PHYSICOCHEMIAL AND BACTERIOLOGICAL ANALYSIS OF SACHET WATER IN SULEJA LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF NIGER STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

 Sachet water was introduced in Nigeria to provide safe, hygienic and affordable instant drinking water to the general public. The aim of the study was to examine the Physicochemical and bacteriological analysis of sachets water produced in Suleja LGA of Niger state. Two brands of sachet water (X and Y) were collected within 24hours of production (in bags), transported to the laboratory (WUPA WASTE WATER TREATENT PLANT) and analyzed. The Samples were stored at ambient room temperature. The Samples were analyzed on weekly basis for a period of eight (8) weeks using standard procedures to assess the quality of sachet water consumed in the area. The results showed variations in the concentrations of the analyzed parameters in the water samples. The physicochemical parameters were within World Health Organization and SON limits. The pH values ranged from 6.50 – 6.65; Conductivity ranged from 68.9 – 72.8μS/cm; Alkalinity ranged from 21.0 – 26.0mg/l; Total Dissolved Solids ranged from 35.8–38.2mg/l. The bacteriological parameters e.g Escherichia coli (E. coli) and shegella were not detected in all the samples during the period of study. The water samples were colourless and odourless. In general, the concentrations of the physical, chemical and bacteriological parameters analyzed in the samples were within the World Health Organization (WHO) permissible limits, indicating that the sachets water sold in Suleja were safe for human consumption.