Physicochemical and microbiological evaluation of natural mineral water produced in Mato Grosso State, Brazil

The aim of this work was to evaluate the physicochemical and microbiological properties of natural mineral waters bottled in 20 liter containers produced in Mato Grosso - Brazil. For this study, three lots of eight brands produced in the state and commercialized in Cuiabá were analyzed. The physicochemical parameters determined were pH, electrical conductivity, total dissolved solids, total alkalinity, metals, ammonium, anions and glyphosate, and the measurements were made according to the Adolfo Lutz Institute and Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater. Chromogenic enzymatic substrates were used to determine Coliform bacteria and filtration with a filtering membrane was used for the Pseudomonas aeruginosa count. The results were compared with national and international legislation on bottled water and the labeled values. All physicochemical parameters, except for pH, showed concordant results with maximum values allowed by Brazilian and international law for the quality of bottled natural mineral waters. Six samples were investigated for the presence of coliforms and P. aeruginosa at 35 ºC. The results suggested possible contamination and failure during the industrialization process and the requirement for inspection during collection, manufacturing, labeling and commercialization of the natural mineral water bottled in 20 liter containers.