19. Geochemistry of Bottled Waters of Serbia

Chemical analyses of 13 bottled mineral waters were carried out at the BGR geochemical laboratories. The analyses included pH, electrical conductivity, alkalinity and concentrations of 69 elements and ions. An aquifer lithology impacts on the chemical composition of ground water significantly, especially on the explanation of conditions of forming and circulation of ground water through different lithology environments. Basic composition of ground water is usually a reflection of the lithogeochemistry of the aquifer, while micro components indicate the circulation of ground water through the different lithological environment. The waters are most frequently tapped from Neogene carbonate rocks (dolomite, limestone), and to a lesser extent from granitoid rocks, shale, and serpentinite. Based on the analyses of bottled mineral waters, it has been observed that water quality is greatly affected by the chemical composition of igneous intrusions, regardless of the fact that the analysed waters have been sampled from different aquifers (Neogene sediments, limestone, flysch, schist). Bottled waters of Serbia are mostly HCO₃-Ca, HCO₃-Ca-Mg (from carbonate rocks) and HCO₃-Na (from Neogene and igneous rocks). Among the micro components, increased concentrations of Cs, Ge, Rb, Li, and F are frequently present in bottled water, as a consequence of its circulation through granitoid rocks. Some samples contain a higher concentration of B, I, NH₄, Tl, W, as the consequence of the aquifer environment.