Determination Of Some Essential And
Toxic Trace Elements In Mineral Drinking
Water Using Nuclear And Other
Analytical Techniques

A.Ahmadiniar⁽¹⁾, A.Tavakoli ⁽¹⁾, N.Zarienpange ⁽²⁾, M.Sharieat ⁽²⁾

¹⁾ EFPRC, Atomic Energy Organization of Iran,
P.O.Box 81465/1589; Esfahan, Iran

²⁾ Middel East Supply Co.(MESCO) # 146. Razi Bidg Taleghani Ave, Tehran, Iran

Up to one thousand litres of water passes through our bodies every year. Therefore the quality of the water we choose to drink is vitally important. In this work twenty four elements (Al, As, Ca, Cd, Cl, Co, Cr, Cu, F, Fe, I, k, Mg, Mn, Na, Ni, Pb, Rb, V, Sb, Sc, Se, Sr, Zn) were measured in an Iranian mineral drinking water using nuclear (Epithermal & Instromental Neutron Activation Analysis) and Non - nuclear (Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy, EDTA, Titration, Flamephotometry) analytical techniques. Reservoirs of this mineral water are located several hundred meters deep inside the volcanic mountains of Sabalan in north-west Iran (Ardabil Provice). To get to the surface the water passes through several layers of porous rocks with each layer having special filtering qualities. The unique structure of the soil provides enhanced carbonation and taste. The is located at 1600m above see level in a mountainous area where the water springs out and is protected by several hundred square kilometers of untouched natural land.

The dry material samples obtained using the Freeze-drying method (about 375 mg per litre). Suitable single element standard solutions were used at the standard comparator samples. The samples and standards along with the SRM’S were irradiated with thermal neutron from Miniature Neutron Source Reactor, Atomic Energy Organization of Iran. The results obtained in this work are compared with Guideline values from the Word Health Organization (WHO) and Maximum concentrations occurring in water supplies in the United States, as reported by the National Research Council and discussed.