Physicochemical and Heavy Metals Analysis of Different Brands of Sachet Water Sold in Benin City, Nigeria

Abstract

Water of good quality is essential for environmental and public health. In Nigeria, majority of the population rely on sachet/packed water for drinking purpose. This study was carried out to assess physico-chemical characteristics and levels of Fe, Zn, Cu, Pb and Mn in ten brands of sachet water sold in Benin City, Nigeria using standard methods. The lowest and highest values of the physico-chemical parameters were: pH (5.20 - 7.00), EC (10 - 170)µS/cm, turbidity (0.00 - 10.00)NTU TDS (5.30 - 90.10)mg/l, hardness (6.00 - 30.00)mg/l, chloride (7.06 - 21.18)mg/l, alkalinity (4.00 – 16.00)mg/l, nitrate (0.64 - 1.22)mg/l and phosphate (0.01 - 1.15)mg/l. They were all within the WHO permissible limits for drinking water except pH and turbidity that revealed a slight increase in concentrations in two brands, which could be indicative of high level of suspended solids and the presence of cations in the groundwater and could pose serious health threat to consumers. Therefore, proper treatment of water in the water packaging facilities and improved sanitary practices of workers and facilities in general are recommended. UNI data from heavy metals (Fe, Zn, Cu, Pb and Mn) analysis showed no evidence of contamination as they were all within their respective permissible limits of drinking water. It is therefore concluded that the sachet water brands sold in the study area are of good physical and chemical quality.