Bacteriological Study of Sachet Water Sold in Owerri Metropolis
Chapter One
AIM AND OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY
AIM
The aim of this study is to evaluate the sterility of sachet water sold in owerri, particularly in Imo State University.
Objectives
The objectives of this study are
- Isolation of organism from sachet water sold in Imo State University
- Identification of the isolates from sachet water sold in Imo State University
CHAPTER TWO
LITERATURE REVIEW
Water Analysis
Microorganisms are natural components of streams, lakes, rivers and underground waters. These organisms have enormous impact on the process that occur in aquatic ecosystem such as carbon, nitrogen, and sulphur transformation. They can also have an impact on the quality of water by controlling the amount of oxygen and other elements in the and by causing diseases in aquatic organisms as well as humans. Microorganisms from other sources also are introduced into the aquatic environment as a result of pollution. The sources of water supply are usually water from any of these sources is treated to make it suitable for drinking. The aim of microbiological examination of water is to determine the sanitary quality and its suitability for general use. The sanitary quality of water is the relative extent of the absence of suspended matter, colour, taste, and unwanted dissolved chemical, bacteria indicative of faecal presence and other asthetically offensive objects or properties (Pipes, 2000). The major concern about the water quality is pollution by faecal materials and toxic chemical is called potable water. Potable water is unsafe for consumption. When fecal materials contaminate source of water supplies, they may contain pathogenic organisms which may cause epidemic outbreaks of cholera, typoid fever, bacillary dysentery, hepatitis or other diseases. Water borne pathogens are causative agents for many human diseases and their presence poses a potential threat to the human population. It is well known that water resources are subjected to frequent dramatic changes in microbial and chemical qualities as a result of the variety of activities on the watershed. For rural populations, the provison of reliable and clean water supplies is an important element in the quality of life. The microbial quality of drinking water is a cause of concern worldwide. A large percentage of ill health in less developed countries stems from lack of safe water adequate sanitation (Pipes, 2000).
Water analysis is therefore a standard routine procedure carried out by the sanitary microbiologists of the municipal water purification plant. The purpose of analysis of municipal water is to determine the raw water quality, the need for purification and possible changes during distribution (Pipes, 2000).
Microorganisms are natural components of lakes, rivers, underground waters and streams. These organisms are numerous and perform various functions in the aquatic systems. However, their presence in drinking water poses great risk to man and animals. Water sources could be perfectly clean in appearance, free from characteristics of odor and taste and yet is contaminated. It is well known and proven fact that water contaminated with sewage and other pollutants could cause disease. The degree of pollution and natural purification of water bodies can measure physically, chemically and biologically and no single yardstick is enough depending on the nature of the polluting substances and the uses the receiving body of water is to serve. Water is only safe for drinking (i.e potable) if it is free from disease producing microorganisms and chemical substances harmful to health. Microbiological examination of water is therefore a very useful and significant method of biological assessment of new or intermittent water pollution (Willey et al., 2008).
CHAPTER THREE
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Methodology
Study Area
The study was carried out in Imo State University. Imo State University is the state Owned University, located at South Eastern part of Nigeria, Imo State.
Sample Collection
5 sachet water samples were collected from different hawkers in Imo State University premises, and were transported to the microbiology laboratory, for microbial analysis.
Physiochemical analysis of water: the water was allowed to assume room temperature, after which the physiochemical analysis where been observed
Test for odour and colour:
A 20 mL volume of each water sample was poured into a clean beaker. The beaker
was then shaken vigorously to check for any frothing and allowed to settle. The beaker was then observed under bright light for presence of any particulate matter and then brought close to the nose to test for any odour present (Yakassai, 2009).
CHAPTER FOUR
RESULTS
Table 3.1, shows the results of examination of various labels of the sachet water.
CHAPTER FIVE
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION
DISCUSSION
The bacteriological quality of sachet-packed water offered for sale in South-Eastern Nigeria was examined in this study. The results showed that most sachets water sold in Owerri is unsafe for human consumption. Although the pH of the samples fell within the recommended WHO values, the numbers of indicator bacteria were comparatively higher (WHO, 2001). Previous studies in other parts of the country reported similar bacterial load indicative of poor water quality (Olayemi, 1999; Itah and Akpan, 2005). Relatively high aerobic colony counts are indicative of poor, unhygienic handling and processing. Bacterial growth in water may be unnoticed even in transparent packaged water and the presence of some of these microorganisms may pose a potential risk to consumers. Potential pathogens such as Escherichia coli, Salmonella spp., Enterobacter and Coliform spp., were isolated from the samples. Over 90% of packed pure water sold in this country are not fit for human consumption and are hazardous to health. From the foregoing, it has become imperative to address the issue of sachet-packed water in Nigeria. The regulatory agency NAFDAC is doing a lot to address the problem. In the last 2 to 3 years, several workshops have been organized by the agency for producers of packaged water to enable their production staff acquire relevant information and experience on the production of packed water. No doubt, more effort is required to reduce the ever-increasing cases of typhoid fever among others. Monitoring and inspection will be required to enforce existing regulations and if need be, promulgate new ones to ensure that the health of the populace is guaranteed.
CONCLUSION
The microbiological quality of sachet water sold in Imo State, Nigeria revealed the presence of coliforms, E. coli, Enterobacter spp., and Salmonella spp. Out of the
sachet pure water brands examined, it can be concluded that 95% are not fit for human consumption and are hazardous to health. This could be as a result of inadequate sanitation and under hygienic practices. It can also be as a result of ineffectiveness or malfunctioning of the water treatment process employed. Therefore, appropriate treatment process should be utilized for production of quality and safe packaged drinking waters. Therefore there is need for regulatory agencies to intensity effort in the routine monitoring of quality of sachet water marketed to unsuspecting consumers. They should also ensure that all sachet water contains both manufacturing and expiry dates as well as batch number for easy recall.
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