Microbial Contamination in Drinking Water Fountains and the Potential Risk Associated with Location and Cleanliness

Drinking Water Fountains Contamination

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.17564/2316-3798.2021v8n3p399-408

Autores/as

  • Maíra Pompeu Martins Department of Genetics, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
  • Alexandre Junio Borges Araujo
  • Lara Parreira de Souza
  • Yasmin de Araújo Ribeiro
  • Letícia Clemente Olmos Hernandes
  • Lara Nascimento Zanatto
  • Daniela Araújo Vilela
  • Rafael Galisa de Oliveira
  • Ana Clara Monte Teixeira
  • Débora Queiroz Messias
  • Mayara Yukiko Yamada
  • Rafaella Rodrigues Santos
  • Andreza Cristina Stuchi
  • Carla Patrícia Bejo Wolkers

Publicado

2021-10-18

Descargas

Los datos de descargas todavía no están disponibles.

Resumen

As drinking water fountains are the main source of free drinking water in public spaces, microbiological quality standards in such facilities are strongly relevant to public health. The objective of this study was to evaluate the microbiological condition of drinking water fountains in a public institution, specifically investigating the presence of potentially pathogenic microorganisms and to establish possible causes of contamination. Microbiological analysis was conducted with samples from seven drinking water fountain bubbler faucets located near the restrooms. We evaluated the number of users of these fountains under two parameters: individuals who only drank water, and individuals who drank water after using the restroom. The biological samples were cultivated on a specific culture medium, and the results revealed the presence of potentially pathogenic microorganisms, including Staphylococcus aureus and Salmonella spp. Although our findings indicate the presence of potentially pathogenic microorganisms, the results showed no correlation between the number of isolated microorganisms and the number of water fountain users. No specific correlation between the frequency of use of drinking water fountains and restrooms location was identified. We therefore suggest that the contamination present on the surface of the drinking water fountains is due to both the inefficacy of the cleaning procedures and the location of the water fountains. Identification of public health-relevant pathogens may have serious consequences for users.

Cómo citar

Pompeu Martins, M., Junio Borges Araujo , A., Parreira de Souza, L. ., de Araújo Ribeiro, Y. ., Clemente Olmos Hernandes, L. ., Nascimento Zanatto, L. ., … Patrícia Bejo Wolkers, C. . (2021). Microbial Contamination in Drinking Water Fountains and the Potential Risk Associated with Location and Cleanliness: Drinking Water Fountains Contamination. Interfaces Científicas - Saúde E Ambiente, 8(3), 399–408. https://doi.org/10.17564/2316-3798.2021v8n3p399-408