Application of an ion chromatographic method for determination of selected cations of group IA and IIA in bottled water

Bottled waters are an important source of essential minerals for the human body. This study presents the results from the determination of four cations (sodium, potassium, magnesium, and calcium) in commercially available bottled waters in Republic of North Macedonia using ion chromatography with conductometric detection. First, the performance of the standard ISO 14911 ion chromatographic method was verified, evaluating the linearity, accuracy, and precision. Then, the verified method was applied on water samples from 4 different parts of the country (Bitola, Debar, Gevgelija and Kratovo). Sodium concentrations in the analyzed samples ranged between 1.94 and 17.01 mg/L. Potassium concentrations were between 0.32 and 4.01 mg/L. Magnesium concentrations varied between 1.87 and 7.53 mg/L, whereas calcium concentrations were between 10.79 and 44.96 mg/L. The concentrations of the investigated cations were in accordance with the requirements given in the Official Gazette for quality and safety of drinking water.