The Journal of Food Technology in Africa Innovative Institutional Communications ISSN: 1028-6098 Vol. 6, Num. 4, 2001, pp. 119-120

The Journal of Food Technology in Africa, Vol. 6, No. 4, Oct-Dec, 2001 pp. 119-120

Physicochemical properties of pure water samples in South Western Nigeria

Ashaye O. A^*, Couple A. A, Afolabi O.O and Fasoyiro S. B

Institute of Agriculture Research and Training P. M. B. 50029 Moor Plantation Ibadan
*corresponding author

Code Number: ft01031

Abstract

Pure water samples were evaluated for their physicochemical properties. Samples 5 gave higher values of K(15 ppm), mg(6.75 ppm) and Zn (0.04 ppm). While sample 6 was high in P (4.85 ppm). The pH value of samples 8 (7.65) was also higher. Biochemical oxygen demand (B.O.D), Chemical Oxygen demand (COD) and Total suspended matter were not detected in all the samples. However the total dissolved solids of sample 3 (0.012%) was very low. The colour of samples 1, 2, 4, 5, 7 and 8 are not significantly different from each other, while samples 3 and 6 are significantly different from each other. The taste of samples 2 and 5 were objectionable while the odours of samples (2-8) were objectionable. It is apparent from this study that the quality of the pure water samples could improve if a better water treatment is adopted.

Key words: Pure water, physicochemical and treatment

Introduction

Water that is our most widespread natural resource may be regarded as the second most important necessity of man (Encyclopaedia 1964 and Baptist, 1980). Water is frequently used for drinking, cooling agent, sterilising and pasteurising processes and diverse metabolic processes in plants and animals (Fakunle et al 1980).

Over the last few years, there has been epileptic supply of water in Ibadan environ located in south western Nigeria. On few occasions where there is water supply from the government water treatment plants, the water is usually of poor quality. This trend has led to the introduction of water packaged in small polyethylene bags called pure water.

Pure water is generally known to be cheap and readily available. Also pure water samples from production sites are tested initially by NAFDAC (National Agency for Food and Drug Administration Control) to ascertain their wholesomeness before these products are sent out for sales. But overtime there has been complaint by consumers about the quality of these pure water samples vis-a-vis presence of particles cum off odour and taste. There is also no public detailed information on their physicochemical properties since most of these companies do not print it on their packages. This information is very important in ascertaining the quality attributes of these samples most especially for foreigners visiting the southern part of the country for the first time and it will also help in food formulation and nutritional studies.

Hence the objective of this research work is aimed at evaluating the physicochemical properties of some popular pure water samples sold in Ibadan, the most populous town in south western Nigeria.

Materials and methods

Pure water samples were collected from four local government areas of Ibadan namely Iddo, South West, Northwest and Egbeda local government area.

Physical characteristic

Odour and taste were determined using (Baker-Robert 1963) while colour was by (APHA et al 1967). Total dissolved solids and total suspended matter were by (Helmer, 1988).

Chemical analysis

pH was determined using a glass electrode after standardising with pH 7 buffer solution (APHA et al 1967). Mineral elements were determined using (AOAC, 1980) methods. While biochemical and chemical oxygen demand were by (APHA et al 1967).

Statistical analyses

Data obtained were subjected to analysis of variance test and the means were separated by Duncan Multiple range test (Duncan 1955) to establish the differences between the means.

Results and Discussion

Physical properties of pure water samples

It can be observed from the physical properties of pure water samples (Table 1) that the colour of samples 6 was significantly different from other samples at p<0.05. The odour of sample 1 was unobjectionable while samples (2-8) are objectionable. The taste of samples 2 and 5 are objectionable. The total dissolved solids of all the pure water samples are generally very low with sample 1 being significantly different from other pure water samples at p<0.05. There was no total suspended matter in all the samples.

Chemical composition of pure water samples

From chemical composition (table 2) it was observed that the pH of sample 8 was significantly different other samples at p<0.05. However samples 5 and 3 were least with pH value of (7.20). These differences could be due to the presence of bicarbonates and carbonate compounds (APHA et al 1967); Sample 5 was also significantly different from other samples at p<0.05 having K (15.0ppm) and Mg (6.75 ppm). The Zinc of samples 4 and 5 are not significantly different from each other. It shows that sample 5 is rich in the highlighted minerals. Sample 6 was also significantly different from other samples with regard to phosphorous. Biochemical oxygen demand and chemical oxygen demand were not detected in all the samples. The absence of this indicates that the water samples could be free from aerobic micro-organisms and are therefore not polluted (Ashaye, 1988 and APHA et al 1967).

Conclusion

It can be concluded that the quality of the pure water samples can improve if a better water treatment is adopted.

References

• AOAC 1980. Official methods of analysis, 13^th ed. Washington, DC; Association of Analytical chemistry.
• American Public Health Association, American Water Works Association and Water Pollution Control Federation 1967. Standard methods for the examination of water and wastewater, American public Health Association Inc. New York Pp 1-349.
• Ashaye O. A 1988. Characterization of water used in some local food industries BSc. Thesis submitted to department of Food Technology, University of Ibadan.
• Baptist G. O. 1980. Water characteriszation. In Processing of the first National Conference on Water Pollution control in Foods, University of Ibadan, Oct 26-28 1980 pp 12-13.
• Duncan D. B 1955. Multiple range and multiple F tests Biometrics 11(1): 1-5.
• Encyclopaedia Britanica 1964. Water supply. Encyclopaedia Britanica Ltd. William Bentoo (Pub) Nos. 23 pp 571-572.
• Fakunle O, Ayeni F. O. and Nyasulu C. O. 1980. Water Pollution Control. In proceeding of the first national Conference on Water Pollution Control in Foods, University of Ibadan, Oct 26-28 1980 pp12-13.
• Helmer R. 1988. Training course manual for water and wastewater laboratory technicians WHO Geneva pp 65-66.

Copyright 2001 The Journal of Food Technology in Africa, Nairobi

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