What is silica in mineral water?
Silica, also known as silicon dioxide (SiO2), is a natural substance found in mineral water that originates from the geological formations through which the water flows.
Silica is a common compound found throughout nature, playing a role in various geological processes. When it comes to mineral water, its presence is a direct result of the interaction between water and rocks.
What is Silica (Silicon Dioxide)?
As explained by Shaharuddin Mohd Sham, silica, or its other name, silicon dioxide (SiO2), is a natural substance that exists in soils formed from silicon and oxygen. This means that silica is essentially composed of two of the most abundant elements on Earth.
How Silica Enters Mineral Water
Mineral water acquires its unique composition by percolating through different layers of rock and soil. As water travels underground, it dissolves various minerals present in the geological formations.
- Natural Occurrence: Silica exists naturally in these rocks and soils.
- Dissolution Process: When water comes into contact with silicon-rich rocks, such as granite or sandstone, it can dissolve trace amounts of silica.
- Varying Concentrations: The amount of silica found in mineral water can vary significantly. According to Shaharuddin Mohd Sham, "In mineral water, silica can exist naturally in very little or no amounts at all, depending on the type of rock that exists from which the mineral water is taken." This highlights that the geological source of the water is the primary determinant of its silica content.
Role and Benefits of Silica in Water
While the primary presence of silica in mineral water is due to natural geological processes, it's also recognized for various potential health benefits, although these are typically associated with specific mineral water types known for higher silica content. For consumers, the presence of silica contributes to the overall mineral profile and taste of the water.
In summary, silica in mineral water is a naturally occurring compound derived from silicon and oxygen present in the Earth's soils and rocks, with its concentration directly linked to the specific geological environment from which the water is sourced.
