Assessment of Physicochemical and Elemental Properties of some Sachet Water sold in selected Communities in Abuja Metropolis, Nigeria

Samples of 10 brands of sachet water were purchased from selected communities in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory, Nigeria and analyzed for their physicochemical and elemental properties using standard analytical methods. The parameters determined include temperature, turbidity, total suspended solids, total dissolved solids, dissolved oxygen, electrical conductivity. Also determined were calcium, magnesium, lead and zinc ions as well as chloride, nitrate, nitrite and sulphate ions. All the parameters analyzed for were within the recommended limits set by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Standard Organization of Nigeria for safe drinking water except lead, with values of 0.3 mg/L and 2.63 mg/L in S2 and S3 respectively instead of the <0.01 mg/L recommended by WHO. The results indicated that the water samples were safe for human consumption except the samples with elevated values of lead. The two brands of sachet water with high level of lead should be withdrawn from circulation and further investigation on the source of lead in the water be carried out. There should also be further treatment during the production process to avoid lead poisoning of the unsuspected public.