Physical Assessment and Determination of bacterial contamination of Locally Drinking Water in Sealed Containers and Packaged Ice Sold in Mahasarakham Province, Thailand

Abstract

This cross-sectional descriptive study aimed to assess physical quality and bacterial contamination of drinking water in sealed containers and packaged ice sold in Mahasarakham Province. The samples were 129 drinking water and 13 packaged ice brands. The details on labels, packages, physical and chemical qualities, bacteriological contamination (Coliform bacteria, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Salmonella spp.) were analyzed and checked their compliance. The finding revealed that the samples of drinking water and packaged ice were within the permissible limits as 86.05 and 61.54 %, respectively. The details on labels and packages of drinking water and packaged ice were within the acceptable range as 95.35 and 61.54 %, respectively. Physical and chemical qualities of all samples were within the acceptable range as 100%. Majority (88.37 %) samples of drinking water, the bacterial contamination were within acceptable limits certified for drinking purposes. Coliform bacteria and E. coli were found in drinking water as 11.63 and 0.77%, respectively.  Furthermore, 92.31 % of packaged ice, the bacterial contamination were within acceptable limits. The 7.69 % unacceptable ice samples which was found both Coliform bacteria and E.coli. However, all the samples (both drinking water and ice) showed negative growth for Staphylococcus aureus and Salmonella spp. as shown. In conclusion, some of drinking water and ice were unacceptable in the microbial standard. Therefore, surveillance of drinking water and ice manufacturing industries by regulatory agencies at this setting needs to be increase. The distributors and consumers also need to be made aware of the identification, reporting, and removal of problematic drinking water and ice available at points of sale. These measures will guarantee that safe and helpful drinking water and ice are available for public.