ANALYSIS AND GUIDANCE ON THE BACTERIOLOGICAL QUALITY OF WATER IN DRINKING FOUNTAINS OF PUBLIC SCHOOLS IN THE CITY OF CABEDELO, PB

Abstract

Water is an indispensable resource for human survival, but water contaminated by pathogens can compromise human health, especially that of children. Thus, this work, which is linked to an extension project, proposed the analysis of the bacteriological quality (total coliforms, thermotolerant and heterotrophic bacteria) and physicochemical (pH) of the water from drinking fountains of 8 (eight) schools in Cabedelo, PB, with the objective of ensuring child well-being. The methods used were the multi-tube technique for coliforms, the standard plate counting technique by Pour Plante for heterotrophic bacteria and pH-metry with AK90 pHmeter, and the results were interpreted according to the Brazilian legislation. Of the 8 (eight) samples analyzed, all were within the parameters regarding pH (pH 6 to 9) and thermotolerant coliforms (indicators of fecal contamination), however 50% (n=4) were positive for total coliforms (indicators of treatment efficiency) and 75% (n=6) for heterotrophic bacteria (indicators of general water quality). These data reveal that students from 50% of the schools in the study were ingesting water unfit for consumption, a potential source of pathogens, which was resolved after the managers were made aware according to subsequent analyses. It is concluded, therefore, that the results obtained constitute a serious problem that can drastically affect the health of children, and it is necessary to take resolutive measures.