An assessment of the microbiological quality of some bottle water sold in Kano metropolis, Nigeria

Abstract

Bottled water like any drinking water used for human consumption should be safe and of standard quality to ensure adequate public health significance. The aim of the study is to assess the quality of some bottle water sold in Kano Metropolis and compare the result with some national and international standards. Studies on the microbiological parametric standards, was conducted. A total of 40 samples comprising of 4 different brands were randomly selected using stratified sampling techniques from different sites of Kano metropolis in northern Nigeria. Samples were analyzed for the presence of bacterial indicators of water quality using pour plate and MPN techniques. The result of Total aerobic Plate counts (APC) ranged from 2.06x10² -3.8x10² cful/ml of the entire brand. All the bottled water brands had a mean (APC) greater than 100cfu/ml of bottled water standard. Total coliform and Eschericia coli were detected in two brands and were above the zero cfu/ per 100milliter of bottled water standard. No pathogenic bacteria were isolated except for
Staphylococcus. Effective implementation of WHO water safety plans from the catchment source to the consumer through campaign awareness can reduce level of exposure to stake holders to protect and store bottle water against sunlight exposure, chemicals and cleaning reagents.

Key words: Quality, Bottled water, Kano Metropolis