Assessment of physicochemical quality of sachet water produced in selected local government areas of Kano Metropolis, Kano State - Nigeria

Abstract

Fifty (50) brands of sachet water produced from bore hole and tap water in five (5) local government areas of Kano metropolis were analysed for physicochemical quality. Ten (10) brands of sachet water were sampled from each of the five (5) local government areas of; Nasarawa, Tarauni, Gwale, Kumbotso and Ungogo. Physical parameters tested such as; colour, taste, odour and pH in all (100%) the sachet water samples conformed to the recommended limits. Chemical analysis carried out such as; conductivity, total dissolved solids (TDS), chloride content, fluoride content, nitrate and nitrite content, total hardness and free chlorine all conformed to the requirements of the WHO and NIS standards. Heavy metals tested (using AAS) include; Manganese (Mn), Arsenic (As), Zinc (Zn), Copper (Cu) and Lead (Pb) also conformed to the requirements of the standards. However, Iron (Fe) content in all the sachet water produced from bore hole (twenty three brands (23)(46%)) were observed to be above the recommended NIS limit of 0.3mg/l. It can be concluded from the results of this study that the physicochemical parameters tested in the sachet water samples were within the permissible limits stipulated by the drinking water standards, hence on this basis the water is considered fit for consumption.Key words; Kano metropolis, Physicochemical quality, Sachet water