MICROBIAL EVALUATION AND PHYSIOCHEMICAL STUDY OF WASTEWATER PRODUCE FROM HOME

Domestic wastewater generated from kitchens and toilets represents a significant source of environmental pollution and public health concern due to its high microbial and chemical load. This study investigated the microbial and physicochemical characteristics of domestic wastewater samples collected from kitchen and toilet effluents. The total heterotrophic bacterial counts ranged from 13.1 × 10⁶ to 12.6 × 10⁷ CFU/mL, while total mold counts ranged from 2.1 × 10³ to 7.5 × 10⁴ SFU/mL, indicating substantial microbial contamination. The bacterial isolates identified included Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhi, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, whereas Fusarium oxysporum and Candida albicans were the predominant fungal species. Physicochemical analysis revealed temperature (10–30 °C), pH (6.5–8.5), turbidity (5–50 NTU), total suspended solids (10–50 mg/L), biochemical oxygen demand (10–40 mg/L), and chemical oxygen demand (200–1000 mg/L), all suggesting high organic pollution and eutrophication potential. These findings demonstrate that untreated domestic wastewater contains diverse microorganisms, including pathogenic species, and significant pollutant loads that can negatively impact human health and the environment. It is recommended that adequate treatment, monitoring, and public awareness measures be adopted to mitigate the risks associated with domestic wastewater discharge