ABSTRACT

The physico — chemical (p11, free dissolved CO2. chloride , total hardness, alkalinity, residual chlorine conductivity & total dissolved solid) and chemical (heavy and trace mental) contents of 10 brands of bottled water samples produced in Abia state, Nigeria were assessed. The results ranges from 4.93-8.23 pH, 7-23 mg/i FDCO2,7-l4mg/l MOA, 12-45 mg/I Cl ,9-45 mg/I TH, 17.60-125.55mg/i TDS, 35.70-247.551.ts/cm EC, and no residual chlorine was found. These Results indicated variation among some physico —chemical parameters. The chemical elements were evaluated using atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The results angels include 0.009-0.047mg/i Zn, 0.0001 - 0.6780mg/I Cu, 0.11-1.65mg/i Ca, 0.002-6.322mg/i Mg & 0.07-0.038mg/i Fe. Comparison of the metal contents in the water sample with WHO limits showed that the mean levels of all the metals were below the maximum permissible levels for drinking water except for samples I & G that were above the limit for Mg and Fe respectively. However, Cd and Pb were not detected. The results obtained were compared with guidelines of drinking water recommended by SON/NAFDAC and WHO. Some of the analyzed chemicals were below their respective drinking water standard for maximum admissible concentration.