Reflections on the Quality of Bottled Water and Nitrate Occurrence in Groundwater

Objective: To analyze labels of different brands of bottled mineral water sold in Maceió (AL), evaluating aspects such as origin, quality, and compliance with legal and sanitary requirements, as well as investigating potential threats to the safety of the groundwater sources used. Theoretical Framework: The theoretical framework is divided into two main parts. The first addresses general information on bottled water and quality standards. The second deals with the contamination of groundwater. Method: Data on groundwater allocation were obtained from technical information provided by the State Secretariat for the Environment and Water Resources of Alagoas. Label data were collected from retail points in different locations in Maceió. Results and Discussion: The results showed a significant variation in the quality of the analyzed waters, both in terms of chemical composition and the amount of information provided on the labels. Research Implications: This study provides valuable insights for the development of new research and for planning the management of water resources and food safety. In particular, it emphasizes the need to improve labeling regulations, ensuring that consumers have access to clear and complete information about water quality. Originality/Value: The chemical parameters on the labels comply with the standards set by Portaria nº 888/2021 and RDC nº 717/2022, except for bromide and pH. Although nitrate concentrations in regional aquifers reach up to 146 mg L-1, bottled water meets the current legislation.