Impact of Storage Container Materials on Physicochemical and Microbial Water Quality: A Comparative Study
Mohan KR *
Department of Agribusiness and Food Processing, Mahatma Gandhi Rural Development and Panchayat Raj University, Gadag 582101, Karnataka, India.
Akshata M Bannikoppa
Department of Agribusiness and Food Processing, Mahatma Gandhi Rural Development and Panchayat Raj University, Gadag 582101, Karnataka, India.
Mohammed Azharuddin B R
Department of Agribusiness and Food Processing, Mahatma Gandhi Rural Development and Panchayat Raj University, Gadag 582101, Karnataka, India.
Preeti R Hungund
Department of Agribusiness and Food Processing, Mahatma Gandhi Rural Development and Panchayat Raj University, Gadag 582101, Karnataka, India.
Megha MD
Department of Agribusiness and Food Processing, Mahatma Gandhi Rural Development and Panchayat Raj University, Gadag 582101, Karnataka, India.
Ruqsar Khanum
Department of Agribusiness and Food Processing, Mahatma Gandhi Rural Development and Panchayat Raj University, Gadag 582101, Karnataka, India.
Ganavi B. R
Department of Food Science and Nutrition, University of Agricultural Sciences, GKVK, Bengaluru, 560065, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Background: Improper household water storage significantly contributes to the global burden of waterborne diseases by facilitating microbial contamination after collection. Post-collection water storage in suboptimal materials compromises drinking water safety, particularly in resource-limited settings. This study evaluated the impact of common storage materials—plastic, stainless steel, copper, and earthen pots—on physicochemical and microbiological water quality.
Methods: Water samples from Kuntavalli (India) were stored in four materials for ten days at 27°C. Physicochemical parameters (pH, TDS, turbidity, alkalinity, chloride, calcium, hardness) and microbial growth (yeast/mold, E. coli, coliforms) were analyzed in triplicate for reproducibility at intervals (0, 1, 3, 5, 7, 10 days) using Bureau of Indian Standards methods. ANOVA was performed to assess the significance of differences among treatments and their interactions.
Results: Copper demonstrated superior antimicrobial properties, inhibiting yeast/mold and E. coli until day 10, though it increased TDS (118.7→212.5 mg/L) and hardness (56→180 mg/L). Earthen pots enriched minerals (hardness: 56→190 mg/L; calcium: 1.7→5.6 mg/L) but showed early microbial contamination (yeast/mold and E. coli by day 3). Plastic degraded water quality significantly (pH: 6.13→5.42; TDS: 118.7→103.5 mg/L) and accelerated microbial growth (day 5). Stainless steel maintained physicochemical stability but lacked antimicrobial efficacy (E. coli by day 7).
Conclusion: This study confirms that water storage outcomes are material-dependent and time-sensitive, with interactions driving most variations. Copper is optimal for microbial safety, ideal for settings with limited water treatment access. Earthen pots enhance mineral content but require stringent hygiene. Plastic is unsuitable for long-term storage due to contamination risks. Material selection critically influences water safety and public health outcomes.
Keywords: Water storage, copper antimicrobial, microbial contamination, earthen pot, plastic leaching, water quality parameters