Inorganic chemical quality of European tap-water: 1. Distribution of parameters and regulatory compliance

Banks, D. , Birke, M., Flem, B. and Reimann, C. (2015) Inorganic chemical quality of European tap-water: 1. Distribution of parameters and regulatory compliance. Applied Geochemistry, 59, pp. 200-210. (doi: 10.1016/j.apgeochem.2014.10.016)

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Abstract

579 tap water samples were collected at the European scale and analysed in a single laboratory for more than 60 parameters. This dataset is evaluated here in terms of the statistical distribution of the analysed parameters and compliance with EU and international drinking water regulations. For most parameters a 99% (or better) degree of compliance was achieved. Among the parameters with the higher rates of non-compliance are: arsenic (1% non-compliance in EU member states, 1.6% when samples from non-EU states are also considered) and sodium (0.6%/1.0%). The decision by the WHO to raise its provisional guideline from 15 μg/L (WHO, 2004) to 30 μg/L (WHO, 2011) has reduced non-compliance for uranium from 1.0% to 0.2%. Despite the fact that tap water (i.e. presumed treated water) was collected, many observations can still be interpreted in terms of hydrogeochemical processes. The dataset demonstrates the potential value of very cost-effective, low-density sampling approaches at a continental (European) scale.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Banks, Mr David
Authors: Banks, D., Birke, M., Flem, B., and Reimann, C.
Subjects:Q Science > QD Chemistry
T Technology > TD Environmental technology. Sanitary engineering
College/School:College of Science and Engineering > School of Engineering > Systems Power and Energy
Journal Name:Applied Geochemistry
Publisher:Elsevier Ltd.
ISSN:0883-2927
ISSN (Online):1872-9134

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