40% very low Ca content (<50 mg/l). Magnesium concentration ranges from 0.02 to 1060 mg/l; 33% of waters show low (<30 mg/l) and 37% very low (<10 mg/l) Mg content. According to EU Directive 80/777/EEC, only 18% may be called ‘mineral waters containing calcium’ with Ca > 150 mg/l and only 21% may be called as ‘mineral waters containing magnesium’ with Mg > 50 mg/l. This is an alarming situation as the most important constituents of mineral waters for 75% of bottled mineral and spring waters in Europe are observed in extremely low concentrations. This fact, to a great extent, influences human health and well-being and should be further studied in detail.
