PHYSIO-CHEMICAL AND BIOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT OF STORED WATER SOLD WITHIN OKO, ANAMBRA STATE

Abstract

Access to portable drinking water is still a far cry in so many communities in Sub-sahara Africa. Storage of water ensures continuity in supply during interruption or draught. Bottled water samples sold in store rooms in Oko were assessed for 21days. Samples were analyzed using Standard laboratory methods and the results compared to WHO standards. pH increased (6.60-6.85) at room temperature. The conductivity was stable at room temperature but increased slightly (5.2-5.4msu/cm) on exposure to sunlight. Hardness, alkalinity and Nitrate content increased slightly in all the samples within the storage period under room temperature and decreased on exposure to sunlight for all the samples. Chloride decreased (36-32mg/l) at room temperature and increased (48-50mg/l) on exposure to sunlight. There was no significant change in lead and cadmium content   within the period of storage both under room temperature and on exposure to sunlight.  Total Coliform count increased for all the samples at room temperature during the period of storage (0.6 x 10cfu/ml - 4.3 x 10cfu/ml) and decreased on the last day. These values exceeded the WHO standard for coliform bacteria of 0cfu/ml The Physio-chemical properties of all the samples aside Lead and cadmium were within World health Organization (WHO) and Nigeria Drinking Water Regulation Agency (NDWRA) standard. Exposure of water to sunlight alters physio-chemical properties of water. Water is best stored under room temperature for not more than 7 days.