PHYSIOCHEMICAL AND MICROBIAL QUALITY OF SACHET WATER IN BENIN CITY, EDO STATE.

ABSTRACT

This study aimed to investigate the microbial and physicochemical quality of sachet water sold in Benin City, Nigeria. Physicochemical parameters like pH (ranging from 6.18 to 7.21), temperature (25.3 to 29.4 °C), and electrical conductivity (16 to 159 µS/cm) largely conformed to World Health Organization (WHO) and Standards Organization of Nigeria (SON) guidelines. However, significant bacterial contamination was noted, with heterotrophic bacterial counts ranging from 38.50±9.19 to 237.50±12.02 cfu/100ml, and coliform counts between 5.00±1.41 and 15.50±2.12 cfu/100ml, exceeding WHO and SON permissible limits. Pathogenic strains such as Serratia marcescens, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Bacillus subtilis were identified. Additionally, antibiotic resistance, particularly to metronidazole, was observed. These findings indicate an urgent need for stricter quality control measures, advanced water treatment methods, and public awareness campaigns. Recommendations include enhanced oversight, public education, implementation of advanced water treatment technologies, and a periodic review of water quality standards.