Abstract

DIAGNOSIS OF POTABILITY OF WATER FROM MIXED BOATS FROM THE STATE OF AMAZONAS-BRAZIL

Jerfeson Caldas, Augusto Kluczkovski-Junior, Marco Aurélio Pinto, Ariane Mendonça Kluczkovski*, Arine Lopes Jacinto, Samir de Carvalho Buzaglo Pinto, Vinícius Martins and Andrea Waichman

ABSTRACT

This study aimed to verify the potability of the water served in drinking fountains of mixed vessels in Amazonas State-Brazil. For that matter, the presence or absence of Escherichia coli was evaluated in 52 water samples collected. The pH content was also tested in 37 samples. The Colilert® Kit was used for qualitative detection. Out of the 52 samples, 27 (51.22%) were positive while 25 (48.07%) were negative for Escherichia coli. According to Brazilian law, E. coli should be absent in 100 mL of water. The pH ranged from 5.45 to 7.79. The contamination is possibly associated with failure in the supply water and/or incorrect cleaning of water containers. This is the first report on the contamination of water potability in vessel drinking fountains in Amazonas State. We conclude that intervention with public policies on hygienic-sanitary issues involving vessels to protect passenger health is necessary.

Keywords: Escherichia. coli, coliform, Ph.