Investigation of Antimony in Natural Water and Leaching from Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) Bottled Water

Abstract -Antimony (Sb) is one of the trace hazardous compounds in drinking water. Recent studies demonstrated that polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles can release antimony into water. It is also found on natural environment such as groundwater and crustal rocks. The natural content of Sb in northern Gyeonggi province in South Korea was very low range from 0.02~0.32 μg/L. The source water and tap water for 15 water supply plants from river or reservoir showed 0.13 μg/L on average. The groundwater concentration from 50 mineral springs indicated significantly low at 0.02 μg/L. The concentration of antimony was investigated in 47 bottled water brands on market. The average of Sb in bottled water brands was 0.57 μg/L. The detection rate was 100% in these products. Otherwise, raw water for bottled water contained 0.32 μg/L of antimony and detection rate was 90.7%. As a results of leaching experiment, antimony content in PET bottled water was increased from 1.04 to 9.84 μg/L under 60℃ after 12weeks. In case, the bottled water was stored in over 35℃, antimony leached into water. UV-ray irradiation to bottled water not induced increasing antimony release into water following 14days