Comprehensive Analysis of Mineral Water Samples Produced by AVE LTD.

Abstract

This study examines how water quality changes within a large scale mineral water production system operated by AVE Ásványvíz Ltd, Debrecen, Hungary, primary consideration is given to show the treatment of water’s methods and automated of Cleaning in place (CIP) procedures. The main goal was to evaluate whether these processes effectively preserve chemical stability, safety, and overall water quality. To achieve this, water samples were collected from seven strategic points along the production line over a three day period. These sampling locations represented critical stages, including raw well water extraction, backwashing cycles, tank cleaning phases, and the final bottled product. This approach allowed for an accurate assessment of how water quality evolves during both the treatment and cleaning operations. The samples were analyzed for physicochemical parameters, including pH, turbidity, zeta potential values and organic pollution indicators. Ion chromatography (IC) and inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) were also used to check the ionic composition and observe element concentrations. The findings show a clear improvement in the quality of water within the treatment process. E.g. turbidity levels decreased, which indicates the effective removing of suspended particles, reductions in COD and BOD₅ values prove that organic matter and biodegradable contaminants were reduced to good levels, electrochemical measurements showed stable zeta potential values which mean good colloidal stability and electrical conductivity values showed controlled fluctuations during the cleaning and rinsing stages, which reflects a good cleaning process. Also, the ionic and elements analysis prove that a balanced mineral composition was done with a high ion remaining within acceptable and consistent ranges. Overall, the results confirm that the integrated water treatment and CIP systems are effective at maintaining water quality, ensuring chemical stability, and minimizing contamination risks, therefore, the system produces bottled water that fully meets the drinking water standards consistently.