Bacteriological Quality and Essential Elements in Bottled Water in Nsukka and its Environs

Abstract

Objective: The bacteriological examination of different commercially packaged water in Nsukka Metropolis was examined. The level of essential mineral elements and organic acids in the water were also evaluated to determine their conformity with the standards. Materials and Methods: Eleven (11) water samples (S1 – S11) were randomly collected from different packaged/bottled water as sold in Nsukka and its environs. The distinguishing characteristics of the microorganisms identified were their psychrotrophic growth capabilities, motility at 37°C, growth in air, negative phenylalanine, deaminase, positive urease, catalase, oxidase and coagulase activity. Results: The results of this investigation indicated that the acceptable bacterial load of between 10⁰ - 10² c.f.u ml^-1 for coliforms and less than 10⁵ c.f.u ml^-1 for total aerobic bacteria count (TABC) was exceeded in some samples while in others, the range was within the permissible microbiological standards. The overall ranking of the microbiological quality for the different water samples was S2 > ( S1, S5, S6, S9, S8) > (S3, S4, S10,S11) > S7. Furthermore, the levels of the essential minerals and organic acids were within the acceptable range as approved by National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC). Conclusion: The standard level of chlorination should be adhered to and frequent routine bacteriological quality assay is sorely recommended.

Key words: Microorganisms, packaged water, psychrotrophs, bacteriological quality, minerals, organic acids.