MICROBIOLOGICAL INDICES AND SOME HEAVY METALS (LEAD AND CADMIUM)

ABSTRACT

Water is a transparent, tasteless, odourless, and nearly colorless chemical substance that is the main constituent of Earth's streams, lakes, and oceans, and the fluids of most living organisms. In Nigeria a lot of bottled and sachet water products are circulated by many different companies. The sachet and bottled water products are processed and packed in plastic sachets, and bottles and circulated to consumers of the products in Benin City, Edo state, Nigeria. Microorganisms and Heavy metals when found in minute concentrations in water pose high risk for the development of infections and renal dysfunction and can cause permanent damage to the central nervous system that may lead to increased mortality and morbidity. The aim of this research was to determine the microbial and heavy metal load isolated from sachet and bottled water sold in Benin City, Edo State. Fifteen different brands of sachet and bottled water were purchased from Uselu, New Benin and Ring road markets in Benin City. Samples were purchased in duplicates and transported to the laboratory and analyzed within 4 hours of collection. The samples were subjected to standard microbiological analysis. Antibiotic susceptibility of bacteria isolates were carried out using the disc diffusion methods. The heavy metal qualities of the water samples which lead and cadmium contents were determined using standard methods for analysis of water.