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Effects of Plastic Storage Containers and Time on Potable Water

Mikailu, J., Faruk, H. A. and Vanke, I.

Department of Agricultural and Bio-Environmental Engineering Technology, Adamawa State

Polytechnic, Yola.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.51583/IJLTEMAS.2026.150500119

Received: 24 May 2026; Accepted: 29 May 2026; Published: 06 June 2026

ABSTRACT

Water tanks are liquid storage containers that store water for human consumption. They are usually made of

polyethylene (plastic), steel, clay, ceramics and fiber glass. The need to investigate the changes in water quality

during storage in different types of water storage tanks or vessels is very crucial in establishing which tank

contributes to deterioration or improvement of stored water during storage. Two sources of potable water (tap

water and borehole water) were stored in three water storage tanks for a period of six weeks. The tanks include

black plastic tank, blue plastic tank and green plastic tank. The water quality parameters examined were

Temperature, Taste, Odour, Colour, Turbidity, Conductivity, pH and Total Heterotrophic Bacteria (THB).

However, all parameters listed above were analyzed at a sampling frequency of seven days interval. The results

showed that among the different coloured storage tanks used, black plastic tank was the best in terms of preserving

water quality. The range in the following examined toxic parameters Total heterotrophic bacteria in tap water

stored in black plastic tank, green plastic tank and blue plastic tank were 2×102CFU/100mL –

106×102CFU/100mL, 2×102CFU/100mL – 116×102CFU/100mL and 2×102CFU/100mL –

118×102CFU/100mL respectively. On the other hand, the range for the said parameters for borehole water stored

in black plastic tank, green plastic tank and blue plastic tank were respectively 6×102CFU/100mL –

100×102CFU/100mL, 6×102CFU/100mL – 104×102CFU/100mL and 6×102CFU/100mL –

108×102CFU/100mL. Also, findings from the study recommends that, the maximum retention period for storing

tap water or borehole water in plastic tanks to be at most 3weeks. From this work, it was established that, black

plastic materials should be considered first when selecting a container material for storing water in large capacity.

INTRODUCTION

Water is a chemical substance that is composed of two atoms of hydrogen and an atom of oxygen [1]. In typical

usage, water refers to only its liquid form or state, but the substance also has a solid state known as ice, and a

gaseous state called steam or water vapor. According to [2], water to be consumed by man/animals should fall

within the range of certain limits set by World Health Organization (W.H.O.) often known as drinking water

standards. Such water that is fit for human consumption is called potable water.

Water is readily available all over the world but only a very few proportion of it is potable or fit for human

consumption [3]. Hence, there is the need of storing potable water in containers in order to ensure continuity in

supply during interruption or disaster. Such containers used in storing water are called water storage reservoirs

or tanks. Storage reservoirs are available in various forms based on the material of construction such as buckets,

bottles, pots, GP tanks, over-head tanks, etc. A good storage reservoir should be able to maintain the quality (i.e.

physio-chemical and bacteriological properties) of the water during period of storage or have minimal effect on

the stored water when compared with the water source/W.H.O. standards, [4].

Plastic tanks are the most commonly used with its advantage being low cost, durability and of low maintenance

[5]. While all the types of storage tanks mentioned above have all been considered useful in storing potable water

by Standard Organization of Nigeria (SON), the fact remains that they come in variety of colours and the optimum

retention periods for storing water in these tanks are not usually stated. The quality of potable water after storage

in containers has always been questionable whether it improves or deteriorates. However, microbiological

growth, temperature changes and quality deterioration has been noted and documented in certain storage tanks

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by several researchers. Hence, this research was aimed to determine whether plastic water storage container

materials and colours actually have effect on the deterioration in quality of stored water.

The research was carried out to provide the best plastic storage container for the use of families and the general

public to obtain potable water. It was also pointed out the retention time for the plastic storage container so that

water users will know the maximum storage period for water consumption.

The study was limited to potable water pumped directly from borehole at the Bekaji Public Borehole of the

Adamawa State Water Board, Yola. The water storage containers/tanks were limited to polyethylene plastic

tanks. While the colours of the plastic tanks were limited to black, green and blue buckets that was used for the

research.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Study Area

The water source for this research was obtained at the Bekaji Public Borehole of the Adamawa State Water Board,

Yola. The water source is located between longitude 12° 25' to 12°30' E and latitude 9° 12' to 9°17' N ( GPS).

The water source was chosen because of its close proximity to the Adamawa State Polytechnic Yola, where most

of the water analysis was carried out and as the closest public borehole that serve a large community and is

functional to date.

Sampling and Sampling Frequency

Water samples for analysis was obtained by opening the taps fitted in the storage vessels containing the water

sources, and allowing the water to run for few minutes before collecting the water in sample bottles. Great care

was taken during sampling to avoid contamination of the samples being collected as well as proper labeling of

the sample bottles to avoid errors.

The frequency of sampling was seven (7) days interval (i.e weekly basis). This sampling frequency is in line with

previous works carried out by [6] as well as [7].

Test Procedures

Before analyzing the water quality parameters, the three prototype containers were filled with water and test-run

for one week and afterward, suitable modifications was made against leakages. Most parameters were analyzed

as specified in the Standard Methods for Examination of Water and Waste water, these includes temperature,

turbidity, odour, taste and colour. Others includes electrical conductivity, pH, and total heterotrophic bacteria.

Temperature

Temperature measurement were done with the use of a thermometer by extracting sample from the storage

container into a test tube and inserting the thermometer immediately into the sample. The temperature reading

were recorded at the point where the thermometric fluid in the thermometer remains constant.

Turbidity

This was determined with the use of HACH 2100N Turbidimeter made by HANNA, LTD, England. The device

was standardized with respect to the standard cell in the device at 0.14 NTU (Naphelometric Turbidity Unit) and

after which, the sample was well shaken and poured into another cell. A tissue paper was used in cleaning the

walls of the cell in other to remove any finger print and it was thereafter replaced with the standard cell. The

reading was recorded directly from the LCD in NTU.

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Odour

The determination of odour for each sample was carried out by giving the water sample to ten persons selected

at random to perceive. The observations from these persons (i.e objectionable/unobjectionable) were the same in

each of the water sample.

Taste

Just like odour, the determination of the taste of water stored in each of the tanks was carried out in a similar way

like odour. That is, the water samples were given to ten different persons selected at random to taste. The

comments from these persons (objectionable/unobjectionable) were also the same in each of the water sample.

3.3.3 Colour

pH

The pH of the water sample was measured with the aid of a HI83200 Multi-parameter Photometer made by

HANNA, LTD, England. It was achieved by switching “ON” the apparatus and selecting the pH option among

the other parameters. Next, the removal of the cuvette and rinsing it with distilled water and later with the sample

to be determined. The sample was well shaken and 10 ml of it was measured into the cuvette and after which, it

was covered with the cuvette cap. This was followed by cleaning the sides of the cuvette with a tissue paper in

order to remove any finger print. The cuvette was then inserted properly into the apparatus until it read was zero,

for the sake of standardizing the machine. The cuvette was removed and then ten drops of phenol red solution

were added into the cuvette and well mixed with the sample in the cuvette. Again, the cuvette was cleaned with

a tissue paper to remove any finger print on the sides. Finally, the cuvette was inserted into the device and the

option “READ” was selected and the pH of the sample was displayed on the LCD.

Electrical conductivity

Measurement of electrical conductivity (EC) was carried out with the aid of HI9835 EC/TDS/NaCl meter, made

by HANNA, LTD, England. It consists of an electrode and a meter. The device was switched “ON” after proper

connection of the electrode to the meter and thereafter, the EC option was selected by continuous pressing of the

key labeled “Range” until µS appeared on the LCD of the apparatus. The sample was thoroughly shaken and

50mL of it were measured into a test tube and afterward, the electrode was completely deep into the test tube

containing the sample. It was ensured that no air bubbles adhere to the electrode. The electrical conductivity of

the sample in µS/cm (micro Mohs per centimeter) was directly read from the LCD of the device.

Total heterotrophic bacteria

All the sample bottles used for bacteriological count were disinfected with methylated sprit while the mouth of

the taps fitted in the storage reservoirs were flamed for about two minutes. The taps were opened and water was

allowed to run for few minutes before filling the sample.

The method used in determining total bacteria was Total Viable Count (TVC) using nutrient agar as culture

media. Prior to the test, the prepared nutrient agar as well as all apparatus such as petri-dish, pipettes, glass bent

rod, etc. were sterilized in an autoclave marching. After sterilization, reasonable quantity of the culture media

was poured into a sterilized petri-dish and 1 ml of the sample was transferred into the petri-dish using a sterilized

pipette. This was followed by gradual spreading of the water sample in the petri-dish with a sterile glass bent rod

and thereafter, it was turned up-side-down and then inoculated in an incubator for 24 hours. The bacteria colonies

observed in the petri-dish after the inoculation was counted via a colony counter.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS

The water quality parameters examined in each of the three water storage tanks or containers used after the

research period elapsed (six weeks or 42 days) are presented in Tables 3.1 to 3.8.

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Temperature

Temperature measurements were taken at about 12 noon on each day of analysis. The temperatures of both water

sources were found to be the same (25 oC) on the first day of the research.

Table 3.1 shows that both sources of water (tap water and borehole water) have no effect on water temperature

during storage but rather, depend on the type and colour of material used in storage as well as the ambient

temperature. This is because irrespective of the water source, similar reservoir materials as well as colours had

the same mean temperature.

Table 3.1: Temperature variations in water stored in tanks during research period (

o

C).

BKPt

GRPt

BLPt

Mean

S.D

CV(%)

BKPb

GRPb

BLPb

Mean

S.D

CV(%)

I-Temp

25

0

25

0

Day 7

28

27.5

27.7

0.758

2.689

28

27.5

27.0

2.550

9.443

Day 14

29

28.5

28.7

1.025

3.485

29

28.5

28.7

3.353

11.939

Day 21

27.5

0.274

0.989

27.5

3.153

11.936

Day 28

28

0.548

1.985

28

28.0

3.141

11.928

Day 35

28

27.5

28

27.8

0.758

2.778

28

27.5

28

27.8

3.056

11.718

Day 42

28.5

29.5

28.5

28.8

0.758

2.588

28.5

3.327

12.024

Mean

27.7

27.6

-

27.7

27.5

-

S.D

1.286

1.376

1.205

-

1.286

1.225

1.190

-

CV (%)

4.644

4.985

4.366

-

4.644

4.454

4.328

-

Legend:

BKPb = Borehole water stored in a black plastic tank,

BKPt = Tap water stored in a black plastic tank,

BLPb = Borehole water stored in a blue plastic tank,

BLPt = Tap water stored in a blue plastic tank,

CV = Coefficient of variation,

GRPb = Borehole water stored in a green plastic tank,

GRPt = Tap water stored in a green plastic tank,

I-Tem= Initial temperature of water before storage,

S.D = Standard deviation,

Black Plastic (BKP) tanks for both water sources had slightly higher water temperatures than those of Blue Plastic

(BLP) and Green Plastic (GRP) tanks. This could be because black bodies are good absorbers of heat, since their

emissivity is one (1).

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Turbidity

The turbidity of tap water and borehole water obtained from the sources before storage were respectively 2.000

and 1.091NTU (Table 3.2). In other words, both water sources met the turbidity level set by W.H.O standard (5

NTU).

Table 3.2: Turbidity variations in water stored in tanks during research period (NTU).

BKPt

GRPt

BLPt

Mean

S.D

CV (%)

BKPb

GRPb

BLPb

Mean

S.D

CV (%)

I-

Conc

2

0

1.091

0

Day 7

2.08

2.07

2.21

2.12

5.879

143.0

0.214

0.209

0.211

2.359

183.1

Day

14

1.96

1.73

1.90

1.59

4.468

121.3

0.197

0.122

0.148

0.156

3.333

221.0

Day

21

1.83

1.56

1.65

1.68

3.361

123.9

0.303

0.317

0.11

0.243

0.591

80.8

Day

28

1.80

1.88

1.92

1.87

4.024

123.1

1.957

0.216

0.49

0.887

3.021

153.2

Day

35

1.95

1.81

1.93

1.89

4.885

138.6

0.259

0.263

0.661

0.394

3.784

178.8

Day

42

1.91

1.80

1.93

1.88

4.164

123.3

0.206

0.166

0.18

0.184

3.762

212.0

Mean

1.933

1.836

1.934

-

0.604

0.662

0.341

-

S.D

0.169

0.098

0.165

-

0.677

0.308

0.337

-

CV

(%)

9.195

5.067

8.532

-

112.09

46.53

98.83

-

Legend:

BKPb = Borehole water stored in a black plastic tank,

BKPt = Tap water stored in a black plastic tank,

BLPb = Borehole water stored in a blue plastic tank,

BLPt = Tap water stored in a blue plastic tank,

CV = Coefficient of variation,

GRPb = Borehole water stored in a green plastic tank,

GRPt = Tap water stored in a green plastic tank,

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I-Conc = Initial concentration before storage,

S.D = Standard deviation,

Odour

The odours of both water sources (tap water and borehole water) before storage were unobjectionable. Table 3.3

also shows that amongst the three coloured storage tanks, the odour of water stored in the all the tanks started

deterioration on the forty-second (42

nd

) day as shown in Table 3.3. The unpleasant odour recorded in the tanks

or containers during the storage period might have emanated from the dead cells (bacteria) that have occurred in

the storage vessels during storage.

Table 3.3: Odour variations in water stored in tanks during research period.

BKP

t

GRP

t

BLP

t

BKP

b

GRP

b

BLP

b

I-Obs

UO

Day 7

UO

Day 14

UO

Day 21

UO

Day 28

UO

Day 35

UO

Day 42

O

Legend:

BKP

b

= Borehole water stored in a black plastic tank,

BKPt = Tap water stored in a black plastic tank,

BLP

b

= Borehole water stored in a blue plastic tank,

BLPt = Tap water stored in a blue plastic tank,

CLP

b

= Borehole water stored in a clay pot,

GRP

b

= Borehole water stored in a green plastic tank,

GRPt = Tap water stored in a green plastic tank,

I-Obs = Initial observation before storage,

Taste

Just as in odour, the tastes of both water sources (tap water and borehole water) before storage were

unobjectionable. Furthermore, the variation patterns of water taste in each of the storage tank or container were

similar to those obtained in the odour of water corresponding to their respective storage vessels while the reverse

was not the case as shown in Table 3.4. This confirm the assertion previously made that the primary source of

the odour recorded in the water samples was as a result of the presence of organic matters such as dead cells or

bacteria [8].

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Table 3.4: Taste variations in water stored in tanks during research period.

BKP

t

GRP

t

BLP

t

BKP

b

GRP

b

BLP

b

I-Obs

UO

Day 7

UO

Day 14

UO

Day 21

UO

Day 28

UO

Day 35

UO

Day 42

O

Legend:

BKP

b

= Borehole water stored in a black plastic tank,

BKPt = Tap water stored in a black plastic tank,

BLP

b

= Borehole water stored in a blue plastic tank,

BLPt = Tap water stored in a blue plastic tank

GRP

b

= Borehole water stored in a green plastic tank,

GRPt = Tap water stored in a green plastic tank,

I-Obs = Initial observation before storage,

O = Objectionable,

UO = Unobjectionable

Furthermore, Table 3.4 disclosed that all the water samples that recorded objectionable odour as shown in Table

3.4 during the research period equally records objectionable taste.

It should be noted that the reason why arithmetic mean, standard deviation and coefficients of variation were not

determined in Tables 3.3 and 3.4 is because the results obtained are not numerical values.

Colour

Both water sources (tap water and borehole water) had same colour i.e 5TCU before storage which is well

acceptable by W.H.O Standard. Table 3.5 showed that the water colour in all the reservoirs increased on the first

week of research and thereafter, remained constant throughout the retention period.

It can be deduced from Table 3.5 that, all the storage vessels had a uniform colour variation during the period of

experiment. Also, the maximum value recorded in these reservoirs was 10 TCU, which is much lesser than the

permissible limit set by W.H.O Standard (15 TCU), indicating that the water stored in these vessels are okay in

terms of colouration.

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Table 3.5: Colour variations in water stored in tanks during research period (TCU).

BKPt

GRPt

BLPt

Mean

S.D

CV (%)

BKPb

GRPb

BLPb

Mean

S.D

CV (%)

I-Colour

5

0

5

0

Day 7

10

4.08

34.99

10

4.08

34.99

Day 14

10

4.08

34.99

10

4.08

34.99

Day 21

10

4.08

34.99

10

4.08

34.99

Day 28

10

4.08

34.99

10

4.08

34.99

Day 35

10

4.08

34.99

10

4.08

34.99

Day 42

10

4.08

34.99

10

4.08

34.99

Mean

10

-

9.3

-

S.D

1.90

-

1.9

-

CV (%)

20.40

-

20.40

-

Legend:

BKP

b

= Borehole water stored in a black plastic tank,

BKPt = Tap water stored in a black plastic tank

BLP

b

= Borehole water stored in a blue plastic tank,

BLPt = Tap water stored in a blue plastic tank,

CV = Coefficient of variation,

GRP

b

= Borehole water stored in a green plastic tank,

GRPt = Tap water stored in a green plastic tank,

I-Colour = Initial colour of water before storage,

S.D = Standard deviation,

Electrical Conductivity

Before storage, the initial E.C value of tap water was recorded to be 118.99µS/cm while that of borehole water

was as high as 707.02µS/cm. The high value of E.C recorded in the borehole water could be attributed to the

geology of the aquifer surrounding the borehole [9].

The results shown in Table 3.6 suggest that the E.C values of the borehole water stored in all the tanks/containers

respond to changes more than those of the tap water. It is important to note that irrespective of the different

variations displayed by the different water sources, both water sources recorded an improvement in E.C

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concentration in the first week and also, all the recorded values were in line with W.H.O standard since the

maximum permissible limit set by W.H.O is 1000µS/cm.

Table 3.6: Electrical conductivity variations in water stored in tanks during research period (µS/cm)

BKPt

GRPt

BLPt

Mean

S.D

CV(%)

BKPb

GRPb

BLPb

Mean

S.D

CV(%)

I-EC

118.99

0

707.02

0

Day 7

91.01

83.95

90.96

88.64

14.99

15.12

637.60

616.05

644.03

632.56

14.39

2.26

Day 14

108.49

118.98

125.96

117.80

10.7

8.95

734.96

728.00

735.02

732.66

33.84

4.78

Day 21

136.45

87.53

97.95

107.31

20.12

17.60

706.97

717.53

734.99

720.16

46.10

6.54

Day 28

112.04

122.54

98.02

110.87

17.39

15.69

714.04

735.01

735.04

728.03

14.97

2.06

Day 35

105.04

112.02

91

102.69

13.46

12.82

637.50

616.08

644.02

632.53

14.00

2.20

Day 42

108.52

119

126

117.84

10.69

8.94

735.03

728.01

735.03

732.69

33.84

4.78

Mean

111.51

109

106.98

-

696.16

692.53

705.02

-

S.D

13.90

16.23

16.02

-

41.715

52.994

42.905

-

CV(%)

12.46

14.89

14.98

-

5.992

7.652

6.086

-

Legend

BKP

b

= Borehole water stored in a black plastic tank,

BKPt = Tap water stored in a black plastic tank,

BLP

b

= Borehole water stored in a blue plastic tank,

BLPt = Tap water stored in a blue plastic tank,

CV = Coefficient of variation,

GRP

b

= Borehole water stored in a green plastic tank,

GRPt = Tap water stored in a green plastic tank,

I-EC = Initial Electrical Conductivity of water before storage,

S.D = Standard deviation,

pH

The initial pH values for both water sources were 6.6 and 7.0 for tap water and borehole water respectively which

is acceptable by W.H.O standard. However, during the storage period, there were instances in which the pH

values recorded were outside the range of the permissible limits set by W.H.O (6.5-8.5). This deviation in pH

from the permissible limits were more noticeable in water stored in green plastic tank (GRPt) and blue plastic

tank (BLPt) respectively on the 14

th

day as can be observed in Table 3.7.

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It is obvious in Table 3.7 that, there was a significant drop in the pH during the thirty-fifth (35

th

) and forty-second

(42

nd

) day of retention. This might be as a result of the high secretion of acid by dead bacteria [10] during the

death phase which occurred this period (35

th

– 42

nd

week).

Table 3.7: pH variations in water stored in tanks or containers during research period.

BKPt

GRPt

BLPt

Mean

S.D

CV (%)

BKPb

GRPb

BLPb

Mean

S.D

CV (%)

I-pH

6.6

0

7.00

7

7.00

0

Day 7

7.0

7.5

7.1

7.20

0.225

3.14

7.20

7.30

7.4

7.30

0.51

6.84

Day 14

8.1

8.8

8.7

8.53

0.172

2.12

7.10

7.60

7.8

7.63

0.58

7.62

Day 21

7.7

8

7.6

7.77

0.266

3.48

7.00

7.20

7.6

7.27

0.45

6.08

Day 28

7.5

7.7

7.6

7.60

0.344

4.63

6.90

7.30

7.6

7.27

0.39

5.43

Day 35

6.0

6.4

6.7

6.37

0.320

4.95

6.30

6.70

6.6

6.53

0.14

2.10

Day 42

6.0

6.7

6.6

6.43

0.601

9.37

6.40

6.30

6.6

6.43

0.19

2.95

Mean

7.0

7.3

-

6.8

7.1

7.2

-

S.D

0.55

0.83

0.62

-

0.32

0.44

0.5

-

CV(%)

7.53

11.86

8.61

-

4.638

6.197

6.944

-

Legend:

BKP

b

= Borehole water stored in a black plastic tank,

BKPt = Tap water stored in a black plastic tank,

BLP

b

= Borehole water stored in a blue plastic tank,

BLPt = Tap water stored in a blue plastic tank,

CV = Coefficient of variation,

GRP

b

= Borehole water stored in a green plastic tank,

GRPt = Tap water stored in a green plastic tank,

I-pH = Initial pH value of water before storage,

S.D = Standard deviation,

Total Heterotrophic Bacteria

Both water sources (tap water and borehole water) used for the research were not completely free from total

bacteria before the storage, as they were respectively containing 2 and 6 CFU/mL of total bacteria respectively.

This signifies that the sources where these water samples were drawn, met the requirement set by W.H.O Standard

for Drinking water Quality in terms of total bacteria (100CFU/mL or 10

4

CFU/100mL) as at the time the water

samples were collected (25

th

August, 2024).

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The growth of bacteria in the storage tanks suggests that either; the few bacteria present in the water samples

prior to storage were spore-forming bacteria that might have shield themselves against the un-conducive

environment caused by residual chlorine, or bacteria from the surrounding environment might have found their

way into the stored water in the vessels.

Based on the information displayed in Table 3.8, it can be concluded that; total bacteria growth rate in water

stored in green and blue tanks were more than those recorded in black tanks.

Table 3.8: Total Heterotrophic Bacteria (THB) variations in water stored in tanks during research period

(×10

2

CFU/100mL).

BKPt

GRPt

BLPt

Mean

S.D

CV (%)

BKPb

GRPb

BLPb

Mean

S.D

CV (%)

I-

Conc

2

0

6

0

Day 7

11

16

33

20

8

36

12

15

14

12

51

Day

14

19

27

29

25

26

52

23

34

41

33

24

45

Day

21

58

63

51

57

33

40

51

67

63

60

31

36

Day

28

66

80

76

74

23

26

85

96

94

92

36

30

Day

35

106

116

114

112

17

14

100

104

108

104

15

13

Day

42

104

112

118

111

16

94

96

100

97

9

8

Mean

52

59

60

_

71

60

_

S.D

48

42

37

_

38

41

40

_

CV

(%)

61

74

67

_

54

68

67

_

Legend:

BKPb = Borehole water stored in a black plastic tank,

BKPt = Tap water stored in a black plastic tank,

BLPb = Borehole water stored in a blue plastic tank,

BLPt = Tap water stored in a blue plastic tank,

CV = Coefficient of variation,

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GRPb = Borehole water stored in a green plastic tank,

GRPt = Tap water stored in a green plastic tank,

I-Conc = Initial concentration before storage,

S.D = Standard deviation

Figure 3.1 shows the relationship between the three colored water storage tanks from tap and total heterotrophic

bacteria with time in days. The graph shows that the black storage tank was having less concentration of THB of

11X10

2

CFU/100mL after seven days, when compared with the green and blue tanks with THB concentration of

16X10

2

CFU/100mL and 33X10

2

CFU/100mL respectively. The graph also shows that after an interval of each

seven days and for complete 42 days of water storage in the three colored tanks, the concentration of THB was

less in the black plastic tank than the other two tanks except on the 21

st

day that the blue tank was having less

concentration THB than the black tank.

Figure 3.1: Relationship between three colored water storage tanks from tap and THB with time

Figure 3.2: Relationship between three colored water storage tanks from borehole and THB with time

Figure 3.2 shows the relationship between the three colored water storage tanks from borehole and total

heterotrophic bacteria with time in days. The graph shows that the black storage tank was having less

0

20

40

60

80

100

120

140

0 10 20 30 40 50

Total Heterotrophic Bacteria

(X10

2

CFU/100ML)

Time in days

BKpt GRpt BLpt

0

20

40

60

80

100

120

0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45

Total Heterotrophic Bacteria

(X10

2

CFU/100ML)

Time in days

BKPb GRPb BLPb

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concentration of THB of 12X10

2

CFU/100mL after seven days, when compared with the green and blue tanks

with THB concentration of 15X10

2

CFU/100mL and 15X10

2

CFU/100mL respectively. The graph also shows that

after an interval of each seven days and for complete 42 days of water storage in the three colored tanks, the

concentration of THB was less in the black plastic tank than the other two tanks.

Determination of Best Storage Tank in Terms of Water Quality Preservation

The container material and colour that best preserved water quality during storage was determined by calculating

the coefficients of weekly variation of the examined parameters (Table 3.1 to 3.8). Thereafter, the minimum

values (coefficients of weekly variation) of these parameters in each of the storage materials were noted as shown

in Table 3.9 and 3.10.

Since Table 3.9 and 3.10 showed that the highest percentage of minimum coefficients of variation, for the weekly

changes of parameters is 2, which corresponds to tap water and bore hole water stored in black plastic tanks (i.e

BKP

t

and BKP

b

), it simply suggests that black plastic tank best preserved the water quality parameters among

the other water storage tanks used.

Table 3.9: Number of parameters having minimum coefficients of weekly variations in stored tap water.

Storage tank

Parameter

No. of Parameters

BKP

t

Total Heterotrophic Bacteria (THB) and pH

2

GRP

t

Turbidity

1

BLP

t

Temperature

1

Legend:

BKP

t

= Tap water stored in a black plastic tank,

BLP

t

= Tap water stored in a blue plastic tank,

GRP

t

= Tap water stored in a green plastic tank,

Table 3.10: Number of parameters having minimum coefficients of weekly variations in stored borehole water

Storage tank

Parameter

No. of Parameters

BKP

b

Total Heterotrophic Bacteria (THB) and pH

2

GRP

b

Turbidity

1

BLP

b

Temperature

1

Legend:

BKPb = Borehole water stored in a black plastic tank,

BLPb = Borehole water stored in a blue plastic tank,

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GRPb = Borehole water stored in a green plastic tank,

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I wish to acknowledge the support of my student, Mr. Aminu Garba, who used his time and energy to complete

this work. I also want to acknowledge all the lecturers in Agricultural and Bio-Environmental Engineering

Technology Department, Adamawa State Polytechnic Yola.

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