Microbiological Evaluation Of Waters Of Artesian Wells In Rural Properties In The Municipality Of Colorado Do Oeste - Rondônia

Abstract

Introduction: An element indispensable to all living beings, water is the essential input to the preservation of life on the planet. When contaminated, it is capable of conveying infectious agents or substances capable of harming human health. For human consumption, public health requires potable and safe water. Total Coliforms and Thermotolerant Coliforms, especially Escherichia coli, are one of the most common pathogens associated with waterborne.

Objective: To evaluate the microbiological quality of water from artesian wells from rural properties in the municipality of Colorado do Oeste, Rondônia.

Materials and methods: The water of artesian wells from ten rural properties was analyzed, and their microbiological quality was evaluated for the presence of the coliform group, using the Most Probable Number Method. Questionnaires regarding water quality were applied to the owners to relate the microbiological results obtained with the anthropic activities of their environment.

Results: It was observed contamination of three artesian wells by Total Coliforms and Escherichia coli.

Conclusion: This reality partially refutes the opinion of the owners, who considered these waters as healthy and potable for human consumption, emphasizing the importance of the microbiological evaluation and monitoring of these sources and the care with the bodies of water.