Abstract
In this study, Physico-chemical analysis of 21 brands of sachet water packaged within Zaria metropolis was evaluated to compare their compliance with World Health Organisation (WHO) and Nigerian Industrial Standard (NIS) threshold limits using standard analytical methods. The parameters evaluated include: colour, taste, odour, pH, chloride, potassium, calcium, electric conductivity, oxygen demand (OD), biological oxygen demand (BOD) and total dissolve solid (TDS) while coliform counts were only determined for sixteen brands using standard methods. The results from the laboratory analysis showed that all samples were tasteless, colourless and odourless; most of the physico-chemical parameters conform with WHO and NIS permissible limits except coliform count in which 100% of the sachet did not conform to the WHO threshold limits. Only 25% of sachet water did not conform to NIS threshold limits. The t-test result reveals that there is no significant difference between the sachet water properties with the WHO and NIS standard. The results of this study indicate that sachet drinking water produced or sold in Zaria is relatively of good quality for human consumption but there is need to improve the biological treatment to perfect its portability. Key words: Sachet water, analysis, Zaria, Kaduna State.
Highlights
Water is one of the indispensable resources for the continued existence of all living things including man and adequate supply of fresh and clean drinking water is a basic need for all human beings (Edema et al, 2011)
The results show that none of the sixteen (16) samples analysed for coliform count meet up with the World Health Organisation (WHO) standard for drinking water but 12 of the sachet water meet up with Nigerian Industrial Standard (NIS) of 10 coliform count
The results from the laboratory analysis showed that most of the physical, chemical and biological parameters conform with WHO and NIS standards except coliform count which did not conform to the WHO standard, while 75% of the samples conform to NIS standard
Summary
Water is one of the indispensable resources for the continued existence of all living things including man and adequate supply of fresh and clean drinking water is a basic need for all human beings (Edema et al, 2011). Drinking water that is safe and aesthetically acceptable is a matter of high priority to National Agency for Foods and Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and other regulatory agencies in Nigeria and is expected to meet the Nigerian Industrial Standard. Drinking water that is fit for human consumption is expected to meet the World Health Organization and be free from physical and chemical substances and microorganisms in an amount that can be hazardous to health (Denloye, 2004). Water can be and should be made safe for consumption within acceptable limits (Denloye, 2004)
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