Multi-elemental analysis of real water samples from the Požega area, Serbia

Abstract

The aim of this study was to examine the quality of real samples of drinking water, collected from the territory of the city of Požega and the surrounding rural areas. An analytical technique of inductively coupled plasma with optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) was used to determine the concentrations of macro-and microelements in water samples. The obtained results were compared with the maximum allowed concentrations of elements specified by the national Regulation on hygienic quality of drinking water, as well as the recommendations of the World Health Organization (WHO) and the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The analysed waters were low-mineralized (<1000 mg/L), calcium waters, with low sodium content. The concentrations of all tested elements in the water samples were within the allowed values. There were obvious differences in chemical composition between surface water samples and groundwater samples. All tested waters can be safely used for irrigation, because the risk of soil salinization, sodium accumulation and harmful effects of boron on crops was assessed as insignificant.