Bacteriological Safety and Antibiotic Resistance of Pathogens in Packaged Drinking Water: Evidence from Agbor, Delta State, Nigeria, and Implications for SDG 3 and SDG 6

Abstract

Access to safe drinking water remains a significant public health concern in developing regions, including Nigeria, where sachet and bottled water have become popular alternatives to unreliable municipal supplies. This study comparatively assessed the microbiological quality of sachet and bottled water sold in Agbor, Delta State, Nigeria. A total of sixteen water samples eight sachet and eight bottled were collected at different locations in Agbor, Delta State and analyzed for heterotrophic bacteria, coliforms and antibiotic susceptibility using standard microbiological techniques. The results revealed variable microbial loads across brands. Sachet water samples exhibited heterotrophic bacterial counts ranging from 10.67 to 41.67 CFU/mL, while bottled water samples ranged from 12.00 to 47.00 CFU/mL. Although these counts were below the WHO and NIS threshold of 100 CFU/mL, coliform bacteria strictly prohibited in potable water were detected in all samples, with counts ranging from 20.00 to 44.33 CFU/mL. This indicates potential fecal contamination and public health risk. Pathogenic bacteria such as Salmonella, Shigella, Escherichia coli, Vibrio, and Staphylococcus aureus were also isolated, highlighting significant lapses in production hygiene. Antibiotic susceptibility tests further revealed varying resistance patterns among isolates, underscoring the need for stricter regulatory oversight. Overall, the findings indicate that both sachet and bottled water sold in Agbor may pose microbiological risks and call for improved quality control measures in water packaging industries.