Evaluation of Bacteriological Quality and Physicochemical Parameters of Drinking Water from Water Vending Machines in Dar es Salaam Region, Tanzania
MUST JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT,
Vol. 6 No. 1 (2025)
Abstract
The usage of water from water vending machines has spread in both
developed and developing countries. Despite their popularity,
various studies documented on low quality of drinking water from
water vending machines. The present study aimed to determine
physicochemical (pH, electrical conductivity (EC), Total Dissolved
Solids (TDS), turbidity, Chloride, Nitrate, Sulphate, Phosphate ,
Calcium carbonate) and bacteriological (E.coli bacteria and total
coliform) parameters of drinking water in selected parts of Dar es
Salaam region, Tanzania. Nine water samples from randomly selected
water vending machines were collected and tested for
physicochemical and bacteriological parameters. The pH, electrical
conductivity (EC), and total dissolved solids (TDS) were measured
using a multiparameter meter. Turbidity was determined using a
turbidimeter, while Nitrate, Chloride, Phosphate, Sulphate, and
Calcium carbonate were analyzed using a spectrophotometer.
Bacteriological analysis, including E. coli and total coliforms, was
conducted using cultural and biochemical methods. The average
results of the physicochemical tests were as follows: pH 7.32,
electrical conductivity 969 mg/L, total dissolved solids 506 mg/L,
turbidity 1.84 NTU, Chloride234.90 mg/L, Nitrate 3.3 mg/L, Sulphate
183 mg/L, phosphate 0.39 mg/L, and calcium carbonate 262 mg/L.
Physicochemical results of tested samples were suitable for drinking
and met World Health Organization (WHO) and Tanzania Standards
guidelines for drinking water. For total coliform count, the majority
of water samples (78%) were excellent while for Escherichia coli all
samples (100%) were excellent. Therefore, the study concluded that,
water from water vending machines is fit for human consumption. In
order to safeguard public health, the study recommends public
awareness, regular water testing and monitoring its quality.
Keywords
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