ASSESSMENT OF BOTTLED WATER QUALITY IN BENIN CITY
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Abstract
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.
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.
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