ANALYSIS OF BOTTLED DRINKING WATER SOLD IN AWKA METROPOLIS, ANAMBRA STATE, NIGERIA.

Abstract

This research examines the physicochemical properties, heavy metal concentrations, and microbiological safety of bottled water sold in Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria, in response to increasing apprehensions regarding water contamination and its implications for public health. A total of five bottled water samples were subjected to analysis for various parameters, including pH, conductivity, total dissolved solids (TDS), heavy metals, and microbial content, with results compared to the standards set by the World Health Organization (WHO). The findings revealed that while most samples complied with certain physicochemical standards, lead levels in all samples surpassed the WHO permissible limit, with Sample A exhibiting the highest concentration at 0.1847 mg/L. Microbiological testing detected total plate bacteria in two of the samples, which raises considerable health concerns, even though E. coli and other fecal indicators were absent. This study highlights the critical necessity for ongoing monitoring and regulatory measures to safeguard the safety and quality of bottled water, particularly given the potential health hazards linked to heavy metal exposure and microbial contamination.