Microbiological Analysis of Sachet Drinking Water Marketed at Two Sites in Aliero; Kebbi State; Nigeria

ABSTRACT

Sachet drinking water; often called as 'pure water' is generally accepted safe for consumption. Ten brands of sachet water are mainly marketed at Kebbi State University of Science et Technology (KSUST) campus and Onion Market of Aliero (AOM). Seven of these are NAFDAC registered. Bacteriological analysis of 50 samples of each of the sachet drinking water samples was carried out to determine the potability of the sampled water. Standard conventional methods were employed for the detection of coliforms (viable count; presumptive coliform count by multiple tube method and confirm coliforms count) and other bacteria. Biochemical analysis as well as microscopic examination was performed for sediments and other debris and/or bacteria; protozoa and other fungal hyphae. Bacteriological analysis of the samples from both sites revealed the presence of pathogens (log 10cfu/ml) viz. Shigella spp. (3.41; 3.31); Salmonella spp. (2.10; 2.05); Staphylococcus aureus (5.04; 5.09); Streptococcus spp. (4.76; 4.80); Bacillus spp. (5.12; 5.10); E. coli (2.0; 1.93) and Yeasts (3.13; 4.00). Most of the sachet water brands fell below WHO drinking water standards and are therefore; of doubtful quality. Out of the ten brand samples tested; four samples showed the presence of contamination in the form of high number of coliforms and occurrence of intestinal pathogens.This indicates that the 'pure water' available in the University campus and Onion market are unfit for human consumption due to their inability to meet up with NAFDAC (2010) and WHO (2011) standard. Efforts need to be intensified in the monitoring of activities in this rapidly expanding industry with a view to raising standards