ASSESSMENT OF THE IMPACT OF SUNLIGHT IN PACKAGED WATER (BOTTLED WATER AND SACHET WATER) LOCATED IN IBADAN, NIGERIA.

Access to clean and safe drinking water is critical to public health, especially in regions where packaged water (bottled and sachet) serves as a primary source of hydration. In Nigeria, widespread reliance on these products is accompanied by poor storage practices, particularly the exposure of packaged water to direct sunlight by vendors and retailers. This study investigates the impact of sunlight exposure on the physicochemical, microbiological, and organoleptic quality of bottled and sachet water over a four-week period in Ibadan, Nigeria. Water samples were collected and subjected to controlled sunlight exposure, and their quality was evaluated weekly using standard laboratory procedures. Physicochemical parameters such as pH, temperature, electrical conductivity (EC), and total dissolved solids (TDS) were measured. Microbiological analysis was conducted using CLED and Chocolate agar to isolate and identify bacterial contaminants, and biochemical tests were performed to characterize the organisms. Organoleptic properties including taste, odor, and clarity were also assessed. The results revealed significant deterioration in water quality following sunlight exposure. The pH values dropped below WHO acceptable limits (6.5–8.5), and the temperature of the samples increased markedly. Although EC and TDS remained within WHO permissible levels, their upward trends suggest potential for chemical leaching. Microbiological tests identified Staphylococcus spp. in both sachet and bottled water samples, with higher total bacterial counts recorded in sachet water. Organoleptic changes such as stale taste and reduced clarity further indicated deterioration in water quality. These findings highlight that sunlight exposure compromises the safety, acceptability, and chemical integrity of packaged water, especially sachet water due to its thinner, less protective packaging. The study recommends the use of UV-resistant packaging, stricter regulatory enforcement, improved storage practices, and public education on the risks of sun-exposed water. Ensuring safe drinking water requires a collaborative approach between producers, vendors, regulatory bodies, and consumers to minimize the adverse effects of environmental exposure on water quality.