The incidence of Legionella and Acanthamoeba  was correlated to microbial indicator analysis and physico-chemical characteristics of rainwater harvested from catchment areas constructed from galvanized zinc, Chromadek®, and asbestos, respectively.

Quantitative PCR (qPCR) analysis indicated that no significant difference (p > 0.05) in copy numbers of Legionella spp. and Acanthamoeba spp. was recorded in tank water samples collected from the respective roofing materials.

Results obtained in the current study thus indicate that the incidence of Acanthamoeba and Legionella spp. in harvested rainwater was not influenced by the roofing material utilized. Moreover, it is essential that the microbial quality of rainwater be assessed before this water source is implemented for potable and domestic uses as untreated harvested rainwater may lead to legionellosis and amoebae infections.

Read more: http://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11270-017-3270-3