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Global Research Journal of Microbiology Vol.2(1) pp.062 –066 May 2012.
Available online http://www.globalresearchjournals.org/?a=journal&id=grjm
Copyright ©2012 Global Research Journals
CaseStudy.
MICROBIOLOGICAL EXAMINATION OF SACHET WATER SOLD IN ABA, ABIA – STATE, NIGERIA
1ADEGOKE, O. ADEBAYO; 2BAMIGBOWU, E. OLUGBENGA; 3ONI, E. SUNDAY; 4UGBAJA K. NCHEDO
1Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Rivers State University of Science and Technology, Port Harcourt.
E-mail :bayoadeghq@yahoo.com , Tel +2348037103687
2Department of Chemical Pathology, College of health science, University of Port Harcourt, Port Harcourt.
E-mail : eogbenga@yahoo.com,Tel+2348033380957
3Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Rivers State University of Science and Technology, Port Harcourt.
E-mail: topnellyson@yahoo.com , Tel +2348033380739
4Department of Medical Microbiology, School of Medical Laboratory Sciences, University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, Port Harcourt, Tel +2348037452571
Accepted 22nd September 2012
Abstract
This study was carried out to determine the microbial quality of 10 randomly selected brands of sachet water sold at major Markets and Motor parks in Aba town, south east of Nigeria. Twenty water samples collected and analysed using standard microbiological tests. Heterotrophic bacterial count, presumptive (total coliform and faecal coliform counts) tests, confirmatory tests (total coliform and faecal coliform counts) and culture were performed to determine the identities of the isolates. Water sample F had the highest total heterotrophic bacterial count (THBC) of 4.7 x 10 cfu/ml while water sample J with THBC of 0.2 x 10cfu/ml had the lowest contamination level. Water samples A, B, C, E, H and I had the highest Total Coliform Bacteria (MPN/100ml) of 5 while sample D with 0 was the least. A large proportion (32%) of the water samples analysed tested positive for Staphylococcus spp. while Enterobacter spp. was the least isolated pathogen. The result of this study indicated that 5 of the 10 brands of sachet water sampled in Aba town met the WHO standard for drinking water quality. These results raised a question of safety and it is therefore suggested that regular analysis of sachet water would greatly improve public health.
Keywords: Micrbial quality, Satchet water, Heterotrophic bacterial, coliform.