Effects of Prolonged Storage Condition on the Physicochemical and Microbiological Quality of Sachet Water and Its Health Implications: A Case Study of Selected Water Brands Sold within Samaru Community, Northwest Nigeria

Abstract

The aim of this research is to investigate the effect of long-term storage conditions on the physicochemical and microbial quality of selected sachet water brands sold within the Samaru community and its health implication for consumers. Three brands of sachet water were subjected to different storage conditions and were analyzed for microbial and physicochemical parameters at intervals of 3 weeks for a period of 3 months, based on procedures and standard methods of APHA (2005). The highest pH means concentration was recorded in sachet water samples used for control (7.14 ± 0.24) while EC, TDS, BOD, and calcium (336.67 ± 73.69 µS/cm, 168.33 ± 34.89 mg/L, 1.87 ± 0.39 mg/L and 2.97 ± 0.19 mg/L) were recorded in the sachet water samples stored on the floor. A total number of 15 fungal species and 4 bacteria species were identified from the three selected brands of sachet water examined. Aspergillus niger and Penicillium spp. have the highest species occurrence of 25% among the fungus identified while Proteus Sp. recorded the highest species occurrence (50%) among the bacteria isolated. Sachet water samples stored on the floor have the highest abundances of microbial species of five and six. All the physicochemical parameters were within the stipulated limits set by the World Health Organization and the Nigeria Standard for Drinking Water Quality, but fail microbial tests due to the presence of pathogens such as Aspergillus, Candida, Vibro, Yersinia, etc., that can cause a wide range of life-threatening system infections in a patient with mild immune-deficiency. Being under prolonged storage and the type of storage conditions can encourage the regrowth of microbial in packaged water under favorable environmental conditions, to levels that may be harmful to humans.