Bacteriological and physicochemical assessment of packaged water sold in Minna, Niger State, Nigeria

Abstract

Ten (10) different brands of packaged water samples from different locations in Minna, Niger State were evaluated for their bacteriological and physicochemical properties. The samples were subjected to bacteriological assessment using standard spread plate method and MPN technique. The viable bacteria counts for all the packaged water sampled ranged from 0 _ 2.8 x108 cfu/mL, while the occurrence of coliform ranged from 0 - 150MPN/100 mL. No organism was detected from one of the brands. The physicochemical assessment showed that there was no significant difference in the levels of biochemical oxygen demand (BOD5) and temperature of the different brands. However, there was significant difference in the levels of other physicochemical parameters (pH, Dissolved oxygen, Turbidity, Chloride, Sodium, Copper, and Nitrate) tested and in the microbial counts of the different packaged water sampled. The physicochemical analysis revealed that the water were within the acceptable standard for potable drinking water while the microbial counts exceeded the permissible limit. The bacteria isolated were identified as Klebsiella sp and Echerichia coli. The presence of these organisms in the packaged water could be hazardous to public health. This suggests that the packaged water are unsafe for consumption hence the need for strict monitoring by the appropriate regulatory body.