EVALUATION OF THE MICROBIOLOGICAL QUALITY OF WATER FROM NATURAL SOURCES IN THE DISTRICT OF ARAJARA

Abstract

Ordinance GM/MS n⁰ 888, of May 4, 2021 defines as a microbiological criterion the absence of Escherichia coli in water for human consumption. Aiming at public health, analyzes are important to ensure good water quality in the microbiological aspect, given that the presence of these microorganisms indicates contamination and can cause pathologies. The esteemed work aims to evaluate the microbiological quality in springs used for human consumption in the district of Arajara in Barbalha, Ceará. The qualitative method of the chromogenic-fluorogenic substrate was used, and in triplicate. The water was collected from three springs located specifically on the Macaúba site, in the city of Barbalha. Nine collection bottles, gelox and a styrofoam box were used for sample conservation. For the procedure, the samples were taken to the laboratory hood using the Bunsen burner. A chromogenic-fluorogenic substrate was added to each flask containing 100 mL of the sample, which were then incubated in an oven at 37⁰ C for 24 hours. During the analysis, the presence of total coliforms and Escherichia coli was detected in all samples. In this context, Escherichia coli is indicative of fecal contamination because it lives mainly in the intestinal tract of humans and warm-blooded animals. It is concluded that the water from the three evaluated sources is unfit for consumption, since according to current legislation, water suitable for human consumption must be free of Escherichia coli.

Keyword: Total coliforms; Escherichia coli; Springs.