Potability assessment of packaged sachet water sold within a tertiary institution in southwestern Nigeria

Abstract

Production of quality and safe potable water is vital to human health. This research examined the potability of the packaged sachet water being marketed within the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB) campus. Seven sachet water brands were purchased randomly and the physicochemical and bacteriological qualities were determined. The results acquired are as follows: pH, 6.57–6.79 ± 0.02; electrical conductivity (EC), 0–145.00 ± 5.00 μScm−1, turbidity, 0.00–0.59 ± 0.02 NTU; total dissolved solids (TDS) 0.00–70.00 ± 0.00 mg/L; total suspended solids (TSS), 0.00–0.01 ± 0.00 mg/L; calcium, 42.00–161.00 ± 1.00 mg/L; iron, 0.65–1.25 ± 0.05 mg/L; alkalinity, 0.65–1.25 ± 0.05 mg/L; sulphate, 0.95–33.71 ± 0.01 mg/L; and nitrate, 0.01–0.04 ± 0.00 mg/L. Magnesium and phosphate were below detection level. The odour and taste were also unobjectionable. The physicochemical test results conformed with the World Health Organization World Health Organisation (WHO) (2004) and Nigerian Standard for Drinking Water Quality (NSDWQ) standards for drinking water. However, bacteriological analysis established the presence of total bacteria count in all water samples (100%) while two brands, (sample C and G), of the packaged sachet water (28.57%) were contaminated with total coliforms which failed to comply with WHO and NSDWQ standard. The analysed physicochemical and bacteriological parameters of the water samples exhibited significant differences (P < 0.05). Sustainable measures such as scientific examination of the water quality during preproduction, production and postproduction stages to determine the means of access of contaminants as its directly affect public health and safely should be routinely performed by the water producers. The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control should implement established regulations and execute their statutory responsibilities through routine checks and effective monitoring of the operation and production facilities. Furthermore, Standard Organisation of Nigeria should intensify its effort through restrictions of the manufacturers using substandard packaging materials for their production. Consequently, there is need to invest in sustainable water infrastructure (water supply systems, treatment plants, storage and water resource management) that will cater for the populace of the entire university community through partnership with relevant stakeholders in the water industry and donations from non-governmental, national and international organizations hence, reducing the dependence on water supply from substandard private vendors. Keywords: Physicochemical analysis, Sachet water, Total coliform, Water quality, Waterborne infections