Chemical Quality of Bottled Water in Nigeria: A Systematic Review

Abstract

The global surge in bottled water consumption is attributed partly, to consumers perception that bottled water is superior than tap in terms of physical, microbial, and chemical qualities. However, a comprehensive study on the actual chemical quality parameters of bottled water, especially in developing countries like Nigeria, with less stringent monitoring, to justify this claim is lacking. This paper provides a synthesis of literature on chemical quality of bottled water in Nigeria. A systematic review of available peer-reviewed literatures was conducted using adapted Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta- Analysis (PRISMA) model. A total of seventeen peer-reviewed studies were descriptively analysed. The finding shows that most bottled water samples analyzed breached the chemical quality guidelines prescribed by Standards Organization of Nigeria (SON). This finding has implications for bottled water consumption, water and public health policies, and marketing strategy in developing countries.