Heavy metals in water of drinking fountains

The purpose of this study was to analyze the levels of lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), aluminum (Al), zinc (Zn), cooper (Cu) and chromium (Cr) in the water of drinking fountains distributed in the Campus of the University of São Paulo. Ribeirão Preto, Brazil. Thirty random samples were collected in differe...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inArchivos latinoamericanos de nutrición Vol. 53; no. 1; p. 59
Main Authors Segura-Muñoz, Susana I, Trevilato, Tânia M, Takayanagui, Angela M, Hering, Sylvia E, Cupo, Palmira
Format Journal Article
LanguageSpanish
Published Venezuela 01.03.2003
Subjects
Maximum Allowable Concentration
Metals, Heavy - analysis
Spectrophotometry, Atomic
Water - chemistry
Water Supply - analysis
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Summary:The purpose of this study was to analyze the levels of lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), aluminum (Al), zinc (Zn), cooper (Cu) and chromium (Cr) in the water of drinking fountains distributed in the Campus of the University of São Paulo. Ribeirão Preto, Brazil. Thirty random samples were collected in different parts of the Campus that were analyzed by Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry. According to WHO's Drinking Water Guidelines; lead, cadmium and zinc were found in concentrations higher than those recommended in 40%, 20% and 13% of the samples, respectively. The results were analyzed considering nutritional and toxicological aspects related to the presence of essential and toxic elements for the human being. Reviewing the regulatory limits established in ten countries of America, authors focus in the necessity to find a consensus in the establishment of the higher levels of heavy metals in potable water. The tolerable daily intake, have to be the basis to assure the prevention of diseases associated with a long-term ingestion of these elements through foods.
ISSN:0004-0622