The Quality Of Drinking Water From An Alternative Water Supply System: Occurrence Of Giardia Cysts And Cryptosporidium Oocysts In Wells Of São Paulo, SP.

Abstract

Objective: To analyze the quality of water from water supply alternative sources in a borough of São Paulo city. The presence of ther motolerant coliforms and E. coliwas determined, Giardiaspp. cysts and Cryptosporidium spp. oocysts were quantified, and physicochemical quality of samples was performed. Material and Methods: Inspections and sample collections were carried out for physicochemical analysis as well as bacteriological tests according to EPA 2005, MFQAA 2008 and the Standard Methods for Examination of Water and Wastewater (APHA 2012), respectively, totaling 34 samples. Thirteen samples were tested for Cryptosporidium spp. oocysts and Giardiaspp cysts according to immuno magnetic separation – immuno fluorescence assay (IMS-IFA) based on USEPA 1623.1 Method (USEPA, 2012), using Filta-Max® system. Results: The physical-chemical parameters showed that 38.2% of the samples did not meet the Brazilian legislation requirements (MS2914/2011). Ther motolerant coliforms and E. coli were present in one sample (2.9%). Pathogenic protozoa were present at a frequency of 46% for Giardia and 7% for Cryptosporidium. Conclusion: The drinking water standards recommended by current Brazilian legislation were not met in 41% of the samples, and are therefore not suitable for human consumption. Regarding the presence of pathogenic protozoa, Giardia and Cryptosporidium (oo) cysts were found in ground water used for human consumption in the city of São Paulo. This fact brings thoughts referring to the role ofen viron mental surveillance and the development of public policies addressed to water quality, which is distributed from these alternative systems. DESCRIPTORS Environmental Health.Environmental Health Surveillance.Groundwater.Drinking Water.