Determination of Trace Elements and Anions in Six Different Natural Spring Waters in Van Province by ICP-MS and Ion Chromatography Methods

Abstract

In this study, six different spring waters within the province of Van were analyzed using advanced and highly reliable ICP-MS and ion chromatography methods. The analyzed water sources, known as Ayanis Entrance (Ayanis Giriş), Castle Entrance (Kale Giriş), Next to the Castle (Kale Yanı), Old Van (Eski Van), Mollakasım (Mollakasım), and Kalecik (Kalecik) springs, are frequently used by the city's residents. The locations of each water source were identified, and samples were collected for inorganic elemental analysis, ion measurement, pH testing, and conductivity testing. The data on elements, ions, pH, and conductivity were used to assess potability and health risks. The analyses revealed that the water sources had quite normal values in terms of color, appearance, pH, and conductivity. Additionally, the concentrations of required elements and ions in these spring waters were compared with the standards of the WHO, EU, US, and TS 266. Generally, all water sources were found to have normal values in terms of physical appearance and pH. However, the arsenic (15.15 ppb) and boron (1.624 ppm) levels in Next to the Castle, located northwest of Van Castle and heavily utilized by local residents, were found to exceed the limit values (As: 10 ppb and B:1 ppm). This result indicates that the arsenic and boron levels, which pose a significant health risk for humans and other living organisms, exceed the limit values in the Next to Castle water source. Therefore, this study concluded that consuming the water from the spring next to the Castle would cause serious health problems.