PHYSICOCHEMICAL AND BACTERIOLOGICAL ANALYSIS OF SOIL POLLUTED BY DOMESTIC WASTEWATER IN AGBOR, DELTA STATE

Environmental pollution remains a major threat to ecosystems, particularly in rapidly growing regions where domestic wastewater is discharged untreated into soil and water bodies. Domestic wastewater, a mix of greywater and blackwater, contains organic matter, nutrients, detergents, pathogens, and trace toxicants that can degrade soil quality. Previous studies have reported that such wastewater alters soil pH, increases salinity, introduces heavy metals, and elevates bacterial contamination, especially fecal coliforms.This study investigated the effects of domestic wastewater on the physicochemical and bacteriological properties of soil in Agbor, Delta State, Nigeria. Soil samples were collected from two contaminated sites (OS and IE) and a control site (BS). Standard laboratory procedures were used to analyze physicochemical parameters, heavy metals, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and bacterial counts.Results showed that polluted soils had elevated electrical conductivity and chloride levels, indicating salinization. In contrast, organic carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus were significantly depleted. Heavy metals (Na, Ca, Mg, Pb, Cd, Cr, Ni) and PAHs including benzo[a]pyrene were higher in polluted soils. Sample OS recorded the highest heterotrophic (22.67 ± 1.45 CFU) and coliform (34.00 ± 2.08 CFU) counts, confirming fecal contamination.The findings confirm that domestic wastewater significantly affects soil through physicochemical and microbial pathways. Phytoremediation is recommended as a cost-effective and sustainable strategy for restoring soil health in contaminated environments.