Original Research Article
Year: 2017 | Month: August | Volume: 4 | Issue: 8 | Pages: 71-83
The Effects of Storage on the Physicochemical Properties of the Sachet Water Produced, Sold and Consumed Within Owerri Metropolis, Imo State
Unegbu Valentine Nnachetam1, Ndubuisi Nwachukwu1, Ezennia Obioma Jennifer2, NkwoemekaNdidi Ethel1, Eze Ebere Mary1, Onunkwo Emenike Endurance3
1Department of Applied Microbiology and Brewing, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka, Nigeria.
2College of Environmental Management, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria.
3Pharmacy Department, Federal Teaching Hospital Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, Nigeria.
Corresponding Author: Unegbu Valentine Nnachetam
ABSTRACT
Access to potable drinking water is a problem in Owerri metropolis. This has led to the proliferation of sachet water and to the outbreak of water borne diseases in various parts of Owerri metropolis. The aim of the study was to assess the effects of storage on the Physico-chemical quality of the sachet water produced, sold and consumed within Owerri metropolis. Fifteen sachet water brands were investigated for a period of four months. They were collected within 24 hours of production and stored at ambient temperature for four months. Samples were taken on monthly basis for Physico-chemical analysis using APHA and WHO analytical methods. pH values increased in all brands to acceptable WHO limits within 8 weeks of storage and gradually decreased toward the end of the experiment. While dissolved oxygen, chlorine, alkalinity and biochemical oxygen demand values decreased, temperature, calcium, magnesium, total hardness, total solid, total dissolved solid and electrical conductivity increased. The difference in values between the initial and final values was statistically significant (p < 0.05). Results from the research indicates that 63% of the brands analyzed met the WHO guideline limit for drinking when stored at ambient temperature within eight weeks period. However, storage beyond this period led to diminished potability quality of sachet water.
Key words: Sachet water, Potability, Physico-chemical Properties, Storage, Owerri metropolis
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