Evaluating the potability and human health risk of sachet water in Wukari, Nigeria

Abstract

This study assessed physiochemical and biological properties of sachet waters. In general, sachet waters were within standards for all parameters except lead in batch A & B, iron in batch E, and E. coli in all water brands. Human health risk showed the order of THI as NO3- > Pb > F- > Fe for batch A & B samples and NO3- > F- > Pb > Fe for batch C, D & E. This showed nitrate constituting over 50% of the THI while batch B water samples showed THI above the acceptable limit for all age groups. The THI for infants suggests moderate risk. This indicates infants are more likely to be impacted even though water parameters were within standards. Hence, there is a need to monitor sachet water companies to protect public health.