Quality Parameters of Some Selected Potable Packaged Water in Minna, Nigeria

Abstract

This study was conducted on sachet water samples mostly consumed in Minna Nigeria.  Six types of sachet water samples were collected (A, B, C, D, E and F) and the six were randomly selected from the numerous sachet water factory in Minna. The purpose of this study was to determine the quality of sachet water used as  drinking water and domestic purpose by looking into the microbiological aspect and several physicochemical analyses such as turbidity, pH and  total suspended solid (TSS). The microbiological analyses were performed to trace the presence of indicator organisms and pathogens such as Escherichia coli and total coliform count. However, the total coliforms and E. coli were detected to range between 0 and 43 cfu/100mL while the E. coli ranged between 0.00 and 7.00 cfu/100mL. The pH value was slightly alkaline (pH >6.5) but below 9.5 which within the recommended standards.  The TSS for the samples ranged between 45 and 190 mg/L which were very low compared with the recommended values and the turbidity for all the samples were recorded below 2 Nephelometric Turbidity Units (NTU) thus, complying with the regulations.  All the water samples were fit to be consumed except those with high values of E. coli and total coliform count.

Keywords: Drinking water, filters, microbiology, physicochemical, quality, sachet water