Correlation Analysis Between pH Levels and Mineral Content in Different Brands of Mineral Water

Abstract

The study aims to analyze the relationship between pH and mineral content in commercially available bottled mineral water, to verify the agreement between measured pH and official labeling, and to identify the key elements that lead to changes in pH. Six mainstream bottled mineral water brands were chosen for the study, and core parameters were measured, including pH, major cation concentrations (Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, K⁺, etc.), physicochemical indexes (total dissolved solids (TDS), electrical conductivity (EC)) and anion concentrations (Cl-, NO₃-). The association between the above mentioned parameters and pH was explored by statistical analysis methods. The main findings were as follows: pH was significantly and positively related to Ca²⁺/Mg²⁺ content, and strongly and positively related to TDS/EC; 33.3% of the brands did not disclose the pH value, and 50% of the brands that had labeled the pH value had a pH deviation outside the ±0.3 range. This study provides evidence data for improving the quality control of mineral water and regularizing the labeling of pH value, and it also helps consumers to better understand the practical significance of pH value.