Exploratory analysis of the presence of 14 carbonyl compounds in bottled mineral water in polyethylene terephthalate (PET) containers

Food Chem. 2021 Dec 15:365:130475. doi: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2021.130475. Epub 2021 Jun 26.

Abstract

Carbonyl compounds (CCs) can migrate from bottles to mineral water because of plastic degradation. An exploratory analysis of the presence a significant number of CCs (14) in bottled mineral water with and without gas in polyethylene terephthalate (PET) containers was performed using ultra-fast liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (UFLC-MS). The data from the analysis was submitted to chemometric treatment (principal component analysis, PCA). Formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, and benzaldehyde were found in all samples (0.07-125 ng mL-1). Acrolein and acetone were present in 81% and 75% of the samples, respectively. The concentration of acrolein in carbonated water was up to 3.8 times greater than that measured in non-carbonated water (0.07-0.44 ± 0.01 ng mL-1). PCA analysis showed that gasification can influence the composition of CCs present in mineral water and that the plastic material of the bottles is a likely source of CCs. In addition, benzaldehyde levels may be associated with the use of recycled materials.

Keywords: Carbonyl compounds; Exploratory analysis; Mineral water; PCA; PET; UFLC-MS.

MeSH terms

  • Acetaldehyde / analysis
  • Carbonated Water*
  • Drinking Water*
  • Mineral Waters*
  • Polyethylene Terephthalates

Substances

  • Carbonated Water
  • Drinking Water
  • Mineral Waters
  • Polyethylene Terephthalates
  • Acetaldehyde