Bacteriological evaluation of packaged bottled water sold at Jaipur city and its public health significance

Abstract

Aim: The study was carried out to investigate the microbiological quality of packaged drinking water marketed in Jaipur city. Material and Methods:In the present study 'twenty' drinking water samples (15 water bottles and 5 sachets) of different brands purchased randomly, were evaluated to access the water quality on the basis of different bacteriological parameters.Result: Out of twenty, 50% samples were found unsatisfactory in standard plate count. Psychrophillic, coliforms, E. coli and staphylococcal counts revealed that 25%, 45%, 20%, and 5% samples respectively were found unfit for human consumption as per Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) of drinking water. On the basis of results of overall microbiological assessment 55% of samples proved to be unfit for consumption. All brands of water sachet (100%) had high coliforms count which indicates faecal contamination. Amongst those sachets two brands (40%) had presence of E. coli and all the sachet water brands fell below drinking water standards while out of fifteen brands of bottled water 6 samples contained higher microbiological value hence unfit for human consumption. Conclusion:Local brands of packaged drinking water were found unfit for human condumption. So it is suggested that government should intensify the efforts in the monitoring of activities in this rapidly expanding industry with a view to supply potable and wholesome water to the public.

Physico-Chemical and Bacterial Evaluation of Packaged Drinking Water Marketed in Delhi - Potential Public Health Implications

“…Microbial evaluation of all water samples revealed high levels of total coliform bacteria in the sachets but not in the bottles. Similar results were found in studies done by Gangil R et al, [11], Majumder AK et al, [31], Semerjian L [10], Urvashi et al, [32], Zeenat et al, [33] and Ajayi AA [34]. The microbial contamination of packaged drinking water could be influenced by factors such as their raw water sources, treatment processes which were employed and hygienic practices which were observed in their productions.…”

“…Contrary results were found in the study [4] 114 have shown that qualities of the bottled water in different countries were within acceptable range. But due to influx of a large number of local brands and administrative ignorance, the physical, chemical and bacteriological quality parameters of packaged water sources have not been found to be in the acceptable limits, in the studies which were conducted by Gargil R et al, [11], Oyelude and Ahenkorah [21], Ackah M et al, [22] and Kwakye-Nuako et al, [23].…”

“…There has been a remarkable growth which has been trajectory for the sector. The usage of bottled water in the world is mainly in North America (30%), Europe (29%), Asia (27%), and other parts of the world (14%) and people from all over the world drink about 13x1010 litres of bottled water annually [11][12][13][14].…”

Prevalence and molecular characterization of extended-spectrum b-Lactamases (blaTEM) producing Escherichia coli isolated from humans and foods of animal origin in Chhattisgarh, India

“…The prevalence of E. coli in chevon meat samples recorded was 38.09%, which is in agreement with earlier findings (Ali et al, 2010). However higher prevalence rates of 57% (Amin and Borah, 2002), 76% (Gangil et al, 2011) and 100% (Chaubey et al, 2004) were reported by different investigators. In present study, 20.19% milk samples were found positive for E. coli, however higher prevalence rates of 33.96% (Rashid et al, 2013), 38% (Thaker et al, 2012) and 43.3% (Rasheed et al, 2014) were reported from different regions.…”

Comparative Study on the Physicochemical and Bacteriological Quality of Some Drinking Water Sources in Abuja, Nigeria

“…Several studies have shown that packaged water can be contaminated with bacteria at various stages of production [18][19]. Under improper or prolonged storage of bottled water, bacteria can grow to levels that may be harmful to human health [10].…”