Spectrofluorimetric-based Approach to Screen Urine Contamination in Drinking Water: A Step Toward the Development of Screening Method for Leptospirosis

Hygiene hypothesis and sanitization are two important pivots of modern civilization. The drinking water should be free from urine and stool contamination. Coliform test is popular for understanding feces contamination. However, understanding urine contamination in drinking water is a difficult task. On the other hand, urine contamination can cause disease like leptospirosis. It occurs mainly in animals and infects humans through contaminated water, food, and soil and causes serious consequences. Rat urine is the most common source of such disease outbreaks. Further, sophisticated laboratories with high-end technologies may not be present at the site of disease outbreaks. In this context, we have proposed a spectrofluorimetric approach to screen urine contamination in water. The screening method can sense up to 156 nl/ml of rat urine

Ocorrência de bromato em águas destinadas ao consumo humano / Occurrence of bromate in water intended for human consumption

Introdução: Bromato é mutagênico e um provável carcinogênico em seres humanos. Normalmente não ocorre em águas para consumo humano, mas a contaminação pode ocorrer por águas residuárias industriais e pela desinfecção por ozonização (se brometo estiver presente) ou pelo uso de solução de hipoclorito de qualidade insatisfatória. Objetivo: Descrever as concentrações de bromato nas águas de abastecimento de 89 municípios do estado de São Paulo (Brasil), os perfis físico-químicos das águas nas quais o contaminante ocorre e uma ação conjunta entre Laboratório de Saúde Pública, Grupo de Vigilância Sanitária e de duas Vigilâncias Sanitárias dos municípios onde foram encontrados níveis importantes de bromato. Método: Foram analisadas 4.853 amostras em 21 parâmetros físico-químicos (incluindo concentração de bromato) e dois microbiológicos. Para análise multivariada foram incluídos quatro parâmetros demográficos. Resultados: O bromato foi encontrado em 224 amostras (4,6% do total) de 17 municípios. As concentrações variaram entre 3 e 199 µg L-1 e 56 amostras (1,1% do total) apresentaram teores acima do valor máximo permitido. A Análise de Componentes Principais nesses 17 municípios indicou KBrO3 como a forma predominante de contaminação. Os índices de contaminação de dois municípios diminuíram a partir da disponibilização para as Vigilâncias Sanitárias de laudos que incluíram os resultados de bromato. Conclusões: Os dados sugerem que o monitoramento das concentrações de bromato deveria ser incluído na rotina do Programa de Vigilância da Água para Consumo Humano do estado de São Paulo. As notificações das Vigilâncias Sanitárias junto aos responsáveis pelo abastecimento de água de dois municípios foram importantes para a melhoria da qualidade da água fornecida à população em relação à contaminação.

Introduction: Bromate is mutagenic and a probable carcinogen in humans. It usually does not occur in water for human consumption, but contamination can occur by industrial wastewater and in the disinfection process by ozonization (if bromide is present) or by the use of hypochlorite solution of unsatisfactory quality. Objective: Describe bromate concentrations in the water supply of 89 municipalities in the state of São Paulo (Brazil), the physicochemical profiles of the waters in which the contaminant occurs, and a joint action between the Public Health Laboratory, the Sanitary Surveillance Regional Group and two Sanitary Surveillance of municipalities where important levels of bromate were found. Method: 4,853 samples were analyzed in 21 physicochemical parameters (including bromate concentration) and 2 microbiological parameters. For multivariate analysis, 4 demographic parameters were included. Results: Bromato was found in 224 samples (4.6% of the total) from 17 municipalities. The concentrations ranged between 3 and 199 µg L-1 and 56 samples (1.1% of the total) presented levels above the Maximum Allowed Value. Principal  Component Analysis in these 17 municipalities indicated KBrO3 as the predominant form of contamination. The contamination rates of two municipalities decreased from the availability to the Sanitary Surveillance of reports that included bromate results. Conclusions: The data suggest that the monitoring of bromate concentrations should be included in the routine of the Water Surveillance Program for Human Consumption in the state of São Paulo. The notifications of the Sanitary Surveillance with those responsible for the water supply of two municipalities were important to improve the quality of the water supplied to the population in relation to contamination.

Avaliação da vulnerabilidade à contaminação das águas subterrâneas por meio dos métodos AHP e TOPSIS / Assessment of the vulnerability to groundwater contamination by AHP and TOPSIS methods

RESUMO A crescente demanda e a diminuição da disponibilidade de água com qualidade devido à degradação constituem um desafio para os gestores dos recursos hídricos. As águas subterrâneas são recursos hídricos importantes que, em geral, apresentam boa qualidade. Porém, a elevação da contaminação das águas subterrâneas, causada principalmente por atividades antropogênicas e uso do solo, coloca em risco a segurança hídrica. A avaliação dos recursos hídricos subterrâneos e as decisões tomadas para proteção contra a degradação fazem parte de um processo complexo. A avaliação de áreas vulneráveis ao risco de contaminação é uma análise essencial para o planejamento e gestão. Neste estudo, utilizou-se metodologia multicritério para proposição de um modelo de avaliação da vulnerabilidade ao risco de contaminação por meio de informações de poços que fornecem água para o abastecimento público, destacando-se as áreas mais impactadas pela ação antropogênica. Doze poços foram avaliados quanto aos critérios: índice GOD, nitrato, potencial hidrogeniônico, sólidos totais dissolvidos e coliformes totais. A aplicação do método de multicritério AHP e TOPSIS resultou na ordenação dos poços que estão mais vulneráveis e que necessitam de medidas de proteção e controle de degradação. Os poços que são considerados mais vulneráveis estão localizados em meio urbano; assim, pode-se inferir que estão sendo degradados por efluentes lançados no solo sem o devido tratamento.

ABSTRACT The growing demand and the declining availability of quality water due to degradation are a challenge for water resource managers. Groundwater is a vital water resource that is generally of good quality. However, with the increase of contamination caused mainly by anthropogenic activities, water safety is put at risk. The assessment in groundwater resources and decision-making to protect against degradation is a complex process. Assessing areas vulnerable to contamination risk is an essential analysis for planning and management. In this study, we used the multi-criteria methodology to propose a model for assessing vulnerability to contamination risk through information from wells that provide water for public supply, highlighting the areas most impacted by anthropogenic action. Twelve wells were evaluated under the following criteria: GOD index, nitrate, hydrogen potential, total dissolved solids, and total coliforms. The application of the AHP and TOPSIS multi-criteria methods resulted in the ordering of the wells that are most vulnerable and that need protection and degradation control measures. The wells that are considered more vulnerable are located in urban areas, so it can be inferred that they are being degraded by activities by effluents released into the soil without proper treatment.

Sewage static system influence on the concentrations of nitrogen compounds in unconfined aquifers / Influência de sistemas estáticos de esgotamento sanitário nas concentrações de compostos nitrogenados em aquíferos livres

ABSTRACT This research aimed to investigate the relation between sanitary situation and groundwater quality, using the concentration of nitrogenous compounds. The aquifer studied is unconfined and situated in the periurban zone of Fortaleza (NE Brazil). Through the Geographic Information System (GIS), a relational database was created using data from the IBGE demographic census (2011), to analyze numbers of households linked to septic tanks or rudimentary cesspit. The groundwater quality was evaluated based on nitrogen compounds (N-NH3 +; NO2 -; N-NO3 -), pH, and total dissolved solids (TDS). The highest concentrations of nitrates are found in areas with a higher density of septic tanks and rudimentary cesspit. Furthermore, nitrate was more present in water table above 6.6 m, mainly in the interfluvial zones, which have a high oxidation potential. The results contribute to the loss of contamination, based on the number of households with septic tanks and rudimentary cesspit, in unconfined aquifers, which were more vulnerable to contamination, mainly in peripheric expansions areas in the cities, where the deficit in sewage services tends to be high.

RESUMO Esta pesquisa teve como objetivo investigar a relação entre a situação sanitária e a qualidade da água subterrânea, usando concentrações de compostos nitrogenados. O aquífero estudado é do tipo livre e se encontra situado na zona periurbana da cidade de Fortaleza (NE Brasil). Através do Sistema de Informação Geográfica (SIG), foi criado um banco de geodados relacional utilizando dados do censo demográfico do IBGE (2011), analisando o número de domicílios vinculados a fossas sépticas e fossas rudimentares. A qualidade da água subterrânea foi avaliada com base em compostos nitrogenados (N-NH3 +; NO2 -; N-NO3 -), pH e sólidos totais dissolvidos (STD). As altas concentrações de nitrato estão associadas a maior ocorrência de fossas sépticas e rudimentares, principalmente. Além disso, a ocorrência do nitrato ocorre em áreas de níveis estáticos acima de 6,6 m, principalmente nos setores interfluviais, que apresenta alto potencial de oxidação. Os resultados contribuem para predição da contaminação, tendo em vista a quantidade de domicílios com fossas sépticas e rudimentares, sobre aquíferos livres, que são mais vulneráveis à contaminação, sobretudo em áreas de expansão periférica da cidade, onde o déficit de esgotamento sanitário tende a ser maior.

Protocolo com produtos químicos para o enfrentamento do biofilme em linhas d'água de equipos odontológicos: perspectiva física, química, mecânica e biológica / Protocol with chemical products to combat biofilm on dental unit waterlines: physical, chemical, mechanical, and microbiological perspective

A biossegurança na odontologia visa o enfrentamento da contaminação cruzada e o biofilme em linhas d'água de equipos odontológicos. O objetivo deste estudo foi investigar, na perspectiva física, química, mecânica e biológica, um protocolo de uso de produtos químicos com possível aplicabilidade nas linhas d'água de equipos odontológicos para melhoria e manutenção da qualidade da água. O protocolo com produtos químicos (Produto A - ácido cítrico + cloreto de sódio; Produto B - bicarbonato de sódio + cloreto de sódio; Produto AB - ácido cítrico + bicarbonato de sódio + cloreto de sódio) foi empregado em corpos de prova de aço inoxidável que, posteriormente, foram submetidos aos ensaios de microdureza e corrosão. Ainda, ensaios de cor, microdureza, rugosidade e de atividade antibiofilme [biomassa total (cristal violeta), atividade metabólica (XTT), viabilidade por meio de corante fluorescente e microscopia confocal de varredura à laser, bem como morfologia estrutural do biofilme por microscopia eletrônica de varredura (MEV)] foram realizados em corpos de prova de poliuretana. As cepas padrão empregadas para avaliar a atividade antibiofilme monoespécie foram Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC 27853), Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 29923) e Escherichia coli (ATCC 25922). Com relação à alteração da microdureza no aço inoxidável, após a imersão simulada por 1 e 2 anos nos Produtos (A+B+AB), não houve diferença dos resultados com o grupo controle (água). Decorrida a exposição aos produtos e grupo controle, a maioria das amostras de aço inoxidável apresentou tendência à corrosão. Ainda, houve alterações de cor, microdureza e rugosidade nas superfícies de poliuretana após a imersão simulada por 1 e 2 anos dos produtos e do grupo controle. A avaliação da biomassa dos biofilmes indicou que o Produto A (p=0,003) e o Produto AB (p=0,019) reduziram significativamente o biofilme de P. aeruginosa em comparação com o controle. Por outro lado, a avaliação da biomassa do biofilme formado por S. aureus sugeriu que o Produto B (p=0,018) promoveu maior ação antibiofilme. Em relação aos biofilmes formados por E. coli, o Produto A (p=0,001) e o uso sequencial dos Produtos A+B+AB (p=0,021) mostraram os melhores resultados. Para o XTT em comparação com o controle, os tratamentos com o Produto A (p=0,001), o Produto AB (p<0,001) e o uso sequencial dos Produtos A+B+AB (p=0,002) reduziram significativamente a atividade metabólica do biofilme de P. aeruginosa. No biofilme formado por S. aureus, contrariando os resultados observados na avaliação da biomassa, o Produto B não promoveu alterações significantes na atividade metabólica (Produto A: p<0,001; Produto AB: p=0,007; uso sequencial dos Produtos A+B+AB: p<0,001). Considerando o biofilme formado por E. coli, observou-se que o Produto B (p=0,046), o Produto AB (p<0,001) e o uso sequencial dos Produtos A+B+AB (p<0,001) promoveram redução da atividade metabólica. Observou-se redução significativa do biofilme total após o emprego dos produtos (p<0,001), em relação ao controle. Apesar da redução significativa, ainda se observou agregados de biofilme residual, cobrindo extensa porção das superfícies, mesmo após o uso dos produtos. Considerando a quantidade de células vivas de P. aeruginosa e E. coli, o Produto A e o Produto B, isolados ou em conjunto demostraram resultados semelhantes. Além disso, o Produto AB e o uso sequencial dos Produtos A+B+AB não promoveu diferença na quantidade de células vivas de S. aureus, em comparação ao controle, indicando que a combinação dos produtos não potencializou a atividade antibiofilme. Em conclusão, os produtos analisados nesta pesquisa mostraram potencial inovador para o enfrentamento do biofilme linha d'água dos equipos odontológicos, preservando as propriedades físicas, químicas e mecânicas dos materiais.

Biosafety in dentistry aims to combat cross-contamination and biofilm on dental unit waterlines. The aim of this study was to investigate, from a physical, chemical, mechanical, and biological perspective, a protocol for the use of chemical products with possible applicability in dental unit waterlines to improve and maintain water quality. The protocol with chemicals (Product A - citric acid + sodium chloride; Product B - sodium bicarbonate + sodium chloride; Product AB - citric acid + sodium bicarbonate + sodium chloride) was used in stainless steel specimens which, later, were subjected to microhardness and corrosion tests. Moreover, color, microhardness, roughness and antibiofilm activity tests [total biomass (crystal violet), metabolic activity (XTT), viability by means of fluorescent dye and confocal laser scanning microscopy, as well as structural morphology of biofilm by scanning electron microscopy (SEM)] were performed on polyurethane specimens. The standard strains used to assess monospecies antibiofilm activity were Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC 27853), Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 29923) and Escherichia coli (ATCC 25922). Regarding the microhardness change in stainless-steel, after simulated immersion for 1 and 2 years in Products (A+B+AB), there was no difference in the results with the control group (water). After exposure to the products and control group, most stainless-steel samples showed a tendency to corrosion. Furthermore, there were changes in color, microhardness, and roughness on the polyurethane surfaces after simulated immersion for 1 and 2 years of the products and the control group. Biofilm biomass evaluation indicated that Product A (p=0.003) and Product AB (p=0.019) significantly reduced P. aeruginosa biofilm compared to the control. On the other hand, the evaluation of the biomass of the biofilm formed by S. aureus suggested that Product B (p=0.018) promoted greater antibiofilm action. Regarding biofilms formed by E. coli, Product A (p=0.001) and the sequential use of Products A+B+AB (p=0.021) showed the best results. For XTT compared to the control, treatments with Product A (p=0.001), Product AB (p<0.001) and sequential use of Products A+B+AB (p=0.002) significantly reduced metabolic activity from the biofilm of P. aeruginosa. In the biofilm formed by S. aureus, contrary to the results observed in the biomass assessment, Product B did not promote significant changes in metabolic activity (Product A: p<0.001; Product AB: p=0.007; sequential use of Products A+B+ AB: p<0.001). Considering the biofilm formed by E. coli, it was observed that Product B (p=0.046), Product AB (p<0.001) and the sequential use of Products A+B+AB (p<0.001) promoted a metabolic activity reduction. There was a significant reduction in the total biofilm after using the products (p<0.001), compared to the control. Despite the significant reduction, residual biofilm aggregates were still observed, covering a large portion of the surfaces, even after using the products. Considering the amount of living cells of P. aeruginosa and E. coli, Product A and Product B, alone or together, showed similar results. In addition, Product AB and the sequential use of Products A+B+AB did not promote difference in the amount of living S. aureus cells, compared to the control, indicating that the combination of products did not enhance the antibiofilm activity. In conclusion, the products analyzed in this research showed innovative potential for facing the biofilm on dental unit waterline, preserving the physical, chemical, and mechanical properties of the materials.

Qualidade da água em clínica odontológica na perspectiva microbiológica: uma proposta de intervenção / Water quality in a dental clinic in the microbiological perspective: a proposal of intervention

Na odontologia, o biofilme formado nas linhas d'água de equipos odontológicos pode disseminar a contaminação microbiana na água. O objetivo desta pesquisa foi investigar a contaminação microbiana da água de abastecimento e de equipos odontológicos antes e após a implementação de um protocolo para melhoria e manutenção da qualidade microbiológica da água de equipos odontológicos, bem como desenvolver produtos antibiofilme com possível aplicabilidade nas linhas d'água. A carga microbiana da água de 27 torneiras e equipos (reservatórios, seringas tríplice e alta rotação) de uma clínica odontológica foi avaliada por meio do sistema Petrifilm(TM) (bactérias aeróbias totais e fungos) e meios de cultura convencionais (enterobactérias e Legionella spp.) em duas etapas distintas, sendo a segunda análise realizada após a implementação de um protocolo para melhoria e manutenção da qualidade microbiológica da água dos equipos. Ainda, as atividades antibacteriana (concentração inibitória mínima - hipoclorito de sódio, ácido cítrico, bicarbonato de sódio, cloreto de sódio, dodecil sulfato de sódio, peróxido de hidrogênio, polissorbato 20 e quitosana) e antibiofilme (biomassa total e viabilidade celular) foram determinadas in vitro a partir de substâncias e produtos com possível aplicabilidade na desinfecção de linhas d'água de equipos. As amostras de água das torneiras apresentaram carga bacteriana dentro do parâmetro estabelecido pela legislação brasileira, no entanto, as seringas tríplices e os alta rotação não. A implementação do protocolo para manutenção da qualidade microbiológica da água dos equipos demonstrou uma redução nas cargas bacteriana e fúngica apenas nos alta rotação. Enterobactérias e Legionella spp. não foram isoladas das amostras de água das torneiras e dos equipos. De acordo com a concentração inibitória mínima, o ácido cítrico, bicarbonato de sódio, cloreto de sódio, hipoclorito de sódio e peróxido de hidrogênio demonstraram as melhores atividades antibacterianas. As melhores atividades antibiofilme (biomassa total) foram do peróxido de hidrogênio a 5% (E. coli e P. aeruginosa), ácido cítrico a 30% (P. aeruginosa) e bicarbonato de sódio a 30% (S. aureus). Os produtos (Wanitox A e Wanitox B) desenvolvidos apresentaram atividade antibiofilme (viabilidade celular) contra a E. coli e S. aureus. Assim, os produtos desenvolvidos nesta pesquisa apresentaram possível aplicabilidade no enfrentamento do biofilme nas linhas d'água de equipos odontológicos, que permanece como um dos grandes desafios na odontologia. Ainda, pesquisas adicionais são necessárias para o aperfeiçoamento e aplicabilidade destes produtos

In dentistry, biofilm formed on dental unit waterlines can disseminate microbial contamination in water. The objective of this research was to determine the microbial contamination of water from supplies and dental units before and after the implementation of a protocol for improvement and maintenance of microbiological water quality of water from dental units as well as to develop antibiofilm products with possible applicability in waterlines. The microbial load of water from 27 taps and dental units (reservoirs, air-water syringes and high-speed turbines) in a dental clinic was evaluated through a Petrifilm(TM) system (total aerobic bacteria and fungi) and conventional culture mediums (enterobacteria and Legionella spp.) in two distinct stages, being the second analysis performed after the implementation of a protocol for improvement and maintenance of microbiological water quality of water from dental units. Moreover, the antibacterial (minimum inhibitory concentration - sodium hypochlorite, citric acid, sodium bicarbonate, sodium chloride, sodium dodecyl sulfate, hydrogen peroxide, polysorbate 20 and chitosan) and antibiofilm (total biomass and cell viability) activities were determined in vitro from substances and products with possible applicability in disinfection of dental unit waterlines. The water samples from taps presented bacterial load within the parameter established by Brazilian legislation; however, air-water syringes and high-speed turbines did not. The protocol implementation for maintenance of microbiological water quality of water from dental units showed a decrease on bacterial and fungal loads only on high-speed turbines. Enterobacteria and Legionella spp. were not isolated from water samples from taps and dental units. According to minimum inhibitory concentration, citric acid, sodium bicarbonate, sodium chloride, sodium hypochlorite and hydrogen peroxide showed the best antibacterial activities. The best antibiofilm activities (total biomass) were from 5% hydrogen peroxide (E. coli and P. aeruginosa), 30% citric acid (P. aeruginosa) and 30% sodium bicarbonate (S. aureus). The developed products (Wanitox A and Wanitox B) showed antibiofilm activity (cell viability) against E. coli and S. aureus. Thus, the products developed in this research presented a possible applicability in confrontation with biofilm on dental unit waterlines, and this remains as a major challenge in dentistry. Besides, additional researches are necessary for enhancement and applicability of these products

Evaluation of the potential of Pistia stratiotes L. (water lettuce) for bioindication and phytoremediation of aquatic environments contaminated with arsenic

Specimens of Pistia stratiotes were subjected to five concentrations of arsenic (As) for seven days. Growth, As absorption, malondialdehyde (MDA) content, photosynthetic pigments, enzymatic activities, amino acids content and anatomical changes were assessed. Plant arsenic accumulation increased with increasing metalloid in the solution, while growth rate and photosynthetic pigment content decreased. The MDA content increased, indicating oxidative stress. Enzymatic activity and amino acids content increased at the lower doses of As, subsequently declining in the higher concentrations. Chlorosis and necrosis were observed in the leaves. Leaves showed starch accumulation and increased thickness of the mesophyll. In the root system, there was a loss and darkening of roots. Cell layers formed at the insertion points on the root stems may have been responsible for the loss of roots. These results indicate that water lettuce shows potential for bioindication and phytoremediation of As-contaminated aquatic environments.

Espécimes de Pistia stratiotes foram submetidos a cinco concentrações de arsênio (As), durante sete dias. Crescimento, absorção de As, concentração de malondialdeído (MDA), pigmentos fotossintéticos, atividades enzimáticas, concentração de aminoácidos e alterações anatômicas foram avaliadas. O acúmulo de As pelas plantas aumentou com o incremento do metaloide na solução, enquanto que a taxa de crescimento e o teor de pigmentos fotossintéticos diminuiu. O conteúdo MDA aumentou, indicando estresse oxidativo. A atividade de enzimas antioxidantes e os teores de aminoácidos aumentaram nas doses mais baixas de As, declinando nas concentrações mais elevadas. Nas folhas foram observados clorose e necrose. As folhas apresentaram acumulação de amido e aumento da espessura do mesofilo. No sistema radicular houve perda e escurecimento das raízes. Camadas de células formadas nos pontos de inserção da raiz podem ter sido responsáveis pela queda das raízes. Estes resultados indicam que a alface da água apresenta potencial para bioindicação e fitorremediação de ambientes aquáticos contaminados com As.

Evaluation of the potential of Pistia stratiotes L. (water lettuce) for bioindication and phytoremediation of aquatic environments contaminated with arsenic / Avaliação do potencial de Pistia stratiotes L. (alface d'água) para a bioindicação e fitorremediação de ambientes aquáticos contaminados com arsênio

Specimens of Pistia stratiotes were subjected to five concentrations of arsenic (As) for seven days. Growth, As absorption, malondialdehyde (MDA) content, photosynthetic pigments, enzymatic activities, amino acids content and anatomical changes were assessed. Plant arsenic accumulation increased with increasing metalloid in the solution, while growth rate and photosynthetic pigment content decreased. The MDA content increased, indicating oxidative stress. Enzymatic activity and amino acids content increased at the lower doses of As, subsequently declining in the higher concentrations. Chlorosis and necrosis were observed in the leaves. Leaves showed starch accumulation and increased thickness of the mesophyll. In the root system, there was a loss and darkening of roots. Cell layers formed at the insertion points on the root stems may have been responsible for the loss of roots. These results indicate that water lettuce shows potential for bioindication and phytoremediation of As-contaminated aquatic environments.

Espécimes de Pistia stratiotes foram submetidos a cinco concentrações de arsênio (As), durante sete dias. Crescimento, absorção de As, concentração de malondialdeído (MDA), pigmentos fotossintéticos, atividades enzimáticas, concentração de aminoácidos e alterações anatômicas foram avaliadas. O acúmulo de As pelas plantas aumentou com o incremento do metaloide na solução, enquanto que a taxa de crescimento e o teor de pigmentos fotossintéticos diminuiu. O conteúdo MDA aumentou, indicando estresse oxidativo. A atividade de enzimas antioxidantes e os teores de aminoácidos aumentaram nas doses mais baixas de As, declinando nas concentrações mais elevadas. Nas folhas foram observados clorose e necrose. As folhas apresentaram acumulação de amido e aumento da espessura do mesofilo. No sistema radicular houve perda e escurecimento das raízes. Camadas de células formadas nos pontos de inserção da raiz podem ter sido responsáveis pela queda das raízes. Estes resultados indicam que a alface da água apresenta potencial para bioindicação e fitorremediação de ambientes aquáticos contaminados com As.

Agricultural exploitation impact on the quality of natural waters in the trout-breeding region of the Mantiqueira ecological corridor / Impacto da exploração agropecuária na qualidade de águas naturais em região de truticultura no corredor ecológico da Mantiqueira

Seasonal assessment of water quality was undertaken in an agricultural cattle-raising and trout-breeding region. Seventeen sites were sampled in ten municipalities close to the Papagaio and Ibitipoca State Parks in Minas Gerais, Brazil. Landsat 5 satellite images and Spotmap mosaic images with resolution of 2.5 m were employed to correlate classes of land use and topographic characteristics with the environmental contamination index of the water bodies at these sites. Results show a change in hydric classification of three sites evaluated. During the rainy season, sites 3, 7 and 17 were classified as class 3 according to CONAMA regulations, whereas the other sites were classified as class 2. During the dry season, sites 10 and 11 belonged to class 3 and the others to class 2. Literature and analysis of images and visits on the area showed that the principles of sustainable farming were not being followed in the region. Current research may be a tool for planning the preservation of natural resources. Results indicate there is a need for specific planning for fish farming and agriculture in the region for its sustainable economic exploitation.

Realizou-se a avaliação sazonal da qualidade da água, em região de truticultura e agropecuária, por amostragem, em 17 pontos, dez municípios, em torno dos parques estaduais do Papagaio e do Ibitipoca em Minas Gerais, Brasil. Usando imagens gratuitas Landsat 5 e imagens de mosaico Spotmap, resolução de 2,5 m, correlacionando as classes de uso da terra e características topográficas com o índice de contaminação ambiental dos corpos d'água nesses pontos. Os resultados mostram alteração da classificação hídrica de três dos pontos avaliados. Na época das chuvas, os pontos 3, 7 e 17 foram classificados como classe 3, de acordo com as normas do Conama (Conselho Nacional do Meio Ambiente), enquanto os outros pontos foram 2. Durante a estação seca, os pontos 10 e 11 eram de classe 3 e os outros como classe 2. A revisão de literatura, com a análise das imagens e visitas na área, mostrou que os princípios da agricultura sustentável não estão sendo seguidos na área. Este trabalho serve como ferramenta para o planejamento para preservação dos recursos naturais. Os resultados indicam que há a necessidade de um planejamento específico para a criação de peixes e agropecuária na região, permitindo assim sua exploração sustentável.

Investigación de blastocystis spp, giardia spp y cryptosporidium spp en aguas de consumo en una comunidad de Caracas- Venezuela: Reporte preliminar / Surveillance of blastocystis spp, giardia spp and cryptosporidium spp in human consumption water in a community of Caracas- Venezuela

Uno de los mecanismos de transmisión de protozoarios intestinales, es el consumo de agua contaminada con quistes y ooquistes, cuya eliminación por cloración o filtración no resulta eficaz. En una comunidad de Caracas, se evaluó la posible contaminación del agua de consumo, con Blastocystis spp, Giardia spp y Cryptosporidium spp. El sedimento obtenido mediante filtración y separación inmunomagnética de 15 muestras de agua, se examinó microscópicamente al fresco, con coloraciones, inmunofluorescencia y cultivo en medio de Boeck- Drbohlav modificado (BDM). Se recopiló información sobre las condiciones de suministro, almacenamiento y consumo del agua, además del procedimiento utilizado para el lavado de frutas y vegetales. El único parásito observado fue Blastocystis spp (60%), mediante examen directo/cultivo (33%). Se observó un mayor consumo de agua filtrada que hervida (p= 0,001). Predominó el uso del agua de chorro para el lavado de vegetales y frutas, más que con agua y vinagre (p= 0,011). Se observó una mayor proporción de averías en los sistemas de recolección de aguas servidas (78,6%), más que en los sistemas de aguas blancas (28,6%, p= 0,011). El hallazgo de Blastocystis spp en el agua, se correlaciona con la prevalencia del parásito en habitantes de este sector. Destaca el papel del agua en la transmisión de Blastocystis spp, por lo cual se recomienda filtrarla y hervirla para prevenir la infección con este parásito.

Many intestinal protozoa are transmitted by contaminated water with cysts and oocysts and methods for their elimination as filtration or chlorination are not completely effective. We evaluated a possible consumption water contamination with Blastocystis spp, Giardia spp and Cryptosporidium spp in a community located in Caracas, Venezuela. The pellet obtained by immunomagnetic separation filtration of 15 water samples were examined by microscopic observation (direct examination), stain techniques, immunofluorescence and culture in Drbohlav Boeck-modified medium (BDM). We also collected information about consuming habits, water supply, storage and washing procedures of vegetables and fruits at assessed homes. The only parasite detected was Blastocystis spp (60%), by direct examination/culture (33%). A higher consumption of boiled filtered water (p = 0.001) was observed. The use of tub water for washing vegetables and fruits was predominant, instead of using water and vinegar (p = 0.011). We observed a higher proportion of nonfunctioning sewage collection (78.6%), rather than white water systems (28.6%, p = 0.011). Finding Blastocystis spp in water samples correlates with prevalence of this parasite in residents of this sector. The role of water in Blastocystis spp transmission is significant, so we recommend filtering and boiling it to prevent infection with this parasite.

Riesgo sanitario de la población vulnerable expuesta al arsénico en la provincia de Buenos Aires, Argentina / Health risk for the vulnerable population exposed to arsenic in the province of Buenos Aires, Argentina

OBJETIVO: Analizar la concentración de arsénico en agua recolectada en localidades de la provincia de Buenos Aires, Argentina, y su relación epidemiológica con factores de susceptibilidad y patologías asociadas. MÉTODOS: Se cuantificó la concentración de arsénico en 152 muestras provenientes de 52 localidades de Buenos Aires durante el período 2003-2008 mediante generación de hidruros-espectrofotometría de absorción atómica. Se construyó un índice compuesto de salud (ICS) considerando el contenido de arsénico, el porcentaje de hogares con necesidades básicas insatisfechas (NBI) y el de viviendas sin acceso al agua de red. A partir del ICS se definieron zonas de riesgo que fueron asociadas con la mortalidad por tumores malignos relacionados con el arsénico. RESULTADOS: Las concentraciones de arsénico se ubicaron en un rango amplio, desde 0,3 hasta 187 µg/L, con una mediana de 40 µg/L. El 82 por ciento de las muestras presentaron niveles de arsénico superiores al valor límite aceptable de 10 µg/L, y más de la mitad de ellas provenían de agua de red. La mortalidad promedio (defunciones/100 000 habitantes) por tumores en los departamentos estudiados fue mayor en los varones que en las mujeres: vías respiratorias (310 frente a 76), vías urinarias (44 frente a 11) y piel (21 frente a 11), respectivamente. Las regiones de mayor concentración de arsénico y pobreza, junto con la falta de agua de red, presentaron un riesgo relativo incrementado de 2 a 4 veces. CONCLUSIONES: La caracterización realizada a través del índice compuesto de salud sintetizó el riesgo sanitario de la exposición al arsénico de la población con niveles de carencia socioeconómica de una amplia región de la provincia de Buenos Aires.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the concentration of arsenic in water collected in localities of the province of Buenos Aires, Argentina, and the epidemiological relationship of that concentration to factors of susceptibility and associated pathologies. METHODS: In 152 samples from 52 localities of Buenos Aires from 2003-2008, the concentration of arsenic was quantified through the generation of hydride spectrophotometry of atomic absorption. A composite index of health (CIH) was constructed using the content of arsenic and the percentages of households with unmet basic needs and dwellings without access to the potable water. Through the CIH, risk areas associated with mortality from malignant neoplasms related to arsenic were defined. RESULTS: Concentrations of arsenic spanned a broad range from 0.3 to 187 mg/L, with a median of 40 mg/L. Of the samples, 82 percent presented levels of arsenic higher than the acceptable limit of 10 mg/L, and more than half of those came from households with potable water connections. In the departments studied, the average mortality (deaths/100 000 inhabitants) from tumors was greater in men than in women: respiratory tract (310 versus 76), urinary tract (44 versus 11), and skin (21 versus 11), respectively. The regions with greater concentrations of arsenic and of poverty, together with the lack of potable water connections, had a two-to-four times greater risk. CONCLUSIONS: The findings from the composite index of health summarized the health risk from exposure to arsenic for lower socioeconomic levels of the population for a broad area of the province of Buenos Aires.

Organophosphorous residue in Liza aurata and Cyprinus carpio

Objective:To determine the amount of azinphos methyl and diazinon residues in two river fishes, Liza aurata and Cyprinus carpio, in the north of Iran. Methods: This study was done during 2006-2007. In this survey, 152 water and fish samples from Gorgan and Qarasu rivers, north of Iran, were investigated. Sampling was done in three predetermined stations along each river. Organophosphorus compounds (OPs) were extracted from the fishes and the water of rivers. After extraction, purification and concentration processes, the amount and type of insecticides in water and fish samples were determined by high performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC). Results:There was a significant difference in the residue of the insecticides in the water and fish samples between summer and other seasons in the two rivers. The highest amount of insecticides residue was seen during summer. In both rivers, the amount of diazinon and azinphos methyl residues in the two fishes was more than 2 000 mg/L in summer. There was no significant difference in insecticides residue between the fishes in two rivers. The diazinon residue was higher than the standard limits in both rivers during the spring and the summer, but the residual amount of azinphos methyl was higher than the standard limits only during the summer and only in Qarasu River. Conclusions:It can be concluded that the amount of OPs in the water and the two fishes, Liza aurata and Cyprinus carpio, is higher than the permitted levels.

Educación ambiental: estrategia en la enseñanza de contaminación en fuentes hídricas / Environmentl eduucation: an strategy to the teach about water sources contaminatoon

RESUMEN En este trabajo se pudo establecer la participación del docente y los estudiantes entorno a la problemática de contaminación de fuentes hídricas próximas al colegio. La investigación se realizó con estudiantes que cursaron grado 10º y 11º en la especialidad de manejo del recurso hídrico, a nivel de educación media técnica en la Institución Educativa (IE) Técnica Valle de Tenza del municipio de Guateque durante los años 2007 al 2010. Se tuvo en cuenta como estrategia pedagógica la Investigación Acción (IA); para su aplicación, se realizaron actividades didácticas en las asignaturas de Ecología e Hidrología incluidas en el plan de estudios para la formación media técnica. Cada una de las "generaciones académicas" participantes, fue dejando aportes conceptuales y avances metodológicos a quienes retomaban el proyecto. Actualmente existen las memorias del trabajo realizado y a partir del mismo existe otro grupo de estudiantes y docentes trabajando en él.

ABSTRACT The participation of teachers and students in relation to the problem of water sources contamination near their school could be established in this work. The research was carried out with 10 and 11 grade students in the specialty of water source management at the technical education high school level in the Educational Institution (EI) Valle de Tenza Technical in the Guateque Municipality, from 2007 to 2010. Action Research (AR) was the strategy taken into consideration as the pedagogical strategy. To apply it , some didactic activities in the Ecology and Hidrology subjects included in the yearly plan for technical high school education. Each of the participant "academic generations", provided conceptual and methodological advance contributions to those continuing the project. Reports from the work carried put are currently available which have served another group of students and teachers to continue working on it.

Fecal Contamination of Drinking Water Supplies in and around Chandigarh and Correlation with Acute Gastroenteritis.

The study evaluated drinking water from localities in and around Chandigarh for fecal coliforms, V.cholerae and Enterotoxigenic E.coli and correlate with occurrence of acute gastroenteritis occurring from the same region. Drinking water sample were collected from various sources from the defined area. Samples were tested for fecal coliforms and E.coli count by multiple tube method and pathogens by membrane filtration technique. E. coli were screened for heat labile toxin (LT) by the reverse passive agglutination method and heat stable toxin (ST) by ELISA. Stool samples from cases of acute gastroenteritis from the same region and time were collected and processed for V. cholerae, Enterotoxigenic E coli (ETEC) and others like Salmonella, Shigella and Aeromonas spp. Of 364 water samples examined, 116 (31.8%) samples were contaminated with fecal coliforms (58.5% rural, 33.4% semi-urban and 11.1% from urban areas). E. coli were grown from 58 samples. Ninety-two isolates of E. coli were tested for enterotoxins of which 8 and 24 were positive for LT and ST respectively. V. cholerae were isolated from 2 samples during the outbreak investigation. Stored water samples showed a significantly higher level of contamination and most of Enterotoxigenic E. coli were isolated from stored water samples. A total of 780 acute gastroenteritis cases occurred; 445 from semiurban, 265 rural and 70 from urban areas. Out of 189 stool samples submitted, ETEC were the commonest (30%) followed by V. cholerae (19%), Shigellae (8.4%), Salmonellae (2.1%) and Aeromonas (2.6%). ST-ETEC (40/57) were commoner than LT- ETEC(17/57). In the present study, high levels of contamination of drinking water supplies (32.1%) correlated well with cases of acute gastroenteritis. Majority of cases of acute gastroenteritis occurred in the semi-urban area corresponding with high level of contamination (33.4%). The highest level of water contamination was seen in rural areas (58.5%) but the number of acute gastroenteritis cases were lesser (33.9%) as ponds were infrequently used for drinking purpose. Safer household water storage and treatment is recommended to prevent acute gastroenteritis, together with point-of-use water quality monitoring.

Vegetal test-system investigation on cytotoxicity of water from urban streams located in the northeastern region of Maringá, Paraná State, Brazil / Investigação da citotoxicidade das águas de córregos urbanos localizados na região nordeste de Maringá, Estado do Paraná, Brasil, em sistema-teste vegetal

The increase in consumption of water, the destruction of riparian forests and the pollution caused by humans, have severely degraded several water resources. Numerous stream crisscross the city of Maringá, Paraná state, Brazil and most of their sources are scattered through the urban region. Current analysis assesses the cytotoxic potential of water from the Corregozinho, Isalto, Morangueira and Ozório streams, located within the high-populated northeastern region of Maringá, inside the urban perimeter. Root meristematic cells of Allium cepa were used as test-system. The roots of onion were prepared by Feulgen's reaction and stained with Schiff's reagent. Results showed that there were no statistically significant changes evaluated by the chi-square test on the rates of cell division in cells of Allium cepa roots treated with the water of the streams when compared to data from controls. However, further analyses should be undertaken at different times for a periodic assessment of conditions in the streams, coupled with an awareness of the population on the environment.

O aumento do consumo da água, a devastação das matas ciliares e a poluição causada pela espécie humana, fizeram com que muitos recursos hídricos fossem drasticamente degradados. A cidade de Maringá, Paraná, Brasil possui inúmeros córregos que a cortam, sendo que as nascentes da maioria deles estão espalhadas pela região urbana. Assim, este trabalho objetivou avaliar o potencial citotóxico das águas dos córregos, Corregozinho, Isalto, Morangueira e Ozório, localizados na região nordeste de Maringá, no perímetro urbano, local de grande concentração da população urbana. Foram utilizadas como sistema-teste as células meristemáticas de raiz de Allium cepa. As raízes de cebola foram preparadas pela reação de Feulgen e coradas com o reativo de Schiff. Os resultados obtidos indicaram que não houve alterações, estatisticamente significativas, pelo teste do qui-quadrado, nos índices de divisão celular nas células das raízes de Allium cepa tratadas com as águas dos córregos, em relação aos dados obtidos para os controles. Entretanto, convém que outras análises, em diferentes épocas, sejam realizadas, para uma avaliação periódica das condições apresentadas por estes córregos, e aliado a estes resultados, conscientizar a população em relação aos danos provocados ao meio ambiente e a necessidade de conservação do mesmo.

Caracterização e influência dos fatores ambientais nas assembléias de peixes de riachos em duas microbacias urbanas, Alto Rio Paraná / Characterization and influence of environmental factors on stream fish assemblages in two small urban sub-basins, Upper Paraná River

Com o objetivo de quantificar a influência das características ambientais sobre a diversidade e abundância de peixes em duas microbacias urbanas na bacia do Alto Rio Paraná, foram realizadas duas amostragens no período de seca (junho e julho) e duas no período de chuva (novembro e dezembro) utilizando uma peneira (80 × 120 cm), com esforço padronizado em 20 lances por local. Foram coletados 1.667 indivíduos, distribuídos em 20 espécies. A espécie mais abundante foi Serrapinus notomelas, seguida de Oligosarcus pintoi. A variação na riqueza de espécies e na equitabilidade foram explicadas pela condutividade, profundidade e largura dos riachos. Os resultados da análise de agrupamento e da ANOSIM mostraram diferença espacial significativa e ausência de variação temporal na composição de espécies. Os dois primeiros eixos da Análise de Correspondência Canônica (ACC) explicaram 55 por cento da variação na abundância das espécies e os principais determinantes na distribuição das espécies foram a largura dos riachos, condutividade elétrica e turbidez da água.

To quantify the influence of environmental descriptors on fish diversity and abundance in two small urban sub-basins in the Upper Paraná basin, we carried out two sampling series in the dry season (June and July) and two in the wet season (November and December), by means of a sieve (80 × 120 cm) and a standardized effort (20 throws) per site. We collected 1,667 fish belonging to 20 species. Serrapinnus notomelas was the most abundant species, followed by Oligosarcus pintoi. The variations in species richness and evenness were explained by water electrical conductivity, stream depth, and stream width. The Cluster Analysis results showed a clear differentiation among the sites, with significant spatial differences and no seasonal variation in species composition. The first two axes of the Canonical Correspondence Analysis (CCA) explained 55 percent of the variation in species abundance, and the main determinants of species distribution were stream width and water conductivity and turbidity.

Study of water supply & sanitation practices in India using geographic information systems: Some design & other considerations in a village setting.

Background & objectives: Availability of clean water and adequate sanitation facilities are of prime importance for limiting diarrhoeal diseases. We examined the water and sanitation facilities of a village in southern India using geographic information system (GIS) tools. Methods: Places of residence, water storage and distribution, sewage and places where people in the village defaecated were mapped and drinking water sources were tested for microbial contamination in Nelvoy village, Vellore district, Tamil Nadu. Results: Water in the village was found to be microbiologically unfit for consumption. Analysis using direct observations supplemented by GIS maps revealed poor planning, poor engineering design and lack of policing of the water distribution system causing possible contamination of drinking water from sewage at multiple sites. Interpretation & conclusions: Until appropriate engineering designs for water supply and sewage disposal to suit individual village needs are made available, point-of-use water disinfection methods could serve as an interim solution.

A técnica de Blue rayon in situ associada ao teste de Salmonella/microssoma como estratégia para o monitoramento de águas estuarinas quanto à presença de compostos policíclicos genotóxicos / Blue rayon anchored technique in situ associated with Salmonella/microsome assay as a strategy for estuary waters monitoring in relation to the presence of genotoxins polycyclics compounds

O estuário de Santos abriga o maior porto da América Latina e um dos maiores complexos industriais do Brasil. Na década de 1970 foi considerado um dos maiores exemplos de degradação ambiental em ambientes costeiros, e apesar da melhora na qualidade ambiental observada nos últimos anos algumas áreas deste estuário apresentam sedimentos ainda altamente contaminados com compostos tóxicos e genotóxicos, especialmente os Hidrocarbonetos Policíclicos Aromáticos (HPA). Operações de dragagem para manutenção das atividades portuárias são necessárias e consequentemente durante este processo pode ocorrer a ressuspensão de contaminantes presentes nesses sedimentos, tornando-os disponíveis novamente na coluna d'água. Desta forma é interessante ter uma estratégia eficiente e aplicável no monitoramento da qualidade dessas águas...

Santos estuary is the major Latin American harbor and one of the largest industrial complex of Brazil. In the 1970s, it was considered one of the major examples of coastal degradation. Due to enforcement actions the quality of the environment has improved in the last years in relation to the chemical parameters and toxicity but unfortunately the sediment is still contaminated with toxic and genotoxic compounds especially Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs). For the maintenance of the port activities sediment dredging is needed and during this process contaminants resuspension can occur, leading to the contamination of the water column. Therefore it is interesting to have an efficient strategy that can be used for the water quality monitoring of this area. The Blue rayon is a selective adsorbent to polycyclic compounds containing three or more fused rings and has been successfully used in the monitoring of PAHs and mutagenic activity in aquatic environments. The objective of this work was to evaluate a modified blue rayon hanging technique, denominated in this work "Blue rayon anchored technique", where the fibers are placed at a fixed distance from the sediment, associated with the Salmonella/microsome microsuspension assay in order to monitor the water quality of Santos estuary. Three sites with different sources and sediment contamination levels were selected in this study. Two initial samplings were performed in order to evaluate the efficiency of the BR modified technique and find the most sensitive strain of Salmonella typhimurium to the mutagens possibly present in the those waters as well as verify the presence of PAHs. Five subsequent samplings were performed to verify the performance and efficiency of the defined strategy in the estuary water quality monitoring using dose response experiments. In the two initial samplings, the water from the site containing the most contaminated sediment and under influence of COSIPA (site 1) presented higher mutagenic activity and higher levels of PAHs. It was also possible to verify the highest sensitivity of the YG1041 strain in the detection of the mutagenic activity in both sites analyzed. In the subsequent five samplings, higher mutagenic potencies were again observed for site 1, reaching 5,100 and 36,000 revertants per gram of BR for the YG1 041 strain in the absence and presence of S9 respectively. Sites 2 and: presented similar potencies, around 1000 revertants per gram of BR. Based on the obtained results we can conclude that the Blue rayon anchored technique associated with the Salmonella/microsome microsuspension assay with the YG1041 strain in the presence and absence of S9 is an suitable tool to monito Santos estuarine waters.

Illness associated with contamination of drinking water supplies with phenol

An accidental spill of phenol (100%) into the Nakdong river with subsequent contamination of the tap water for about two million consumers in Teagu city of Korea occurred in March 1991. A historical cohort study of 6,913 individuals was undertaken to determine association with illness. Population subjects were divided into two groups of exposed and unexposed. Exposed subjects were reported to have significantly more phenol associated symptoms than those in a nearby unexposed area (39.6% vs. 9.4%, p < 0.01). Especially, in the related symptoms, highly significant differences were noted in the number of subjects reporting gastrointestinal illness such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or abdominal pain. During the accident, study subjects who experienced peculiar taste or odor in the tap water were significantly more in the exposed areas (92% vs. 34.3%).

Investigation on a Water Contamination Accident in Tuojiang River Caused by Industrial Wastewater / 环境与健康杂志

Objective To investigate a water contamination accident caused by industrial wastewater during Feb 27th-29th ,2004,in Tuojiang river, analyze the variation of sanitary quality of drinking water during and after the accident. Methods After the occurrence of the accident,consecutive surveillance and analyses were done to discover the variation of the levels of amino-nitrogen,nitrite and nitrate in source water and finished water of Jianyang Water Works and Neijiang No 2 Water Works,which located at the lower reaches of Jianyang. Results The levels of amino-nitrogen in source water and finished water of Jianyang Water Works reached the first peak [(47.04?2.48)?(45.97?2.37)mg/L]at the 3rd day(March 3rd) after the end of discharge of industrial wastewater from contamination source,decreased at the 4th day ,reached the second peak at the 5th day[(42.26?2.88)?(39.50?2.64)mg/L], then decreased gradually, presented the normal levels at the 11th day[(0.54?0.10)?(0.30?0.12)mg/L]. The levels of nitrite in source water and finished water of Jianyang Water Works reached the first peak [(2.09?0.23)?(0.91?0.15)mg/L] at the 2 nd-3rd day after the end of discharge of industrial wastewater from contamination source,decreased at the 4th day ,reached the second peak at the 5th day[(2.18?0.33),(0.61?0.16)mg/L], then decreased gradually,presented the normal levels at the 11th day[(0.16?0.07)?(0.02?0.01)mg/L]. The levels of nitrate in source water and finished water of Jianyang Water Works(3.56～9.15 mg/L) didn't exceed the standard ruled the Sanitary Standard for Drinking Water (2001) throughout the duration of accident. The levels of amino-nitrogen and nitrite in source water and finished water of Neijiang No.2 Water Works both exceeded the related standards, the levels of nitrate met the requirement of the Sanitary Standard for Drinking Water (2001) during the period from the first day to the third day after the end of discharge of industrial wastewater from contamination source. From the forth day to the 25 th day, Neijiang No.2 Water Works was changed to be supplied by the Five-star reservoir,and produced safe and sanitary finished water meeting the requirement of the Sanitary Standard for Drinking Water (2001). Conclusion This wastewater contamination accident seriously deteriorates the quality of drinking water in Jianyang and Neijiang.