Characteristics of Packaged Water under Different Storage Conditions Within Osogbo Metropolis

Abstract

The study investigated the characteristics of packaged water stored under ambient and sunlight conditions. This is with a view to testing the effect of prolonged storage under different storage conditions on its quality. In addition it analyzed the interactions between the parameters.Two packs each of bottled and sachet water was purchased from each factory at the point of production and ready for distribution to wholesalers. Twenty eight pieces of packaged water from each factory were kept at room temperature and the same quantity were kept under sunlight. Physico-chemical and microbiological analyses were carried out on the remaining packaged water within 24hrs.Half of the samples stored at the two storage conditions were removed for analysis at 3 weeks while the remaining half was analyzed after 6weeks. The physico-chemical characteristics were within the WHO recommended values except for the pH of some samples that have values in the acidic range of 6.2-6.48. All the physico-chemical values increased for samples kept under sunlight.All the water samples showed growth in faecal coliform (4-46 cfu/100 mL) and e.coli (0-13 cfu/100 mL) for samples kept under sunlight at three weeks and this growth increased to the sixth week. The presence of e.coli is an indication that the packaged water is not pure. Displaying packaged water under the sunlight and storing beyond 3 weeks by vendors have effect on the potability of the product. The regulatory bodies should raise awareness and ensure manufacturer have a quality control unit to test on a routine basis.