QUALITY EVALUATION OF DIFFERENT BRANDS OF BOTTLED WATER SOLD IN UYO METROPOLIS
Arnold C. Igboasoiyi*, Partrick A. Iberi and Ekan M. Udoh
ABSTRACT
Twelve brands of bottled water, samples A–L purchased randomly in Uyo metropolis, were analysed for physical parameters which included colour, odour, taste, turbidity, pH, total dissolved solids and electrical conductivity. Other parameters evaluated included presence and quantity of various cations and anions as well as presence of microbial organisms and their biochemical reactions using standard methods. Four of the brands (33.3% of all samples analyzed) met the World Health Organisation (WHO) Standard and are therefore fit for human consumption. Four samples contained toxic chemicals (cyanide or phenol) which are not supposed to be found in drinking water. Micro-organisms such as Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli, Rhizopus species and Aspergillus flavus were present in six samples making them unfit for drinking. The results underline the need for strengthening the vigilance of regulatory bodies.
Keywords: Bottled water, physical parameters, toxic chemicals, microorganisms.
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