Physicochemical and Bacteriological Analyses of Sachets Water Samples in Kano Metropolis, Nigeria

Abstract

Physicochemical and bacteriological analyses of sachets water samples in Kano metropolis were carried out using standard procedures to assess the quality of such water consumed in the area. Samples were collected from four different water depots in different parts of Kano metropolis. The results showed variations in the concentrations of the analyzed parameters in the water samples. The pH values ranged from 6.97±0.20 to 7.25±0.33; Electrical Conductivity ranged from 176 ±0.02 to 282±0.25µS/cm; Alkalinity ranged from 0.17±0.02 to 0.69±0.28 mg/l; Total solids were in the range of 100.30±0.25 to 157.34±0.30mg/l. Total Dissolved Solids ranged from 67.80±0.30 to 84.70±0.23mg/l; Total Suspended Solids ranged from 15.60±0.36 to75.84±0.02mg/; Total Hardness ranged from 85.00±0.03 to 103.00±0.20 mg/ and turbidity ranged from 0.60±0.21 to 2.23±0.32 NTU. Escherichia coli (E.coli) were not detected in all the samples. The levels of some of the anions analyzed ranged from 0.03±0.00 mg/l NO 2-to 7.06 ±0.02 mg/l SO 4 2-. Similarly, the levels of some of the heavy metals analyzed ranged from 0.12±0.02mg/l Cu to 0.71±0.01mg/l Fe. Accordingly, the water samples were colourless and odourless. In general, the concentrations of all the parameters analyzed in the samples were below or within the World Health Organization (WHO) permissible limits, indicating that the sachets water were safe for human consumption.