Water Quality Variability and Its Implications for Mosquito Breeding: A Comparative Study from Northern Nigeria

Abstract Background Mosquito breeding habitat characteristics critically influence the abundance, survival, and distribution of malaria vectors. Aquatic habitat physicochemical properties influence larval development and may contribute to ecological adaptation and insecticide resistance. This study evaluated the physicochemical characteristics of mosquito breeding habitats across selected locations in Kano, Bauchi, and Kogi States, Nigeria. Methods A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted using water samples collected from nine mosquito breeding habitats, with three sampling sites selected from each state. Water temperature was measured in situ , while pH, dissolved oxygen, conductivity, total dissolved solids (TDS), salinity, turbidity, total hardness, ammonia, nitrate, and phosphate concentrations were determined using standard analytical procedures. All measurements were performed in triplicate. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), with statistical significance set at P < 0.05. Results Significant variation was observed in the physicochemical characteristics of mosquito breeding habitats across the study areas. Dissolved oxygen ranged from 2.0 to 4.7 mg/L, pH from 6.1 to 7.2, and water temperature from 28.7 to 30.8°C. Conductivity and total dissolved solids were highest in Kano and Azare, while Ibaji recorded the highest turbidity and nutrient concentrations. Salinity remained consistently low across all breeding habitats. One-way ANOVA indicated significant differences ( P < 0.05 ) in several physicochemical parameters among the sampling locations, reflecting substantial heterogeneity in habitat quality. Conclusions The findings demonstrate that mosquito breeding habitats in northern Nigeria differ significantly in their physicochemical characteristics, reflecting varying environmental and anthropogenic influences. These variations may affect habitat suitability for mosquito development and have important implications for malaria vector ecology and integrated vector management. Vector surveillance programmes should include continuous monitoring of local water quality to strengthen evidence-based malaria control strategies.