Analysis Of Microbial Abundance And Sanitation Gaps Between Two Communities Of Quetta

Abstract

This study provides a comprehensive assessment of sanitation gaps, microbial contamination, and environmental factors in low-income (LIC) and middle-income (MIC) urban communities of Quetta, Pakistan. A mixed-methods approach was employed, combining structured household surveys, water and soil microbial analyses, and GIS-based environmental mapping. A total of 105 households were surveyed to capture demographic profiles, water access, sanitation infrastructure, hygiene practices, waste management, and health outcomes. Water and soil samples were collected from four key locations—Eastern Bypass, Sariab Road, Spini Road, and Jinnah Town—and analyzed for physical, chemical, and microbiological parameters. GIS mapping assessed land surface temperature, precipitation, vegetation cover, and carbon monoxide concentration to contextualize environmental influences on microbial risks.

Results indicated that LIC households faced significant challenges, including reliance on unregulated water sources, shared and poorly maintained toilets, open dumping, and inadequate drainage. These conditions correlated with higher microbial contamination in household water, surfaces, and soil, as well as increased prevalence of waterborne diseases such as diarrhea, typhoid, and cholera. MIC households demonstrated better access to piped water, private toilets, and municipal waste collection, resulting in lower microbial abundance and improved health outcomes, though occasional gaps in water reliability and hygiene practices persisted. Environmental mapping revealed that areas with higher temperatures, low vegetation cover, and variable rainfall, particularly Eastern Bypass and Sariab Road, exacerbated microbial proliferation.

The study highlights the interplay of socio-economic, behavioral, infrastructural, and environmental factors in shaping sanitation and microbial risk. Findings underscore the need for integrated interventions combining reliable water supply, improved sanitation infrastructure, waste management, behavior-change education, and participatory community engagement. Targeted support for low-income households, coupled with GIS-informed environmental planning, can substantially reduce microbial contamination and improve public health outcomes in rapidly urbanizing areas.