Metallic profile of Zamzam water: Determination of minerals, metals and metalloids by ICP-MS

Abstract

Introduction: Zamzam water has been used for over 4000 years. Its safety is a public health issue, as it is consumed by thousands of Muslims for religious and medicinal purposes. The objective of this study was to draw up the metallic profile of Zamzam water. Materials and method: Sampling (N=10) were carried out via Zamzam taps which are distributed in the Masjid Al Haram in Mecca in Saudi Arabia. Multi-elemental analysis of 52 elements was done by Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS). Results and Discussion: Zamzam water has a rich metallic composition. It is a fluorinated (0.74±0.005 mg/L) mineral water, rich in Magnesium (42±0.09 mg/L), Calcium (93±0.09 mg/L), Sodium (210±0.08 mg/L), Lithium (0.012±0.02 mg/L) and poor in harmful and toxic Trace Metals, including Aluminum (<0.002 μg/L) and heavy metals Lead (<0.0005 μg/L), Arsenic (0.006±0.001 μg/L), Cadmium (<0.001 μg/L) and Mercury (<0.006 μg/L). Despite its complex metallic composition, experimental studies published in the scientific literature indicate that Zamzam water is safe to drink and does not induce hepatotoxicity or nephrotoxicity. It is a metabolic regulator and has antimicrobial, nephroprotective, cardioprotective and antineoplastic effects. Conclusion: Mineral and metallic properties of Zamzam water give it interesting therapeutic virtues which are not fully known to date. More careful studies on Zamzam water are required in order to lift the veil on other potential health benefit effects of this water.

Keywords

• Zamzam water
• Metallic profile
• ICP-MS analysis
• Minerals
• Metals
• Metalloids