Metal Analysis in River Water Samples from the Ribeira de Iguape Region Rosane M. Kaspary, Katiane de M. Gasperin, Benone O. S. de Oliveira, Janaína de M. Domingos, Tatiele C. do C. Barbosa, Lucidalva R. de S. Nogueira, Leonardo Fraceto, André H. Rosa

Abstract

Water for human consumption must be of good quality and free from pollution. However, its composition – physical, chemical and bacteriological characteristics – may be altered when affected by natural phenomena and/or anthropogenic activities. Thus, this study aims to identify and quantify the trace metals present in surface water samples collected from the river in the Ribeira do Iguape region and to determine the concentration of metals by ICP-OES in water samples in order to identify possible harmful effects on health and the environment. Thus, the metals present in the sample were Al, Ba, Ca, Fe, K, Sr, where only Fe presented concentration above the reference values.