Analysis of microbial and mineral content of bottled mineral water in Makerere Kikoni

Abstract

Different brands of bottled mineral water have emerged following the increase in the sales of bottled mineral water around Uganda. Widespread production and consumption of inadequately processed or contaminated bottled mineral water can lead to waterborne disease outbreaks. To safeguard public health, it is important that the quality of the available bottled mineral water is periodically assessed. This study was carried out to assess the microbial and mineral water content of bottled mineral water. For the study, a total of 48 samples of different volumes ranging from 500ml to 650ml were selected. The study was guided by the research objectives: to determine the microbial content of the different bottled mineral water brands and to determine the mineral content of the different bottled mineral water brands. From the many brands of bottled mineral water being sold in Makerere kikoni, eight brands were identified and selected. Three samples for each of the eight brands of bottled mineral water were purchased from supermarkets and retail shops along sir Apollo Kaggwa road. According to the information displayed on the labels, the most listed frequently parameters were pH, Ca, Cl, Fe and Na which were found on all brands. Other listed parameters were K and Mg which were on 7 brands, Fe and TDS which were found on 6 brands, nitrate which was listed on two brands and sulphate on four brands. Different brands specified different compositions and different elements. It was found out from the results that most of the declared values of the different parameters on the bottle labels are not consistent with the actual compositions obtained. Physio-chemical parameters were analyzed for each brand in addition to the total coliform and E. coli counts. The total coliform count ranged from 0 to 18 cfu/100ml while the E. Coli count ranged from 0 to 9 cfu/100ml. Only one of the brands had pH in the range of 6.5-8.5 which is specified by UNBS. The calcium composition ranged from 1.0-15.9mg/l. It was found out that the calcium composition was below the specified value by UNBS of 150mg/l. The iron composition was found to be in the range 0.08-0.56 mg/l. Only one of the brands had a value outside the guideline value of 0.3mg/l. The range of chloride concentration of the tested brands, 3.1-29.0 mg/l was found to be within the UNBS guideline value of 250mg/l. Sodium concentration ranged from 0.6 mg/l to 66.0mg/l. This was found to be within the UNBS guideline value of 200mg/l.