Effect of Sunlight, Temperature and Time on the Physicochemical Properties of Sachet Water in Yola Metropolis, Adamawa State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study was carried out to determine effect of sunlight, temperature and time on the physicochemical properties of sachet water packaged within Yola Metropolis Nigeria. The physicochemical parameters were analyzed using standard techniques before and after subjecting water samples to the different storage conditions for a period of 42 days. The analysis gave pH, conductivity, total dissolved solids(TDS), chemical oxygen demand (COD), and turbidity values that ranged from (6.0 -7.9), (26.24 - 42.81) μS/cm, (12 -25.08) mg/L, (2.07 - 3.51) mg/L, (11.40 - 48.0) NTU respectively, all within the World Health Organization (WHO) permissible limit except turbidity. The significant changes detected indicated the migration of organic material from the polyethylene material into the water.  The samples stored in a water bath at elevated temperatures showed the highest level of change in conductivity, pH, and TDS values, while the water samples exposed to sunlight showed the highest level of change in turbidity and COD values. Wherein, conductivity, TDS, COD, and turbidity values increased, and pH values decreased overtime. However, chloride and nitrate remained mostly constant. The water samples stored at room temperature (25°C - 35°C) experienced the least change in physicochemical properties. Gas Chromatography analysis at week 5, showed the presence of organic materials in the water samples exposed to direct sunlight.