Physicochemical parameters

Water quality remains a critical public health concern, particularly in rapidly urbanizing regions like Benin City, Nigeria. This study assessed the physicochemical properties, essential minerals, and potential contaminants in five bottled water brands (EVA, CWAY,
AQUAFINA, EIO, and ROI) to evaluate their safety and compliance with regulatory standards. Water samples were collected from different retail outlets in Benin City and analyzed for parameters such as pH, conductivity, total dissolved solids (TDS), turbidity,
hardness, chloride, sulphate, nitrate, and trace metals using standard laboratory procedures. The results showed significant variations across brands. EIO had the highest pH (7.37 ± 0.19), while ROI had the lowest (6.63 ± 0.11). Conductivity and TDS were highest in EIO (41.33 ± 1.16 µS/cm and 20.67 ± 0.58 mg/L, respectively) and lowest in ROI (12.00 ± 2.00 µS/cm and 6.00 ± 1.00 mg/L, respectively). Hardness levels were within the WHO recommended limits, with CWAY showing the highest value (22.00 ± 2.00 mg/L). Trace metal analysis revealed that ROI had the highest levels of iron (0.12 ± 0.01 mg/L), zinc (0.27 ± 0.05 mg/L), manganese (0.48 ± 0.07 mg/L), and copper (0.52 ± 0.09 mg/L), suggesting possible contamination from natural sources or packaging materials. While most bottled water samples met regulatory standards, ROI exhibited elevated levels of turbidity, suspended solids, and trace metals, indicating potential filtration inefficiencies. These findings emphasize the need for stricter regulatory monitoring and quality control measures to ensure the safety of bottled water in Benin City.

Access to safe drinking water remains a critical public health concern in many developing communities. This study assessed the quality of drinking water and associated human health risks among households in Uholor Community, located off Upper Ekehaun, Benin City, Edo State. Water samples were collected from multiple household sources, including boreholes, wells, and stored water, and analyzed for key physicochemical and microbiological parameters using standard methods.
The results revealed variations in water quality across sources, with several samples exceeding recommended limits for parameters such as pH, turbidity, total dissolved solids, and microbial contamination indicators, including total coliforms and Escherichia coli. The presence of these contaminants suggests potential pollution from environmental and anthropogenic activities, including poor sanitation practices and inadequate waste disposal systems. Health risk assessment indicated that residents may be exposed to waterborne diseases such as diarrhea, typhoid fever, and cholera, particularly among vulnerable populations such as children and the elderly.
Overall, the findings highlight significant concerns regarding the safety of drinking water in the study area. The study recommends regular monitoring of water quality, improved sanitation infrastructure, public health education, and the implementation of appropriate water treatment methods at the household level. Ensuring access to clean and safe drinking water is essential to reducing health risks and improving the overall well-being of the Uholor Community.