pH Precursors as a Factor for Assessing Rainwater Quality in Roofing Sheets: A Case Study of Rivers State, Nigeria

Abstract

Rainwater harvesting is vital for water management in water-scarce regions. This study in Rivers State, Nigeria, assesses rainwater quality from different roofing sheets, emphasizing critical pH precursors. Results show a pH range from 4.50 to 7.90, shifting toward alkalinity with increased rainfall. Temperature rises steadily, while conductivity, turbidity, total dissolved solids, and suspended solids decrease during the wet season. Anionic composition showed that Rumuodomaya/Rumuodome had a high level of 4.77 mg/L nitrate, 1.32 mg/L nitrite, and 1.15 mg/L phosphate, while Chokocho has a high level of 11.51 mg/L chloride, 6.48 mg/L sulfate and 3.44 mg/L hydrogen carbonate compared to Ogale and Diobu for zinc roof. Light metal composition indicates concentrations of sodium, calcium, potassium, ammonium, and aluminum. The neutralization factor analysis highlights NH4+ importance, with Ca2+, Na+, and Mg2+ play significant roles. Hierarchical and factor analysis showed that influences from industrial emissions, agriculture, biomass burning, road construction, limestone mining, soil resuspension, and metabolic processes impact rainwater’s ionic composition. pH emerges as critical, reflecting anthropogenic influences. pH is critical in all aspects of ionic influence from anthropogenic sources that can impact the rainwater quality over a long period. So, rainwater must be treated before consumption or usage for domestic purposes.