Major inorganic elements in tap water samples in Peninsular Malaysia

• Main Authors: Azlan, Azrina, Khoo, Hock Eng, Idris, Mohd Aizat, Ismail, Amin, Razman, Muhammad Rizal
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Nutrition Society of Malaysia 2011
• Online Access: http://psasir.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/24422/1/Major%20inorganic%20elements%20in%20tap%20water%20samples%20in%20Peninsular%20Malaysia.pdf; http://psasir.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/24422/; http://nutriweb.org.my/publications/mjn0017_2/Azrina287SCRV-12.php

Introduction: Quality drinking water should be free from harmful levels of impurities such as heavy metals and other inorganic elements. Methods: Samples of tap water collected from 24 locations in Peninsular Malaysia were determined for inorganic element content. Minerals and heavy metals were analysed by spectroscopy methods, while non-metal elements were analysed using test kits. Results: Minerals and heavy metals determined were sodium, magnesium, potassium, calcium, chromium, manganese, iron, nickel, copper, zinc, arsenic, cadmium and lead while the non-metal elements were fluoride, chloride, nitrate and sulphate. Most of the inorganic elements found in the samples were below the maximum permitted levels recommended by inter-national drinking water standard limits, except for iron and manganese. Iron concentration of tap water from one of the locations was higher than the standard limit. Conclusion: In general, tap water from different parts of Peninsular Malaysia had low concentrations of heavy metals and inorganic elements.