Comparison of the mineral elements in drinking water between Mengshan longevity district and Jinan city

Objective: The present study was designed to research the health status of centenarians in Mengshan longevity district (MLD) and compare the mineral element levels of drinking water with that in Jinan, where life expectancy is not increased. Material and methods: Our study group obtained the total number and distribution of centenarians in MLD with the help of the local public security bureau, the sanitary bureau, and the statistical bureau. We also visited all centenarians and learned about their health status. A total of 60 primary drinking water points were chosen considering the distribution of population and geographical environment factors in MLD (30 drinking water points) and Jinan city (30 drinking water points) with the help of the water resource bureau and the center for disease control (CDC). Water samples were collected from the 60 collecting points. Under defined conditions for instruments used and for sample processing, eleven mineral elements in drinking water were determined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) and atomic absorption spectrometer (ASS). Results: A higher rate of centenarians, a higher average life expectancy, and a higher rate of people over 80 were observed in MLD as compared to the average levels in Shandong. Data of mineral elements in the drinking water of MLD showed statistically significant higher levels of selenium (Se) and lower levels of iron (Fe), copper (Cu), arsenic (As), and chromium (Cr) than in Jinan city. Conclusions: The comparison of the mineral elements in drinking water between MLD and Jinan city indicated an important role of drinking-water elements in longevity. A strict control of the concentrations of elements contained in drinking water might be an effective way to live longer.