ISSN 2310-5283 e-ISSN 3041-1432 UDC 67; 68; 33
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https://doi.org/10.62763/cb/1.2026.29

Vol. 19, No. 1, 2026

29-43

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    • Assessment of mineral water quality and compliance with safety standards: Comparative market analysis

    Ermir Shahini*

    ermirshahini3@gmail.com

    Received 09.02.2026, Revised 04.05.2026, Accepted 28.05.2026 Published 29.05.2026

    Abstract

    The study aimed to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the organoleptic, physicochemical, chemical, and microbiological characteristics of mineral waters of various origins that are available in the Ukrainian retail market. Six brands were examined to determine their organoleptic properties, pH level, electrical conductivity, mineralisation, and the presence of major cations, anions, toxic contaminants, organic substances and sanitary indicator microorganisms. The results showed that all the examined samples were clear, free from sediment, suspended particles, and foreign matter, and had colour values ranging from 0.7 to 2.3 degrees on the platinum-cobalt scale. Scores for taste ranged from 4.2 to 4.8 points, with the differences attributable to the natural mineral composition rather than extraneous flavours. The pH values ranged from 6.29 to 7.19 and the electrical conductivity from 0.29 to 18.9 millisiemens per centimetre. Fiuggi had the lowest mineralisation, at 0.19 ± 0.01 g/L, and Donat Mg had the highest, at 13.1 ± 0.14 g/L. A low-mineralised calcium-bicarbonate profile was the characteristic feature of Morshynska and Karpatska Dzherelna. Polyana Kvasova and Luzhanska predominated in sodium and bicarbonates, respectively, whereas Donat Mg was distinguished by its high magnesium concentration of 1,010 ± 42 mg/L, high sulphate concentration of 2,200 ± 103 mg/L, and high bicarbonate concentration of 7,595 ± 290 mg/L. The absolute ion-balance value did not exceed 1.4%. The maximum nitrate content was 2.4±0.3 milligrams per cubic decimetre. This was 20.8 times below the permissible level. The presence of lead, arsenic and total organic carbon was below the relevant hygiene limits, and no microbial indicators of sanitation were detected. This approach could be used to control packaged products in laboratories, verify labelling accuracy and develop evidence-based recommendations for consumers

    Keywords:

    ionic composition; bicarbonates; sodium; toxic contaminants; labelling; consumer choice

    Suggested citation
    Shahini, E. (2026). Assessment of mineral water quality and compliance with safety standards: Comparative market analysis. Commodity Bulletin, 19(1), 29-43. https://doi.org/10.62763/cb/1.2026.29
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