Determination of quality index of packaged water obtained from two locations of Umuahia and Aba

Abstract

The quality of packaged water in Umuahia and Aba was studied using the water quality index (WQI) to determine their purity level. In  particular, ten (10) parameters related to quality, viz pH, Turbidity, Electrical Conductivity, Total Dissolved Solids, Total Suspended Solid,  Total alkalinity, Iron, Zinc, Chlorine, and Calcium were measured using appropriate measuring instruments. The WQI is computed from  these parameters using the weighted arithmetic mean. The results show that the water quality index (WQI) values for Umuahia range  from 8.06 to 303.7, implying that it covers the range between excellent water and that unsuitable for drinking. The qualities for Aba range  from 33.85 to 91.28 signifying perfect water to good water status. The result also shows that 53% of water samples from Umuahia  and 47% from Aba fall in the excellent categories, while 33% and 53% fall in the good water category. In addition, water samples from Aba  are safe for consumption, while 7% of the samples from Umuahia are of poor quality and unfit for consumption due to their high  electrical conductivity value. This investigation's outcome would assist manufacturers and policy managers in the measures needed to  adjust the quality of packaged water for particular applications.