Caracteristicas da água do reservatório de uma escola pública no município de Areia - PB

Abstract

The quality of water destined for human consumption is a globally relevant issue as its directly has an impact on public health. In educational institutions, ensuring good water quality is essential for students and the proper functioning of the school community. Hence, periodic cleaning of water tanks is indispensable, as particles and deposits accumulate over time. The water analysis is crucial to ensure its quality and safety, allowing the detection of microorganisms or substances that can be potentially hazardous. This study aimed to evaluate the quality of water stored in a public-school reservoir in the municipality of Areia, Paraíba, through physicochemical and microbiological analyses. Samples were collected between August 2023 and April 2024, in the morning period (approximately 6:30 AM). The bottles used for collection were properly sanitized and labeled for physicochemical analyses and sterilized for bacteriological testing. The samples were then refrigerated and sent to the Analytical Chemistry Laboratory and the Post-Harvest Biology and Technology Laboratory at the Centro de Ciências Agrárias of the Universidade Federal da Paraíba (UFPB). The pH, electrical conductivity, turbidity, alkalinity, residual chlorine, total hardness, temperature, dissolved oxygen, ammonia, phosphorus, nitrate, sulfate, and carbon dioxide, as well as the presence of total coliforms and Escherichia coli were analyzed in the samples. The results were compared with the limits established by current regulations to identify possible non-conformities and contribute to the quality of water consumed by the school community. The physicochemical analyses revealed that the parameters were within permissible limits, except for phosphorus, which exceeded regulatory standards. Regarding microbiological aspects, total coliforms were detected in six of the seven samples analyzed, while E. coli was not found in any of samples. The detection of total coliforms represents a potential public health risk and highlights the need for stricter evaluation of the water supplied by the Paraíba Water and Sewage Company, particularly concerning treatment and distribution processes. Furthermore, it is recommended that school administrators implement measures to enhance the cleaning and maintenance of water reservoirs, ensuring safe and high-quality water for the consumption of the community in the school.