A Close Look at Benghazi's Market
In a Libyan city, a simple bottle of water reveals a story of science, safety, and public trust.
For many residents of Benghazi, and indeed across Libya, turning to bottled water is a daily act of necessity. With a public network often described as unstable and concerns about the quality of tap water widespread, bottled water has become a primary source of drinking water for a majority of households . But how much do consumers really know about what's inside those sealed bottles? A scientific investigation into the local market of Benghazi set out to answer this very question, revealing findings that are both reassuring and concerning.
In an arid country like Libya, clean water is not a luxury; it is a critical resource for survival and health. The nation's water security is under constant pressure from contamination, including seawater intrusion into coastal aquifers and pollution from industrial activities 1 . This context makes the availability of safe, reliable drinking water a paramount concern for every citizen.
Measures like pH, Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), and levels of specific elements like sodium, calcium, and magnesium.
Crucial test for safety, checking for the presence of harmful bacteria that can indicate contamination.
The information on the bottle's label must truthfully represent the water's composition.
In January 2023, a team of researchers conducted a crucial study to evaluate the quality of bottled drinking water available in Benghazi's local market 2 5 . The drive for this research was the notable lack of sufficient studies on the many new brands that had recently appeared on store shelves 2 .
The study's findings, drawn from the laboratory reports, presented a mixed picture of the market's quality.
| Parameter | Findings | Compliance |
|---|---|---|
| Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) | < 126 mg/L | Within limits |
| Electrical Conductivity | < 209 micromhos/cm | N/A |
| Sodium (Na+) | Average of 26.4 mg/L | Within limits |
The results showed that for most physicochemical parameters, the bottled waters were of good quality. The levels of dissolved salts and sodium were significantly below the upper safety limits, making the water safe for consumption from a chemical perspective 2 .
The findings in Benghazi are not an isolated case. Similar research conducted in other parts of Libya echoes these concerns, pointing to a national challenge.
While tested domestic bottled waters were generally within accepted bacteriological ranges, household Reverse Osmosis (RO) water stations posed a significant risk, with many samples showing high bacterial counts 3 .
Evaluation of 11 brands found that the total number of bacteria in some samples exceeded the permissible limits of the Libyan standard for bottled drinking water 8 .
A study focusing on labels found that while analysis mostly complied with standards, the values on bottles still differed from the real values detected in the laboratory 7 .
Understanding how researchers determine water safety can demystify the process. Here are the key tools and reagents they use:
An electronic device that measures the acidity or alkalinity of the water. This is important because extreme pH levels can affect the water's taste and indicate corrosion or metal leaching .
This instrument measures the electrical conductivity of water, which is directly related to the concentration of dissolved ionic solids. It provides a quick check of the water's mineral content .
A multiparameter photometer is used to measure the concentration of specific ions like sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, chloride, and sulfate .
This device measures the cloudiness of water, which is caused by suspended particles. High turbidity can shield microorganisms and affect disinfection efficiency .
The research from Benghazi provides valuable insight into a product that thousands rely on daily. It reveals a market that is largely compliant in terms of chemical safety but shows alarming lapses in microbial quality for some brands. Coupled with issues of inaccurate labeling, the study underscores a critical need for consistent and rigorous quality control from production to the point of sale.
For consumers, the message is clear: while many brands are safe, blind trust is not an option. The findings highlight the importance of strengthening regulatory oversight and ensuring that the labels on every bottle of water truthfully reflect the liquid within. In a country where water is as precious as it is in Libya, ensuring its safety is not just a scientific exercise—it is a fundamental requirement for public health.