Comparison Of Arsenic Metal Levels (US) And Iron (Fe) In Traded Zamzam Water And Mecca Zamzam Water Through The Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) Method
Comparison of Arsenic Metal Levels (US) and Iron (Fe) in Traded Zamzam Water and Mecca Zamzam Water through the Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) Method
Introduction
The holy city of Mecca, Saudi Arabia, is a significant pilgrimage site for millions of Muslims worldwide. One of the most revered and sought-after commodities in Mecca is the Zamzam water, which is believed to possess various health benefits. However, with the increasing demand for Zamzam water, there is a growing concern about the quality and authenticity of the water being traded. This study aims to compare the levels of arsenic metal (US) and iron (Fe) in Zamzam water traded in the Medan market with the original Zamzam water taken from Mecca, Saudi Arabia, using the Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) method.
Methodology
The analysis procedure involved the addition of concentrated HNO3 to reduce the pH to around 2, heating to evaporate water, and proceeding with dissolving in water deionization. The method used to determine US and Fe levels is Inductively Coupled Plasma - Mass Spectrometry (ICP -MS). Two samples of Zamzam water were used in this analysis, namely sample I, which is the original Zamzam water from Mecca, and sample II, which is the traded Zamzam water.
Results
The results of the analysis showed that the arsenic level in the original Zamzam water sample of Mecca was 4.75 μg/L, whereas in traded samples, arsenic levels increased to 8.582 μg/L. For iron content, the original Zamzam water has a concentration of 0.222 μg/l, while the traded Zamzam water has a higher iron content, which is 0.75 μg/l. Although the traded Zamzam water shows a higher metal content, the two samples still meet the safe limits set by WHO and Permenkes No. 492/MENKES/PER/IV/2010.
Discussion
Environmental conditions and management of Zamzam water sources in Mecca are a key factor in maintaining water quality. The original Zamzam water from Mecca has been known as a holy water which is believed to contain various health benefits. However, when this water is traded, especially in non-standardized locations, there is a risk of pollution that can increase heavy metal levels such as arsenic and iron.
The importance of the use of appropriate analysis methods such as ICP-MS cannot be ignored. This method allows detection to be very accurate and sensitive to metal content in water, thus providing a clear picture of the quality of the water traded. From the results of the study, the increase in arsenic and iron levels in the traded Zamzam water shows the need for tighter regulations and supervision of the water source.
In addition, the public needs to be given clear and accurate information about the origin of the Zamzam water they consume. This awareness is important to prevent health risks that may arise due to consuming Zamzam water that is not guaranteed quality. Considering that Zamzam water not only has economic value, but also spiritual for many people, maintaining its quality and authenticity is a shared responsibility between consumers, traders, and supervisory agencies.
Conclusion
Overall, the results of this study underline the importance of awareness about the quality of the Zamzam water that is traded and the need for actions to ensure that the products on the market are safe and in accordance with health standards. The use of ICP-MS analysis method provides a reliable and accurate way to detect metal content in water, and its application in this study highlights the need for stricter regulations and supervision of Zamzam water sources.
Recommendations
Based on the findings of this study, the following recommendations are made:
- Tighter regulations: Stricter regulations and supervision of Zamzam water sources are necessary to prevent pollution and ensure the quality of the water.
- Public awareness: The public needs to be given clear and accurate information about the origin of the Zamzam water they consume to prevent health risks.
- Use of ICP-MS analysis method: The use of ICP-MS analysis method is recommended for detecting metal content in water to ensure the quality of Zamzam water.
- Shared responsibility: Maintaining the quality and authenticity of Zamzam water is a shared responsibility between consumers, traders, and supervisory agencies.
Limitations of the Study
This study has several limitations, including:
- Limited sample size: The study only analyzed two samples of Zamzam water, which may not be representative of the entire Zamzam water market.
- Limited analysis method: The study only used ICP-MS analysis method, which may not detect all types of heavy metals present in Zamzam water.
- Limited geographical scope: The study only focused on Zamzam water traded in the Medan market, which may not be representative of Zamzam water traded in other markets.
Future Research Directions
Future research directions include:
- Expanding the sample size: Expanding the sample size to include more Zamzam water samples from different markets and locations.
- Using multiple analysis methods: Using multiple analysis methods, such as atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS) and inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-AES), to detect a wider range of heavy metals present in Zamzam water.
- Investigating the impact of environmental conditions: Investigating the impact of environmental conditions, such as temperature and pH, on the quality of Zamzam water.
Conclusion
In conclusion, this study highlights the importance of awareness about the quality of Zamzam water that is traded and the need for actions to ensure that the products on the market are safe and in accordance with health standards. The use of ICP-MS analysis method provides a reliable and accurate way to detect metal content in water, and its application in this study highlights the need for stricter regulations and supervision of Zamzam water sources.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Arsenic and Iron Levels in Traded Zamzam Water and Mecca Zamzam Water
Q: What is the significance of this study?
A: This study aims to compare the levels of arsenic metal (US) and iron (Fe) in Zamzam water traded in the Medan market with the original Zamzam water taken from Mecca, Saudi Arabia, using the Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) method. The study highlights the importance of awareness about the quality of Zamzam water that is traded and the need for actions to ensure that the products on the market are safe and in accordance with health standards.
Q: What are the main findings of this study?
A: The study found that the arsenic level in the original Zamzam water sample of Mecca was 4.75 μg/L, whereas in traded samples, arsenic levels increased to 8.582 μg/L. For iron content, the original Zamzam water has a concentration of 0.222 μg/l, while the traded Zamzam water has a higher iron content, which is 0.75 μg/l.
Q: What are the implications of this study?
A: The study suggests that the increase in arsenic and iron levels in the traded Zamzam water shows the need for tighter regulations and supervision of the water source. The public needs to be given clear and accurate information about the origin of the Zamzam water they consume to prevent health risks.
Q: What is the importance of using ICP-MS analysis method?
A: The ICP-MS analysis method is a reliable and accurate way to detect metal content in water. It allows for the detection of very low levels of heavy metals, such as arsenic and iron, in water.
Q: What are the limitations of this study?
A: The study has several limitations, including a limited sample size, limited analysis method, and limited geographical scope.
Q: What are the future research directions?
A: Future research directions include expanding the sample size, using multiple analysis methods, and investigating the impact of environmental conditions on the quality of Zamzam water.
Q: What are the recommendations of this study?
A: The study recommends tighter regulations, public awareness, use of ICP-MS analysis method, and shared responsibility between consumers, traders, and supervisory agencies to maintain the quality and authenticity of Zamzam water.
Q: What are the potential health risks associated with consuming Zamzam water with high levels of arsenic and iron?
A: Consuming Zamzam water with high levels of arsenic and iron may lead to health risks, such as skin discoloration, hair loss, and kidney damage.
Q: How can consumers ensure the quality and authenticity of Zamzam water?
A: Consumers can ensure the quality and authenticity of Zamzam water by checking the origin of the water, looking for certifications from reputable organizations, and using a reliable and accurate analysis method, such as ICP-MS.
Q: What role do traders and supervisory agencies play in maintaining the quality and authenticity of Zamzam water?
A: Traders and supervisory agencies play a crucial role in maintaining the quality and authenticity of Zamzam water by ensuring that the water is sourced from reputable suppliers, is stored and transported properly, and is analyzed regularly using a reliable and accurate method, such as ICP-MS.
Q: What are the economic and spiritual implications of maintaining the quality and authenticity of Zamzam water?
A: Maintaining the quality and authenticity of Zamzam water has significant economic and spiritual implications, as it ensures that the water is safe for consumption and meets the spiritual and cultural needs of consumers.