Comparison of the physicochemical and microbiological quality of different brands of bottled water with well water in Lesotho using principal component analysis

Abstract

Water, though vital for life, is also the route for transmission of water-borne diseases. Bottled water is consumed worldwide for its accessibility and the public perception of purity. However, this perception is usually not based on experimental results to confirm or invalidate it, especially where the sample commodity is not adequately tested for quality. In this study, different bottled water brands in Lesotho were compared to tap and well water samples sourced locally. The standard water testing methods were used to assess the physicochemical and microbiological quality of these samples. The physicochemical parameters such as hardness, alkalinity, pH, chloride, conductivity and nitrate content were below WHO acceptable limits for all water samples tested. Upon the employment of multivariate statistics, one of the bottled water samples (C) was completely indistinguishable from the two well water samples collected in the local village. On the other hand, microbiological analysis indicated that the water samples designated as C (bottle water brand), F (tap water), G (Ha-Mafefooane) and H (Roma community water) had a high microbial load and were contaminated with Escherichia coli, while A, B, D and E samples contained Staphylococcus spp. The presence of such indicator organisms suggests possible poor hygiene during processing. It is therefore recommended that stricter policy measures be taken to regularly monitor bottled water quality, before and after production and storage, to fulfil the basic water quality standards of WHO. Public awareness should also be created that bottled water may still be impure, despite appearing attractive and convenient.

Photovoltaic concentrator potential and its inactivation rate of indicator microorganism in point of use water treatment system

“…Following the fast growth of the world population, trends of urbanization, and industrialization, drinking water quality has been deteriorating more than ever. 1,2 The presence of toxic metals, pathogenic micro organisms, and chemical ions are causing serious health problems in poor communities. Therefore, determination of the level of minerals, microbial load, and heavy metal con tents of drinking water at the source prior to distribution is important to take further treatment actions.…”

“…Therefore, determination of the level of minerals, microbial load, and heavy metal con tents of drinking water at the source prior to distribution is important to take further treatment actions. 1,2 Water is fragile and susceptible to external pressure. It collects inorganic contaminants throughout the cycle that arises from the geological strata of the groundwater, par ticulate matter, and some gases from the rain and other pre cipitations.…”

“…At the flow course, surface water is subject to anthropogenicderived pollutants like microorganisms and chemicals enter to the water. 2 Faecal pollutionbased waterborne diseases are a major cause of diarrheal diseases in developing countries. Especially, under 5 years children are the most vulnerable to coliform and Escherichia coli-related diarrheal diseases than other community groups.…”

“…Therefore, determination of the level of minerals, microbial load, and heavy metal contents of drinking water at the source prior to distribution is important to take further treatment actions. 1,2…”

“…At the flow course, surface water is subject to anthropogenic-derived pollutants like microorganisms and chemicals enter to the water. 2…”