Effect of Storage Conditions on Physicochemical Parameters of Stream Water

Abstract

The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of storage conditions(time, containers and locations) on physicochemical parameters of stream water in Awka, Anambra State,Nigeria. Water sample were collected from Ezustream in Amansi, Awka. The water was stored in clay pots, white and blue plastics, plain and black metal, inside and outside laboratory for twenty-eight days, within which analysis were carried out at intervals of three days. Results of the analyses were compared with World Health Organization (WHO) and Nigerian Standard for drinking water quality guidelines to evaluate its suitability for potable and domestic purposes. Results indicated that all physicochemical parameters were within WHO standard except colour concentration. Statistically at 5% significant level, storage time affected all parameters except total alkalinity, chloride and total hardness (inside) and total hardness (outside).Storage containers were affected by chloride and colour (inside), total suspended solids, chloride and colour concentrations (outside). On locations, blue plastic and black metal containers parameters were mostly affected, which implies that they are not suitable or best for storing stream water. This study has shown that storage containers have effect on water quality. Consequently, it is recommended that stream water should be stored in clay pot, white plastic and plain metal containers(inside and outside) as time improves water quality.