Molecular Characterization and Antibiogram of Selected Pathogens Isolated from Streams and Wells Water Sources in Three Local Government Areas of Rivers State, Nigeria

Aims: Reliance on unhealthy water sources such as hand dug wells and streams have led to the occurrence of waterborne diseases such as amoebic dysentery, gastroenteritis, typhoid fever and cholera among several communities in Rivers State. This study tends to identify selected multidrug resistant pathogens isolated from streams and wells water sources in three Local Government Areas of Rivers State using molecular techniques. Methodology: A total of 48 well and stream water samples were collected aseptically from 24 sampling sites in Ikwerre, Emohua and Etche Local Government Areas of Rivers State. Samples were analysed using membrane filtration technique for total heterotrophic bacterial count and total coliform count. The well and stream water samples were also cultured for E. coli, Salmonella and Vibrio sp. Antibiotic sensitivity test of the isolates was carried out using the disk diffusion method and multidrug resistant isolates were identified using PCR-based techniques (16S rRNA). Results: The results of this study showed that total aerobic heterotrophic bacteria count occurred more in Emohua LGA for both well and stream water sources with bacterial count of 1.71 x104 cfu/ml for well water samples and 2.35 x 104 cfu/ml for stream water samples. The mean fungal count of the stream water samples was highest in Emohua LGA with 2.55 x 104 cfu/ml followed by Ikwerre LGA which had 4.20 x 103 cfu/ml and Etche LGA with the least count of 1.80 x 102 cfu/ml. All the isolated bacteria species were found to be resistant to more than 50% of the antibiotics used with highest Multi Antibiotic Resistant Index of 0.625. multidrug resistant bacterial isolates identified include Vibrio sp strain 201707CJKOP-Y162 (MG593726), Bacillus sbtilis clone N55 (JQ622582), Chryseobacterium sp strain CB2915-325-DE_0621 (MH512534), Enterobacter sp strain AB55 (MF407145), Klebsiella pneumonia strain M792-16(MH680830), Shigella sonnei strain AR_0030(CP032523), Escherichia coli strain WECHEC025943(CP027205) and Salmonella bongori strain KC153129.116 (MG663494). Conclusion: Access to good quality or potable drinking water and efficient sanitary practices are fundamental to human health and economic development. The occurrence of multidrug resistant pathogenic bacterial isolates in natural water sources requires serious routine evaluation in order to forestall the outbreak of waterborne disease epidemics.

Survey of total radioactivity in drinking well water around Bayanwula uranium mine / 中华放射医学与防护杂志

Objective:To investigate the total radioactivity in drinking well water around the Bayanwula uranium mine.Methods:Totally 174 samples of drinking well water and 5 samples of filtered well water from residential houses were collected during dry and wet seasons in 2020 around the Bayanwula uranium mine. Total α and total β radioactivity in dry season and wet season were analyzed for detrmining whether there were differences between them and the relation between total radioactivity with different locations away from the uranium center. The radioactivity in filtered drinking well water used in residential houses was also investigated. Radioactivity were measured and analyzed using low background alpha and beta radioactivity meters, and the data were analysed using SPSS analytical statistical method.Results:In the drinking well water around Bayanwula uranium mine, the activity concentrations of total α and β measured in dry season were 0.024-2.468 Bq/L with a mean of (0.605±0.507) Bq/L and 0.125-1.395 Bq/L with a mean of (0.420±0.235) Bq/L, respectively. The values measured in wet season were 0.049-2.988 Bq/L with a mean of (0.825±0.605) Bq/L for total α and 0.059-1.623 Bq/L with a mean of (0.506±0.265) Bq/L for total β, respectively. The average value of total radioactivity in water samples was lower within 10, 30 and 20 km of the uranium mine in the descending order.Conclusions:The radioactivity in well water around the Bayanwula uranium mine is high, with the total α and β in samples greater in wet season than in the dry season and without elevated levels as compared to the pre-mining background.

Analysis of Heavy Metals (Cadmium, Chromium, Lead, Manganese, and Zinc) in Well Water in East Java Province, Indonesia

@#Introduction: Indonesia is one of the countries whose inhabitants use well water for drinking and cooking purposes. In East Java, 48.90% of the population uses well water for their daily needs. Well water contained heavy metals had bad effects on health such as cancer, damage of liver, kidneys, and others. The objective of this study was to evaluate the concentration of heavy metals in well water and relate them to a potential health outcomes. Methods: The method used in this study was analytical descriptive. Data used was secondary from East Java Environmental Office. A total of 101 samples were collected from 33 locations. There were 5 heavy metals analyzed, namely cadmium, chromium, lead, manganese, and zinc. Equipment using ICPMS and AAS. Data analyzed with descriptive statistics by SPSS. Data obtained were compared to the WHO Standard for Drinking Water Quality. Results: Concentration for cadmium was 0.002 mg/l, followed by manganese at 1.80 mg/l and zinc at 0.020 mg/l. Besides, all water samples had levels of chromium and lead below the detection limit. Conclusion: All heavy metals had concentrations below the maximum allowable standard, except for five water samples from three locations with levels of manganese which was above the maximum standard. Long term effects of manganese include neurological problems, intelligence, and low birth weight. Further studies need to be done to determine the source of manganese contamination. It is recommended that bottled water is used for drinking purposes in an area where heavy metal concentration is above the allowable limit.

New Approach to Understand the Removal Efficiency of Some Anions in Well Water by Slow Sand Filtration

Aims: Slow sand filtration (SSF) is a simple technique widely used for the treatment of drinking water. However, little attention has been accorded to the improvement of the understanding of this process model. The main objective of this work is to develop a numerical tool allowing the prediction and the evaluation of the efficiency of slow sand filtration to decontaminate contaminated well water. Materials and Methods: This evaluation was done by comparing data from contaminated well water filtered through the laboratory columns with the same diameter (5 cm) but filled with sand to various heights (5 cm, 10 cm and 15 cm). Results: Decontamination efficiency of slow sand filtration was determined in terms of selected physicochemical parameters such as sulphates, chlorides and total hardness. Results indicated significant difference in levels of sulphates and chlorides in filtered water through the three sand bed heights whereby decontamination efficiency of these parameters was found to be better at the highest sand bed (15 cm).

Secondary transmission of cryptosporidiosis associated with well water consumption: two case studies

Abstract: Cryptosporidiosis is a very prominent disease in the field of public health, and usually causes diarrhea. We describe two immunocompetent patients who presented with chronic diarrhea that was ultimately found to be caused by continuous exposure to well water contaminated with the microbial cysts (oocysts) of the Cryptosporidium spp parasite. We describe the patients' histories and possible explanations for their prolonged symptoms.

Antimicrobial activities of Balanites aegyptiaca (L.) Delile (Balanitaceae) on bacteria isolated from water well.

Bark of Balanites aegyptiaca is used to make well water potable. This study aimed to investigate well water microbiological quality and appreciate antibacterial activity of crude extracts of B. aegyptiaca on bacteria isolated from 60 samples well water. Qualitative chemical analysis of the extract was carried out. Microbiological quality of water well from four health Districts of the city of Lomé were evaluated by broth dilution associated with the spread on agar media method. Antimicrobial activity of bark of B. aegyptiaca was assessed using microdilution method. The results indicated that well water samples analysed were contaminated to varying degrees by the total aerobic flora, fecal coliforms and fecal enterococci. The most important phytoconstituents of the back were saponins, coumarins, triterpenes, tannins and steroids. Flavonoids and polyphenols were absent. B. aegyptiaca inhibited significantly the growth of microorganisms isolated from well water. Using B. aegyptiaca in the disinfection of well water would be linked to its action on the causative organisms and its chemical composition.

Monitoramento da radioatividade alfa relacionada ao radônio-222 em águas de poços da região metropolitana de Curitiba (PR) / Alpha radioactivity monitoring related to radon-222 in water from wells in metropolitan area of Curitiba (PR), Brazil

O objetivo desta pesquisa foi avaliar os níveis de concentração de radônio 222Rn em águas de poços da região metropolitana de Curitiba, Paraná. O trabalho apresenta os resultados das concentrações das medidas feitas em águas de poços da região. As concentrações de 222Rn nas amostras das águas de poços foram medidas por meio do monitor de radônio AlphaGUARD. Os cálculos das concentrações de atividade iniciais de radônio na água foram feitos a partir da curva de decaimento do 222Rn e do equilíbrio secular entre o 222Rn e o 226Ra, observados depois de 30 dias. Os resultados indicaram que cerca de 70% dos valores das concentrações de 222Rn ficaram acima do valor recomendado pela USEPA, de 11,1 Bq.L-1, representando risco radiológico causado por este radionuclídeo. O estudo de caso apresentado mostrou que medidas prévias de radônio são recomendadas para que um projeto de construção seja implementado. No caso em questão, observa-se que as concentrações de radônio diminuem cerca de 56% na primeira caixa d'água e 83% na segunda em relação ao poço. Esse fato mostra que as ações para mitigação de radônio são viáveis e não exigem grandes modificações nos sistemas usuais da construção civil.

This research objective was to assess the level of randon-222 concentration in well water of the metropolitan region of Curitiba, Paraná. Current work presents the results of indoor 222Rn activity ground water samples from artesian wells from aquifers of the region. The studies of radon activity in water were performed using the radon detector AlphaGUARD. The calculations of initial radon activity in water were done considering the 222Rn decay correction as well as equilibrium level of 222Rn and 226Ra observed after 30 days of measurements. Obtained results show that about 70% of measured activity levels of 222Rn are higher than the recommended value of 11.1 Bq.L-1, which represent the risk for the human health associated with this radionuclide. The case study showed that previous measurements of radon are recommended for a construction project is implemented. In this case, it is observed that the radon concentrations decrease about 56% in the first water tank and 83% in the second water tank over the well. This fact shows that the actions for mitigation of radon are viable and do not require major modifications to the usual systems of construction.

Ion exchange-based treatment of 60Co contaminated well-water for storing γ irradiation source / 中华放射医学与防护杂志

Objective To select an efficient ion exchange resin to purify the 60Co contaminated well-water for storing radioactive source and to ensure the radioactivity of 60Co in treated well-water below 10 Bq/L.Methods The radioactivity of 60Co in the water samples was measured by using the potassium cobaltinitrite coprecipitation-β counting method.The treatment efficiencies of two different ion exchange resins for the simulated 60Co-bearing waste water were compared to select a better one to dispose of the 60Co contaminated well-water.Results The treatment efficiency of MBD-15-SC mixed ion exchange resin was about 5.8 times higher than ZGCNR50 strong-acid cation exchange resin.The radioactivity of 60Co in the contaminated well-water could be reduced from 4.16 × 105 Bq/L to 1.16 Bq/L by two-stage sorption of MBD-15-SC mixed ion exchange resin.Conclusions Using several times of two-stage MBD-15-SC mixed ion exchange resin could effectively purify the 60Co contaminated well-water.The quality of the treated well-water could meet the sewage discharge standards.

The chemical, heavy metal and microbial quality of well water in an urbanised village in the Klang Valley

Background: The public health issue of consuming groundwater is a major concern because people often extract groundwater directly from the aquifers either through wells or boreholes without treating it with any form of filtration system or chlorine disinfection. Based on the Malaysian National Drinking Water guidelines the current study was designed to provide a better understanding on the variable factors that are influencing the quality of well-water in an urbanised village in Malaysia. Well water quality assessment of heavy metals, chemicals, microbial and physical parameters were carried out for Sungai Buloh Village in the Klang Valley to ensure it was safe for human consumption. Materials and Methods: Water samples were collected from wells at four sites (Sites A,B,C,D), a river and a tap inside a house in Sungai Buloh village. Soil was sampled from the riverbed and area surrounding the wells. Samples were collected every two months over a one year duration from all sites. The water samples were processed and examined for viruses, coliforms and protozoa as well as for heavy metal contaminants. Results: The turbidity and colour ranged in the average of 0.57-0.13 Nephelometric Turbidity (NTU) and 4.16- 5.00 Total Conjunctive Use (TCU) respectively for all sites except Site C. At Site C the turbidity level was 2.56 ± 1.38 NTU. The well-water was polluted with coliforms (1.2 to 2.4 x 10 3 CFU/100 ml) in all sites, E. coli (0.12 - 4 x 10 2 CFU/100 ml CFU/ 100 ml) and Cryptosporidium oocysts (0.4 cysts/100 ml). All the heavy metals and chemical parameters were within the Malaysian Guidelines’ limits except manganese. The average pH ranged from 5.44 - 6.62 and the temperature was 28 ºC. Conclusion: In summary, the well water at Sungai Buloh is considered unsafe for consumption due to pollution. Therefore the major thrust will be to provide better quality of drinking water to the residents of the village.

Self-provided well water solubility of total solid rapid determination method of research / 国际检验医学杂志

Objective To establish a method for determination of total soluble solids (TDS) in self-provided well water .Methods The conductivity meter which has a function of determination of total soluble solid ,and was used to directly determinate the total soluble solids in self-provided well water .Results Compared with national standard method ,the results have no significant differ-ence .The relative standard deviation (RSD) was 0 .17% -0 .22% ,and the recovery rates of standard was 97 .5% -98 .6% .Conclu-sion The method is quick ,simple ,sensitive ,accurate and suitable for rapid determination of large quantities of waters .

Assessment of well water quality in Tsunami affected regions of south-west coast of Kerala, India.

The quality of well waters, based on 23 parameters of water, at 12 stations of south-west coast of Kerala, India, was assessed during monsoon, 2009 and summer, 2010, to determine their suitability for drinking and other domestic purposes. The stations selected were grouped into four regions viz. least, slightly, moderately and severely affected ones based on the severity of 2004 Asian Tsunami at each station. The depths of wells showed variations depending on the seasons and on their distance from the seacoast. The average water temperatures during monsoon and summer seasons were 28.5oC and 30.2oC respectively. The pH of well waters were below 6.5 in least and slightly affected regions and above this value in moderately and severely affected regions. In all the four regions, the well water parameters of electrical conductivity, hardness, fluoride, free chlorine, copper, zinc, calcium and nickel were below, and phosphorus, lead, iron cadmium and manganese were above the standard permissible levels set for them in drinking water. The values of salinity, sodium and potassium in the well waters of moderately and severely affected regions, and the values of nitrate-nitrogen, nitrate and magnesium in the well waters of severely affected regions were above the permissible limits set for them in drinking water. Water quality index calculated on the basis of drinking water standards revealed that the well waters of least and slightly affected regions were moderately polluted in both monsoon and summer seasons and the same of moderately affected region were excessively polluted during monsoon and severely polluted during summer seasons, whereas the well waters of severely affected regions were severely polluted in both seasons. Suitable recommendations were made to improve the quality of well waters of least and slightly affected regions.

Calidad microbiológica del agua de un área agrícola-ganadera del centro sur de Chile y su posible implicancia en la salud humana / Microbiological quality of water in livestock area of southern Chile and its possible implications on human health

Introduction: A significant proportion of water for human consumption has an underground origin becoming 80% in Chilean rural areas where profound wells represent the only search of water for human and animal beverage. Aim: To study the microbiological quality of water from agricultural land for livestock production in the province of Valdivia (40°S), Chile and its potential impact on human health. Material and Method: Water samples were collected monthly (2008 - 2009), at the entrance and exit of a water stream running through the field and in well water used for human and animal consumption. The total coliform (Tc) and Escherichia coli were determined by the confirmatory method Quanti-Tray together with other physicochemical assessments in the water and climatic variables. Results: In samples from the stream water and wells, the Most Probable Number of Tc and E. coli exceeded the standard Chilean Norm of Water Quality (NCh 409/1) for human consumption. Conclusion: These results show the need to regulate the environmental impact of farming and cattle production and to monitor the drinking water to meet the minimum standards of health protection.

Introducción: Parte importante del agua para consumo humano corresponde a agua subterránea, alcanzando un 80% en áreas rurales de Chile, donde los pozos profundos son la única fuente de agua de bebida para consumo humano y animal. Objetivo: Estudiar la calidad microbiológica del agua de un predio agrícola-ganadero en la provincia de Valdivia (40° S), Chile, y su posible impacto en la salud humana. Material y Método: Muestras de agua fueron recolectadas mensualmente (2008-2009), a la entrada y salida de un estero que atraviesa el predio y en agua de pozos usadas para consumo humano y animal. Las especies coliformes totales (Ct) y Escherichia coli se determinaron por el método confirmativo Quanti-Tray, se evaluaron variables físico-químicas del agua y climáticas del sitio. Resultados: En las muestras de agua del estero y pozos el número más probable de Ct y E. coli sobrepasaron la norma chilena de calidad del agua (NCh 409/1) para consumo humano. Conclusión: Estos resultados muestran la necesidad de regular el impacto ambiental de la actividad agrícola-ganadera y monitorear el agua de bebida para cumplir con los estándares mínimos de protección de la salud.

Calidad microbiológica del agua utilizada en establecimientos lecheros de la zona de Villa María (Córdoba) / Microbiological quality of the water used in a random sample from dairy farms in Córdoba, Argentina

Se evaluó la calidad bacteriológica del agua de pozo y del agua de lavado en una muestra aleatoria de 50 tambos distribuidos en la cuenca lechera de Villa María (Córdoba), Argentina. La visita a los tambos se realizó en 2007. Un 46 % y un 24 % de los tambos presentaron recuentos de aerobios mesófilos superiores a 500 UFC/ml en el agua de lavado y en el agua de pozo, respectivamente. En un 20 % de los establecimientos se aisló Escherichia coli de ambas fuentes de agua. Pseudomonas aeruginosa registró una alta frecuencia de aislamiento en el agua de pozo (36 %) y en la de lavado (42 %). Un 80 % y un 88 % de los establecimientos contaban con agua de pozo y de lavado no aptas, respectivamente. Los niveles de mesófilos aerobios y de coliformes totales presentes en el agua de pozo mostraron una concordancia moderada con los detectados en el agua destinada al lavado. En virtud de estos resultados, puede afirmarse que un elevado porcentaje de los tambos ubicados en la cuenca lechera de Villa María emplean agua de calidad bacteriológica deficiente, no apta para el ordeño ni el lavado de las instalaciones.

Bacteriological contamination of well water and wash water in a random sample obtained from 50 farms from Villa María (Córdoba) dairy area, Argentina, was evaluated during a visit in 2007. Forty six percent and 24 % of farms showed an aerobic mesophilic bacteria count higher than 500 CFU/ml in wash water and well water, respectively. Escherichia coli was isolated in 20 % of samples from both sources. Pseudomonas aeruginosa showed high frequency of isolation in well water (36 %) and wash water (42 %). Eighty and eighty-eight percent of dairy farms have contaminated well water and wash water, respectively. The findings show moderate concordance between contamination of well water and wash water for mesophilic aerobics and total coliforms. The results reveal that a high percentage of dairy farms in the basin under study have poor bacteriological water quality, not suitable for milking and washing facilities.

Arsenic content of drinking water in Mongolia / Монголын Анагаах Ухаан

Background: Population of a significant number of countries in the world use drinking water high in arsenic content. Asia is a leading region in the world by the endemic arsenic prevalence and countries such as India, Bangladesh, China and Taiwan have high prevalence of arsenic. The fact that in neighboring China, namely, in Inner Mongolia, the number of cases of neuropathy and skin cancer has been increasing, amplifies the necessity for such studies. It is essential to conduct further research in order to identify arsenic content in drinking water throughout the country.Goal: The survey aims at studying arsenic content in drinking water and mapping arsenic prevalence by aimags and soumsMaterials and Methods: The survey was conducted nationwide –21 aimags and urban areas, in total, arsenic content in drinking water was studied in 291 soums in 867 wells. Arsenic content was identified with a test kit developed by Mahidol University, Thailand. Results: Out of 867 well water samples from 21 aimags and Ulaanbaatar studied for the survey, 91 or 10.5% contained arsenic. Arsenic was found in well water of all aimags except Bulgan, Zavkhan, Orkhon, Selenge and Huvsgul aimags. Nationwide, average arsenic content in drinking water is 0.014+ 0.003mg/l. Highest arsenic content was found in Dornogobi (53.9%), Dundgobi (31%) and Sukhbaatar (27.3%) aimags. Although average arsenic content in drinking water in selected wells in Tuv, Gobisumber, Dornogobi, Gobi-Altai, Dornod, Sukhbaatar and Dundgobi aimags contains 1.2-5 times more arsenic than UST-900-92 standard and WHO recommended content. Out of all studied samples, water from well #3 in Khatanbulag soum, Dornogobi, contained 0.07mg/l arsenic which is the highest – 0.065mg/l more than UST-900-92 standard and WHO recommended content.Concliusions:1. Out of 867 well water samples 10.3% contained arsenic.2. Arsenic content in drinking water nationwide is 0.014+-0.003mg/l. The highest arsenic content is recorded in Khatanbulag soum, Dornogobi – 0.075mg/l.

Pesquisa de bacteriófagos em água suspeita de contaminação por vírus da hepatite A / Study of bacteriophages in water suspected of contamination by hepatitis A virus

Os vírus entéricos, quando presentes no trato gastrointestinal de indivíduos infectados, são eliminados pelas fezes em grandes quantidades podendo contaminar, direta ou indiretamente, as águas destinadas ao consumo humano. O ser humano é o único hospedeiro natural do vírus da hepatite A. A detecção de colifago e de fago de Shigella sonnei em água pode ser indicativa da presença destes vírus. No presente estudo foi realizado o diagnóstico laboratorial presuntivo de um surto de hepatite A, pela pesquisa de bacteriófagos, em uma amostra de água de poço e o estudo da sobrevivência dos fagos de S. sonnei em água. A análise revelou resultado positivo para fagos de Shigella e negativo para colifagos. Quanto aos ensaios de sobrevivência, a presença dos fagos de S. sonnei foi detectada na água do poço naturalmente contaminada até o nono dia de conservação em temperatura ambiente.

The enteric viruses are present in the gastrointestinal tract of infected individuals, being eliminated in feces in large quantities and can directly or indirectly contaminate water intended for human consumption. Humans are the only natural hosts for hepatitis A. Detection of coliphages and phage of Shigella sonnei in water may indicate the presence of these viruses. In the present study was done the presumptive laboratory diagnosis of an outbreak of hepatitis A through search of bacteriophages in a sample of well water and the study of survival of shigelafagos in water. The analysis revealed positive for phages of S. sonnei and negative for coliphages. For the tests of survival, the presence of phages of S. sonnei was detected in naturally contaminated well water until the ninth day of storage at room temperature.

Association Between Parkinsonism and Participation in Agriculture in Korea

Background and purpose: Environmental factors might influence the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease (PD) or multiple-system atrophy (MSA), and previous examinations of pesticide exposure, well-water drinking, and farming have produced inconclusive results. Because agriculture has been of considerable importance to Korean society, and hence the risk of exposure to pesticides was high in Korea, this study investigated whether such exposure is associated with elevated risks of developing PD and MSA. Methods: Two hundred and thirty-five PD patients, 133 MSA patients, and 77 normal control subjects were examined. Data concerning environmental factors were collected by face-to-face interviews using a structured questionnaire. Odds ratios (ORs) were calculated by binary logistic regression. Results: ORs for environmental risk factors for developing PD were 1.06 [95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.02-1.10] for age and 2.37 (95% CI = 1.32-4.27) for rural well-water drinking for >10 years. Smoking >10 pack-years (OR = 0.31; 95% CI = 0.11-0.64) was a preventable factor for developing PD in this study. However, no significant risk factors were identified for MSA. Conclusions: These results suggest that exposure to certain environmental risk factors plays a role in the development of PD. However, the development of MSA appears to be independent of environmental risk factors in Korean patients.

Carcinomatosis múltiple de localización bucal en un paciente de zona de hidroarsenicismo crónico regional endémico (HACRE) / Oral multiple carcinomatosis in a patient from an area with endemic regional chronica hydroarsenicism (ERCH)

Antecedentes: La acción nociva del arsénico (As) y sus compuestos sobre el organismo humano es múltiple, afectando procesos biológicos de gran importancia. En extensas zonas de la República Argentina se consume agua de pozo contaminada con As, lo que produce una enfermedad denominada"Hidroarsenicismo Crónico Regional Endémico (HACRE), en cuyo cuadro clínico se han observado pacientes con múltiples lesiones carcinomatosas de la piel. coexistentes o sucesivas en largos periodos de tiempo. Objetivo: presentar el caso clínico de una paciente residente en la zona arsenical de la Provincia de Córdoba con lesiones carcinomatosas orales. Materiales y Métodos: Se realizó Historia Clínica, iconografía, eliminación quirúrgica de lesiones de labio, estudios anatomopatológicos de los especimenes obtenidos y control evolutivo. Resultados: Por los datos obtenidos de la Historia Clínica, y por el seguimiento realizado, se pudo comprobar la existencia de múltiples y sucesivas lesiones carcinomatosas en la mucosa bucal. Conclusión: Del estudio de este caso se concluye que el AS presente en el agua de bebida en cantidades superiores a las aceptadas por la Organización Mundial de la Salud (0,05 ppm), puede producir, al igual que en la piel, múltiples lesiones carcinomatosas en la mucosa oral.

Background: Arsenic (As) and its compounds may cause multiple harmful effects on the human rganism, interfering with biological processes of vital importance. It is known that the inhabitants of vast areas of the Argentine Republic drink well water contaminated with AS, which results in a disease known as Endemic Regional Chronic Hydroarsenicism (ERCH). It has been observed that these patients present a clinical picture characterized by multiple carcinomatous skin lesions which occur concurrently or successively along long periods of time. Purpose: To present the clinical case of a female patient from the arsenical area of Cordoba Province, who had multiple carcinomatous oral lesions. Materials and method: The patient's history was written and iconographies, surgical excision of the lip lesions, pathological studies of the samples, and evolution observations were done. Results: Based on both the patient’s history and follow-upstudies, it was possible to preve the presence of multiple successive carcinomatous lesions in the oral mucose. Conclusion: it is conclude that drinking water containing more AS than the quantity accepted by the WHO (0,05 ppm) can cause multiples carcinomatous lesions on the oral mucosa as on the skin.

Aspectos higiênico-sanitários da água de poços cavados em diferentes áreas socioeconômicas de São Paulo / Sanitarian aspects of well's water of differents social-economical areas in Säo Paulo, Capital

Foram analisadas 248 amostras de água de poços cavados durante o período de um ano, coletadas de 12 pontos de cada uma das duas regiões socioeconômicas distintas: a, com redes de abastecimento de água tratada e serviço de esgoto recém-instaladas e b, sem estes serviços de saneamento. As amostras de cada ponto foram obtidas mensalmente. Os dados das determinações químicas mostraram que na região a, os níveis de nitrogênio obtidos pela análise química foram baixos e que, na região b, estes níveis foram significativos. Pela análise microbiológica, verificou-se que a presença de bactérias do grupo coliforme e dos indicadores de contaminação de origem fecal foram relativamente constantes; diferindo a distribuição de bacteriófagos anti-Escherichia coli e Shigella sonnei nas duas regiões, assim como a incidência de coliforme de origem fecal nos meses de inverno, em especial na região b (AU).