ASSESSMENT OF PHYSICO-CHEMICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF SELECTED BRANDS OF PACKAGED TABLE WATER IN KANO METROPOLIS, NIGERIA

Abstract

This research work was a descriptive type and aimed at evaluating the quality of packaged table water produced within Kano metropolis, Kano state Nigeria. Packaged (Sachet) drinking water commonly referred to as pure water is widely consumed and accepted. The physical and chemical qualities of twenty-two brands of packaged table water sold within Kano Metropolis were Sampled and evaluated to ascertain their compliance with recommended standards set by World Health Organization (WHO).Standard Laboratory procedure were used for the analysis. Physical parameters were determined by instrument methods and heavy metals content were assessed using atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS).The results indicate significant variation in heavy metal concentration across different samples, For Lead (Pb), the highest mean values were seen in samples W3(0.0994mg/l), W8 (0.0992mg/l)and W10 (0.1967mg/l) while absence of Chromium (Cr) and cadmium where noticed in samples W8, W12, W22 and W3, W9, W21 respectively.Elevated levels of Cadmium were seen in W18(0.1002µg/l.) All Labeling requirements were found to be adequate except for batch coding (Batch number, Manufacturing date, & Expiration date) which is a major requirement in good manufacturing practice.Manufacturers need to regularly check the efficiency and effectiveness of their filtration setup (reverse osmosis machine) and government agencies need to step up routine monitoring to ensure compliance with manufacturing standards.