CHARACTERIZATION OF MINERAL WATER IN FOUNTAINS IN SERRA NEGRA DO NORTE - RN

Water is a fundamental resource for life and in semi-arid regions, guaranteeing drinking water and quality for the population is a challenge today. The municipality of Serra Negra do Norte-RN faces serious public water supply problems. One alternative that has become popular is the sale of mineral water in electronic fountains. However, the disorganized and large number of these fountains makes it essential to evaluate the quality of the mineral water sold in these fountains. In this sense, this study aimed to investigate the physical and chemical quality of the mineral water sold in the fountains in the municipality of Serra Negra do Norte-RN. Samples were collected from the fountains under study and taken to the chemistry laboratory at UFERSA - Caraúbas, to be analyzed according to the standards recommended by ANVISA. According to the analyses, it can be concluded that the mineral water sold in the fountains of Serra Negra do Norte-RN complies with the physical-chemical parameters required by current Brazilian legislation, indicating that the mineral water is fit for human consumption.