PHYSICOCHEMICAL PARAMETERS AND MICROBIAL ANALYSIS OF HARVESTED RAINWATER FROM VARIOUS HOUSEHOLD IN AGBOR

This study assessed the physicochemical and bacteriological quality of harvested water from four locations in Agbor Metropolis, Delta State, Nigeria. Parameters such as pH, temperature, electrical conductivity (EC), total dissolved solids (TDS), and dissolved oxygen (DO) were evaluated using ANOVA, alongside the morphological, biochemical, and taxonomic characteristics of bacterial isolates. Results showed no statistically significant differences across locations for pH, temperature, EC, and DO, though TDS values approached significance (p = 0.05311), with the highest recorded in Boji-Boji (42.25 mg/L) and the lowest in Agbor-Obi (16.75 mg/L). All physicochemical parameters met WHO and Federal Ministry of Water Resources (FMWR) standards, except for pH, which was consistently acidic (4.08–5.28), falling below the recommended range (6.5–8.5). Bacteriological analysis revealed diverse colony morphologies and high microbial loads, particularly in Agbor-Obi, with isolates including Escherichia coli, Streptobacillus moniliformis, Bacillus cereus, and Klebsiella pneumoniae. All isolates tested positive for catalase and Simmon’s citrate but negative for urease activity. Gram-negative rods predominated, with variation in cell arrangement and species distribution across locations. The presence of enteric pathogens and high microbial diversity highlights potential public health risks, emphasizing the need for water treatment and regular monitoring in the study area. The findings align with similar regional studies and underscore the ecological resilience of waterborne bacteria in untreated rainwater sources.