Author(s): Chukwuemeka Kingsley John; Jaan H. Pu
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Abstract: The Quantitative Microbial Risk Assessment (QMRA) is a useful technique for determining the health hazards associated with drinking water polluted with microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, and parasites. QMRA models are used to evaluate the likelihood and extent of adverse health consequences from pathogen exposure. The possibility of getting gastrointestinal illnesses, such as diarrhoea, vomiting, and stomach pains, is one of the key health hazards assessed by QMRA models. It also considers how the quality of the source water affects the risk profile. The evaluation of roof-harvested rainwater (RHRW) in the study area of Lagos State Nigeria was done, and recommendations were made to lessen unfavourable health risks to inhabitants. Various types, designs, and applications of rainwater collecting systems have been evaluated in the research region to identify the risk of human exposure to Escherichia coli (E. coli). To achieve these goals, a comprehensive study of 125 homes was undertaken, and the results indicated that a quarter of the respondents drink RHRW. The risk of E. coli exposure from RHRW used as potable water has been estimated using QMRA technique, based on the usage of 2 L of rainwater per capita per day. The estimated maximum risk of E. coli exposure from consuming roof-harvested rainwater (RHRW) treated with alum, and without any household water treatment methods (HHTTs), was 96 and 100 cases of illness per 10,000 exposed households annually, respectively. This QMRA was calculated on the assumption that 7% of E. coli is potentially harmful and viable. The QMRA findings revealed that those who harvest and consume rainwater without using HHTTs are at a very high risk of bacterial illness. However, the findings revealed that two of the three commonly used HHTTs are beneficial in reducing the risk of infection. RHRW must be disinfected before use to mitigate the risk of E. coli contamination.
Year: 2024