Microbiology of water used for consumption in public schools in São Sebastião de Lagoa de Roça-PB, Brazil

Abstract

This study aimed to verify the microbiological parameters of the water used for consumption in public schools in São Sebastião de Lagoa de Roça/PB. The water samples intended for microbiological analyzes were collected directly from the cisterns in glass bottles (500 ml) with wide mouths, protected with laminated paper, previously sterilized in an autoclave at 121^oC for 30 minutes and sent to the Laboratory of the Professional Training Center of the Albano Franco Institute of Leather and Footwear Technology (CTCC) in Campina Grande/PB. The parameters analyzed were: total coliforms, thermotolerant coliforms, Escherichia coli and heterotrophic bacteria. The samples were collected in loco and identified as samples 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5. Total coliforms, thermotolerant coliforms, E. coli and heterotrophic bacteria were not detected in the water samples collected directly from the taps. As for the water samples that were collected directly from the drinking fountains, the presence of heterotrophic bacteria was detected in two of the samples with values ​​well above those specified by the current regulation. Regarding the water samples collected directly from the cisterns, the presence of total coliforms, thermotolerant coliforms and heterotrophic bacteria was detected in one of the samples. No se detectó la presencia de E. coli en ninguna de las muestras. It is concluded that all samples collected from taps are suitable for human consumption. Two of the samples collected from the drinking fountains are not fit for human consumption. One of the samples of water collected from the cisterns is totally in disagreement with the current regulation.