Wide diversity of fungal species found in wellwater for human consumption: an analytical cross-sectional study

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Fungi are ubiquitous in the environment. They are able to grow in water and many of them may be opportunistic pathogens. OBJECTIVE: The aims were to identify fungi in registered wells (RWs) and nonregistered wells (NRWs) that tap into groundwater; and to correlate the results from physicochemical assays on this water (free residual chlorine and pH) with the presence of fungi. DATA AND SETTING: Analytical cross-sectional quantitative study on groundwater wells in São José do Rio Preto, São Paulo, Brazil. METHODS: 52 samples of 500 ml of water were collected from RWs and 107 from NRWs. These were sent to a microbiology laboratory to identify any fungi that were present. In addition, free residual chlorine and pH were measured immediately after sample collection. Several statistical analysis tests were used. RESULTS: Fungal contamination was present in 78.8% of the samples from RWs and 81.3% from NRWs. Filamentous fungi were more prevalent than yeast in both types of wells. There was no significant difference in presence of fungi according to whether chloride and pH were within recommended levels in RWs; or according to whether pH was within recommended levels in NRWs. Furthermore, there was no statistical difference in the levels of fungal contamination between RWs and NRWs. CONCLUSION: Both RWs and NRWs are potential reservoirs for many types of fungi. Many of these may become opportunistic pathogens if they infect immunosuppressed individuals. Furthermore, this study confirms that fungi are able to grow even when chlorine and pH parameters are within the standards recommended.

Análise microbiológica de água consumo humano de um município do oeste do Estado do Paraná / Microbiological analysis of water for human consumption in the city of west of Paraná State

Devido ao grande desenvolvimento populacional, a contaminação da água tem se tornado cada vez mais recorrente, em consequência à poluição e más condições de saneamento. A água de consumo pode ser obtida de diversas fontes, entre elas os poços rasos, suscetíveis a contaminação devido à menor profundidade. A saúde pública requer água potável segura,que seja livre de patógenos. Portanto, a avaliação de sua qualidade é essencial, principalmente a água destinada ao consumo humano. O objetivo deste trabalho foi determinar a qualidade microbiológica de água para consumo humano de um município do Oeste do Paraná. De fevereiro a dezembro de 2017, foram coletadas 112 amostras de água de um município do Oeste do Paraná e transportadas para Unioeste para realizar a determinação de coliformes totais e E. coli, pelo método Colilert®. Do total das amostras de água analisadas, 28,6% apresentaram-se contaminadas por E. coli, indicando riscos à saúde da população que consome esta água.

First molecular typing of Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis identified in animal and human drinking water from dairy goat farms in Brazil

Abstract Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis, the etiologic agent of Johne's disease or paratuberculosis, was identified by culture and/or polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in 50% and 30% of water samples for animal and human consumption, respectively, from ten dairy goat farms in Brazil. IS1311 restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis identified the isolates as cattle type C.

Pesquisa de coliformes na água de consumo das creches da rede municipal de ensino de Teixeira de Freitas, BA / Research of coliforms in drinking water of the municipal nursery school of Teixeira de Freitas, BA

A falta de estruturas adequadas para o fornecimento de água potável é uma das principais causas de contaminação por micro-organismos patogênicos. Uma vez que nas instituições de ensino, esta água é utilizada para o preparo de alimentos e consumo das crianças, sua contaminação torna-se um perigo para a saúde humana constituindo assim uma ameaça à saúde pública. Este trabalho teve como objetivo pesquisar a presença de coliformes totais e termotolerantes na água das cozinhas e bebedouros em creches da rede municipal de ensino de Teixeira de Freitas, BA. Foram realizadas 32 amostras de água, coletadas diretamente da torneira da cozinha e do bebedouro das creches. A pesquisa foi realizada, através da técnica do Número Mais Provável (NMP), de coliformes totais e termotolerantes, além de testes bioquímicos para isolamento e identificação de Escherichia coli. Das amostras de água analisadas 11 (34,4%) estavam contaminadas por coliformes totais e uma (3,1%) com presença de coliformes termotolerantes, sendo esta uma amostra de água do bebedouro.(AU)

The lack of proper structures to supply drinking water is one of the main causes of contamination with pathogenic microorganisms. Since this water is used to prepare food for students in schools, such contamination represents a health hazards, becoming a threat to public health. This study investigated the presence of total and thermotolerant coliforms in the water used in kitchens and dispensed in water coolers in day care units in the municipal education network of Teixeira de Freitas, Bahia, Brazil. In total, 32 water samples were collected directly from the kitchen tap and water coolers. Thermotolerant and total coliforms counts were obtained using the Most Probable Number method, in addition to biochemical assays to isolate and identify Escherichia coli. Eleven (33.4%) samples were contaminated with total coliforms, while one (3.1%) sample collected from a water cooler had thermotolerant coliforms.

Guideline values and human risk assessment for the presence of anti-inflammatory drugs remaining in drinking water after lab scale treatment

This study aimed to determine whether the anti-inflammatory drugs that are most commonly consumed in Brazil, including diclofenac, ketoprofen, naproxen, indomethacin, ibuprofen and acetaminophen, are present in drinking water and to derive guideline values to characterize the human risk. These pharmaceuticals were quantified in surface waters by LC-MS/MS with solid phase extraction, both before and after conventional treatment on a laboratory scale, using a jar test assay. The methods used to quantify these drugs showed good results: the chromatographic analysis obtained correlation coefficients between 0.9952 and 0.9991, with limits of quantification of 0.5 ng.mL-1 - 50 ng.mL-1 and precision standard deviations (0.08 - 2.08). Only ketoprofen and ibuprofen were not completely removed through the jar test. Environmental samples were collected and handled by the same method; the values |for ketoprofen and ibuprofen after treatment were 18.67 - 19.65 ng.L-1 (±17%) and 166.70 - 244.73 ng.L-1 (±14%), respectively. Human risk was assessed by comparing the guideline values for each compound to the concentrations obtained in the environmental samples, considering the toxicological backgrounds, following WHO (2011) method. The results suggest that the concentrations of ketoprofen and ibuprofen found in drinking water do not pose a risk to human health, even with chronic consumption

Calidad bacteriológica del agua para consumo en tres regiones del Perú / Bacteriological quality of water for consumption in three Peruvian areas

RESUMEN Objetivos Determinar la calidad bacteriológica del agua para consumo en tres regiones del Perú. Materiales y Método Se realizó un estudio transversal. La recolección de datos se realizó en Cajamarca, Huancavelica y Huánuco durante el 2012-2013. El muestreo fue probabilístico, estratificado multietápico. Incluyó 706 viviendas. Se evalúo presencia de coliformes totales y E. coli mediante el kit Readycult ®. Se recolectó 100 mL de agua utilizada para preparación de alimentos. La determinación de cloro residual se realizó mediante análisis semicuantitativo (Chlorine Test®). Se estableció como concentración ideal de cloro residual ≥0,5 mg/L. El análisis de datos se realizó mediante muestras complejas con factor de ponderación. Se calcularon porcentajes y chi cuadrado. Se definió buena calidad bacteriológica: agua con cloro libre adecuado, ausencia de coliformes totales y E. coli. Se solicitó el consentimiento informado del jefe del hogar. Resultados Del total de muestras evaluadas, 78,6 % tuvieron coliformes totales en Cajamarca, 65,5 % en Huancavelica y 64,1 % en Huánuco, El 72,0 % tuvieron E. coli en Cajamarca, 37,4 % en Huancavelica y 17,5 % Huánuco. En Cajamarca, el 8,6 % de las muestras de agua fueron de buena calidad bacteriológica, mientras que en Huancavelica fue 4,3% y en Huánuco, 7,2 %. Conclusiones La mayoría de las muestras de agua tuvieron mala calidad bacteriológica evidenciándose coliformes totales. Las tres cuartas partes de los hogares de Cajamarca, la tercera parte de Huancavelica y casi la quinta parte de Huánuco tuvieron E. coli en el agua de consumo humano.(AU)

ABSTRACT Objective To estimate the bacteriological quality of drinking water in Huancavelica, Cajamarca and Huánuco during 2012-2013 Material and Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted. Sampling was probabilistic, stratified and multistage. The sample included 706 households. The Readycult ® kit was used to assess the presence of total coliforms and E. coli. 100 mL of water used for food preparation was collected. The determination of residual chlorine was performed by semiquantitative analysis using Chlorine Test Reagent ®. It was established as the ideal residual chlorine concentration ≥0,5 mg/L. The statistical analysis considered the necessary weight for complex samples. We calculed percentages and chi square. The informed consent of the head of household is requested. It was defined as good bacteriological quality of water: water sample with adequate free chlorine, in the absence of total coliforms and E. coli. Results The samples tested, 78.6 % had total coliforms in Cajamarca, Huancavelica and 65.5 % at 64.1 % in Huanuco. The 72.0 % had E. coli in Cajamarca, Huancavelica 37.4 % and 17.5 % in Huánuco. In Cajamarca, 8.6 % of the water samples were of good bacteriological quality, while in Huancavelica was 4.3 % and Huanuco, 7.2 %. Conclusions Most of the water samples were of poor bacteriological quality. Most of the water samples had total coliforms. Three-quarters of households in Cajamarca, Huancavelica third and almost one fifth of Huanuco had the presence of E. coli in drinking water.(AU)

Presencia de Legionella spp. en depósitos domiciliarios de agua potable en Resistencia, Chaco, Argentina. Informe preliminar / Presence of Legionella spp. in household drinking water reservoirs in Resistencia, Chaco, Argentina. Preliminary report

Legionella spp. es una bacteria ambiental capaz de sobrevivir en un amplio intervalo de condiciones fisicoquímicas y puede colonizar los sistemas de distribución y almacenamiento del agua potable. Legionella pneumophila es el principal patógeno trasmitido por el agua y produce el 90% de los casos de legionelosis. El objetivo del presente trabajo fue detectar por cultivo la presencia de Legionella spp. en depósitos domiciliarios de agua potable de la ciudad de Resistencia, Chaco. La detección de Legionella en las muestras de agua se realizó por cultivo según lo establecido en la norma ISO 11731:1998. Se analizaron 32 muestras de agua y de 12 (37,5%) de ellas se recuperaron cepas de Legionella spp. La vigilancia de este microorganismo en el agua de consumo humano representa el primer paso para controlar su diseminación hacia huéspedes susceptibles.

Legionella spp. is an environmental bacterium that can survive in a wide range of physicochemical conditions and may colonize distribution systems of drinking water and storage tanks. Legionella pneumophila is the major waterborne pathogen that can cause 90% of Legionnaires' disease cases. The aim of this study was to detect the presence of Legionella spp. in household drinking water tanks in the city of Resistencia, Chaco. The detection of Legionella in water samples was performed by culture methods as set out in ISO 11731:1998. Thirty two water samples were analyzed and Legionella spp. was recovered in 12 (37.5%) of them. The monitoring of this microorganism in drinking water is the first step towards addressing the control of its spread to susceptible hosts.

Agua potable como posible fuente de brote de diarrea por Microsporidium spp. en pacientes inmunocomprometidos en un hospital pediátrico / The water supply of a pediatric hospital as a possible source of an outbreak of diarrhea due to Microsporidium spp. in immunocompromised patients

Introduction: The hospital water supply is a reservoir of a variety of potentially pathogenic microorganisms that can particularly affect children and immunocompromised patients. Potentially pathogenic Microsporidium spp. have been identified in water. Microsporidiosis is an emerging parasitic and opportunistic infection in immunocompromised patients. Objective and Method: to describe an outbreak of nosocomial diarrhea due to Microsporidium, species Encephalitozoon intestinalis. Results: Seven cases of E. intestinalis associated diarrhea were reported between november 2012 and february 2013, in a unit of immunocompromised patients in L. Calvo Mackenna Children's Hospital. Microsporidium spp. was found in the hospital water supply and water reservoir tank. Secondary cases were transmitted by contact. Control measures included contact precautions, not to use faucet water for hand washing, bottled water for drinking and water reservoir tank sanitation. Conclusions: This research is about a nosocomial outbreak associated with water supply. Water quality in Chilean hospitals is an unresolved issue, especially in immunocompromised patient areas. Compliance of cleaning and disinfection of water supply systems in hospitals must be ensured.

Introducción: Los sistemas de suministro de agua potable de los hospitales constituyen un reservorio de una variedad de microorganismos potencialmente patógenos que pueden afectar especialmente a niños y pacientes inmunocomprometidos. Especies de Microsporidium spp. potencialmente patógenos para el hombre han sido identificadas en el agua potable. La microsporidiosis es una infección parasitaria oportunista en pacientes inmunocomprometidos. Objetivos y Método: Describir un brote de diarrea nosocomial por Microsporidium de la especie Encephalitozoon intestinalis. Resultados: Se registraron siete casos de diarrea por E. intestinalis, entre noviembre de 2012 y febrero de 2013, en una unidad de pacientes inmunocomprometidos del Hospital de Niños Luis Calvo Mackenna, comprobándose la presencia de Microsporidium spp. abundante en el agua potable y estanques del hospital. Los casos secundarios pudieron transmitirse por contacto. Las medidas de control fueron precauciones de contacto, no usar agua de grifos para lavado de manos, ingesta de agua envasada y desinfección de estanques. Conclusiones: Esta investigación corresponde a un brote nosocomial transmitido por agua potable. La importancia de la calidad del agua en los hospitales de nuestro país es un tema no resuelto, especialmente en áreas que atienden pacientes inmunocomprometidos. Debe asegurarse el cumplimiento de limpieza y desinfección de los sistemas de suministro de agua en los hospitales.

Avaliação parasitológica e bacteriológica do gelo comercializado na cidade de Juazeiro do Norte – CE / Parasitological and bacteriological evaluation of the ice sold in the city of Juazeiro do Norte - CE

A água é a matéria-prima utilizada na produção de gelo e a adoção de práticas rigorosas de higiene em sua fabricação, manuseio, embalagem, conservação e distribuição torna-se indispensável. O método de congelamento não é capaz de destruir os patógenos contaminantes, pois os mesmos permanecem em estado de latência até que o produto entre em processo de fusão. O estudo teve como objetivo avaliar as condições parasitológicas e bacteriológicas do gelo comercializado para consumo no município de Juazeiro do Norte, CE. Trata-se de um estudo analítico e transversal, realizado a partir de análises microbiológicas, por meio da técnica dos tubos múltiplos, e parasitológicas, pelo método de Hoffmann Modificado, técnica de Faust e pesquisa de Cryptosporidium spp. pela técnica de Ziehl-Neelsen Modificado, conhecido como coloração de Kinyoun. Em quinze amostras adquiridas em diferentes bairros deste município, 66,7% apresentaram coliformes totais e 33,3% coliformes termotolerantes. Na avaliação parasitológica, 33,3% estavam contaminadas por Giardia lamblia e 6,6% por Cryptosporidium spp. As irregularidades higienicossanitárias, que abordam desde o processo de fabricação do produto até a sua distribuição nos estabelecimentos, são as possíveis causas de contaminações parasitárias e microbiológicas. Reforça-se, portanto, a necessidade de estabelecer estratégias a fim de detectar os possíveis pontos de contaminação do gelo, buscando solucionar o problema e, assim, prevenir os consumidores de possíveis infecções e parasitoses, além de garantir a segurança deste alimento.

Since this is the raw material used in the production of ice, it is essential to adopt strict hygiene practices in their manufacturing, handling, packaging, storage and distribution. Since the freezing method is not able to destroy contaminating pathogens because the microorganisms remain in the sleep state until the product goes into melting process. The objective of this study was to evaluate the parasitological and bacteriological ice conditions marketed for consumption in Juazeiro do Norte, Ceará. It's about an analytic and transversal study, conducted from microbiological, using the technique of multiple tubes, and parasitological through the modified method of Hoffmann, Faust technic and detection of Cryptosporidium spp. by Ziehl-Neelsen Modified, known as Kinyoun staining. In fifteen samples, acquired in different neighborhoods of the city, 66,7% had total coliforms and 33,3% thermotolerant coliforms. In parasitological evaluation, 33.3% were contaminated with Giardia lamblia and 6,6% with Cryptosporidium spp. The hygienic and sanitary irregularities, which range from the manufacturing process of the product to distribution establishments, are possible causes of parasitic and microbiological contamination. Therefore, it reinforces the need to provide strategies to detect the possible points of contamination of ice, seeking to solve the problem and then prevent consumers from possible infections, in addition to ensure the safety of food.

Avaliação microbiológica da água consumida em bebedouros da Universidade Estadual Vale do Acaraú, Sobral – CE / Microbiological evaluation of the water consumed in drinking of the University Vale do Acaraú, Sobral - CE

A má qualidade dos sistemas de distribuição e de reservatórios proporciona a população uma água contaminada que, serve de veículo para vários agentes infecciosos que provocam danos à saúde humana. O presente trabalho teve por objetivo analisar a qualidade e potabilidade das águas dos bebedouros de uma Universidade do município de Sobral - Ce, por meio da quantificação de coliformes totais e coliformes termotolerantes. As amostras foram avaliadas, segundo os requisitos determinados pelo Ministério da Saúde, por meio da Portaria nº 2914 de 2011. Os resultados apresentados após as análises feitas não atenderam aos parâmetros, desta forma as amostras podem ser classificadas como inadequadas para consumo de acordo com parâmetros para coliformes.

The poor quality of distribution systems and tanks to the population provides a contaminated water that serves as a vehicle for various infectious agents that cause damage to human health. This study aims to analyze the quality and potability of water in the troughs of a University of Sobral - Ce municipality, through the quantification of total coliforms and fecal coliforms. The samples were evaluated, whose requirements are determined by the Ministry of Health, through Ordinance No. 2914 of 2011. The results after the analyzes did not meet the parameters, so samples can be classified as unsuitable for consumption according to parameters coliform.

Behavioral alterations induced by repeated saxitoxin exposure in drinking water

Blooms of the saxitoxin-producing cyanobacterium Cylindrospermopsis raciborskii have been contaminating drinking water reservoirs in Brazil for many years. Although acute effects of saxitoxin intoxication are well known, chronic deleterious outcomes caused by repeated saxitoxin exposure still require further investigation. The aim of the present work is to investigate the effects of consumption of drinking water contaminated with C. raciborskii for 30 days on learning and memory processes in rats. Methods The effects of saxitoxin (3 or 9 g/L STX equivalents) or cyanobacteria on behavior was determined using the open field habituation task, elevated plus maze anxiety model task, inhibitory avoidance task, and referential Morris water maze task. Results No effects of saxitoxin consumption was observed on anxiety and motor exploratory parameters in the elevated plus maze and open field habituation tasks, respectively. However, groups treated with 9 g/L STX equivalents displayed a decreased memory performance in the inhibitory avoidance and Morris water maze tasks. Conclusions These results suggest an amnesic effect of saxitoxin on aversive and spatial memories.

Water from different sources used for the irrigation of vegetables to be marketed: research on Cryptosporidiumspp, giardiaspp, and Coliforms in Parana, Brazil / Água de diferentes fontes utilizadas na irrigação de hortaliças comercializadas: pesquisa de Cryptosporidiumspp, giardiaspp, e coliformes, Paraná, Brasil

SUMMARYThe aim of this work was to compare, from a parasitological ( Cryptosporidiumspp. and Giardia duodenalis), bacteriological (total and thermotolerants coliforms) and physicochemical perspective, water sources used for drinking and irrigation of vegetables intended to be sold for human consumption. From January 2010 to May 2011, samples of different water sources from vegetable producing properties were collected; 100 liters for parasitological analysis, 200 mL for bacteriological analysis, and five liters for physicochemical analysis. Water samples were filtered under vacuum with a kit containing a cellulose acetate membrane filter, 1.2 µm (Millipore(r), Barueri, SP, Brazil). The material retained on the membrane was mechanically extracted and analyzed by direct immunofluorescence (Merifluor(r)kit). From 20 rural properties investigated, 10 had artesian wells (40 samples), 10 had common wells (40 samples), and one had a mine (four samples), the latter contaminated by Cryptosporidiumspp. In samples from artesian wells, 90 to 130 meters depth, 42.5% were positive for total coliforms and 5.0% were identified to have abnormal coloration. From the samples of common wells, 14 to 37 meters depth, 87.5% were contaminated with total coliforms, 82.5% were positive for thermotolerant coliforms, and 12.5% had color abnormalities. We did not detect the presence of Giardiaspp. or Cryptosporidiumspp. in artesian and common wells. The use of artesian or common wells is an important step in the control of the spreading of zoonoses, particularly Cryptosporidiumspp. and Giardiaspp., as well as artesian wells for coliform control in local production of vegetables to be marketed.

RESUMOO objetivo do estudo foi investigar fontes de água utilizadas para consumo e irrigação de hortaliças a serem comercializadas sob o aspecto parasitológico ( Cryptosporidiumspp. e Giardia duodenalis), bacteriológico (coliformes totais e termotolerantes) e físico-químico. De janeiro de 2010 a maio de 2011 foram coletadas amostras de água de diferentes fontes de abastecimento de propriedades produtoras de hortaliças; 100 litros para análise parasitológica, 200 mL para bacteriológica e cinco litros para análise físico-química. As amostras de água foram filtradas a vácuo com um kit de filtragem contendo uma membrana de acetato de celulose, 1,2 µm, (Millipore(r), Barueri, São Paulo, Brasil). O material retido na membrana foi extraído mecanicamente e analisado por imunofluorescência direta (kit Merifluor(r)). De 20 propriedades rurais, 10 tinham poços artesianos (40 amostras), 10 semi-artesianos (40 amostras) e um possuía uma mina (quatro amostras). Esta última contaminada por Cryptosporidiumspp. Das amostras de poços artesianos com 90 a 130 metros de profundidade, 42,5% foram positivas para coliformes totais e 5,0% apresentavam coloração alterada. Em amostras de poços semi-artesianos com 14 a 37 m de profundidade, 87,5% apresentaram coliformes totais, 82,5% termotolerantes, e 12,5% destas amostras tinham alteração de cor. Não foi detectada a presença de Giardiaspp. e Cryptosporidiumspp. em poços artesianos ou semi-artesianos. A utilização de poços artesianos ou semi artesianos constitui importante medida no controle da disseminação de zoonoses, principalmente Cryptosporidiumspp. e Giardiaspp., assim como de poços artesianos para o controle de coliformes, em locais de produção de hortaliças irrigadas, a serem comercializadas.

Avaliação higienicossanitária da água de restaurantes universitários da cidade de São Luís - MA

Objetivou-se no presente artigo avaliar a qualidade da água de dois restaurantes universitários da cidade de São Luís - MA, por meio da pesquisa de coliformes totais e Escherichia coli, utilizando Método Rápido Colilert® (Substrato Cromogênico Enzimático). Quanto à água empregada no preparo de alimentos (oriundas de pontos de água como: cisternas, torneiras) e nos bebedouros nos dois Restaurantes Universitários avaliados, seis (54,54%) foram positivas para Coliformes totais e três (27,27%) positivas para E. coli no restaurante A e dez (100%) no restaurante B mostraram-se impróprias para o consumo humano.

The objective of this article is to evaluate the water quality of two university restaurants in São Luís - MA, through the research of total coliforms and Escherichia coli by Colilert Quick Method (Chromogenic Enzyme Substrate). As for the used in food preparation (derived from water points as cisterns, taps) and troughs in University Restaurants evaluate, six (54.54%) were positive for total coliform and three (27.27%) positive for E. coli in the restaurant and ten 100% B at the restaurant proved to be unfit for consumption.

Servicios públicos domiciliarios: ¿derechos humanos o productos para la venta? Caso Medellín / Home utilities: are they human rights or products for sale? The Medellin Case

El presente artículo presenta los resultado de investigación encaminada a demostrar y visibilizar, en la ciudad de Medellín, las múltiples afectaciones a personas por la ausencia de servicios públicos domiciliarios en sus viviendas, aún y la capacidad técnica, operativa y financiera de la empresa prestadora de servicios en la ciudad: Empresa Públicas de Medellín (Epm E.S.P), lo que supone una inadecuada lectura de la realidad de la ciudad, principalmente en las zonas periféricas y zonas de alto riesgo. Esta situación lleva a que los ciudadanos recurran a las vías judiciales o a las vías de hecho para proveerse del servicio y en cualquiera de las dos vías se termina por generarle una serie de dificultades de orden jurídico, social y económico al Municipio que es, según la Ley 142 de 1994, el responsable de garantizar el derecho a los servicios públicos domiciliarios; situaciones que pudiesen contar con una solución más adecuada en tanto que ajustada a las realidad de la ciudad.

This current paper introduces the research results aiming at demonstrating and identifying, in the city of Medellin, the multiple effects to people by the lack of home utilities, still and the technical, operational, and financial capacities of the company providing services in the city: Public Companies of Medellin (EPM -ESP), which supposes an inadequate reading of the reality of the city, mainly on the outskirts and high-risk areas. This situation makes the citizens resort to the judicial routes or assault and battery in order for them to provide with the service, and in either of the two routes, a series of legal, social, and economic difficulties are derived, which becomes a problem to the Municipality, which according to the Law 142 as of 1994, is responsible for ensuring the people the right to home utilities, situations which could have a moreadequate solution to the extent that it can be adjusted to the reality of the city.

Ocorrência de algas cianofíticas em água de dessedentação de bovinos criados extensivamente / Occurrence of blue-green algae in the drinking water of extensively raised cattle

Na pecuária extensiva, os bebedouros naturais ou artificiais possibilitam o acesso direto dos bovinos ao seu interior e trazem como consequência a degradação da qualidade da água e o aumento dos riscos sanitários. Em tais circunstâncias ocorre a eutrofização e consequentemente a floração de algas, dentre elas cianobactérias toxigênicas. O presente estudo teve por objetivo verificar a ocorrência de cianobactérias de interesse sanitário em água de dessedentação de bovinos e descrever os seus parâmetros físico-químicos pH, temperatura e oxigênio dissolvido. Foram examinadas 19 amostras de água de cacimbas ou bebedouros naturais formados predominantemente em decorrência da precipitação pluviométrica, coletadas em seis propriedades rurais localizadas nas regiões Sudeste e Centro-Oeste, para a presença de cianobactérias e mensurados os valores de pH, temperatura e oxigênio dissolvido. Microcystis e/ou Merismopedia foram detectadas em dois bebedouros; em um dos quais havia intensa floração. Os valores de pH, temperatura e oxigênio dissolvido nas 19 coleções oscilaram entre pH 7,2-9,7, 31-34ºC e 7,8-30mg/l, respectivamente. Foram detectadas ainda algas consideradas não patogênicas de diversos gêneros, em conjunto ou não com a ocorrência das cianofíticas. Nessas condições, as práticas comuns de oferta de água de dessedentação na bovinocultura extensiva, as possibilidades de eutrofização e a contaminação por cianobactérias trazem potenciais riscos à saúde dos animais.

In extensive animal husbandry, natural or artificial ponds allow direct access of cattle to water but result in degradation of water quality and in increased health risks. Under such circumstances eutrophication occurs and consequently algal bloom, among them toxigenic cyanobacteria. The present study aimed to report the occurrence of cyanobacteria in the drinking water of cattle and to describe their physical and chemical parameters, as pH, temperature and dissolved oxygen. Nineteen samples of natural ponds or water troughs formed predominantly as result of rainfall from six farms located in the Southeast and Midwest regions of Brazil were analyzed for the presence of cyanobacteria, and pH, temperature and dissolved oxygen was measured. Microcystis and/or Merismopedia were detected in two ponds; one of them was covered with intense flowering. The values of pH, temperature and dissolved oxygen in 19 collections were pH 7.2-9.7, 31-34ºC and 7.8-30mg/l respectively. Also non-pathogenic algae of several genera were detected besides the occurrence or not of cianogenics. Under these conditions, the common practices of drinking water supply for extensively raised cattle and the possibilities of eutrophication and cyanobacterial growth bring potential risks for animal health.