Caracterización de las aguas residuales generadas en la producción de conjugados monovalentes en el Instituto Finlay de Vacunas / Characterization of the wasteswater generated in the production of conjugated monovalent at the Finlay Vaccine Institute

En la actualidad la contaminación de las aguas terrestres es un grave problema ambiental. La industria farmacéutica es una de las que produce un mayor impacto por la gran variedad de químicos que aporta al agua; sus efluentes generalmente tienen asociadas elevadas cargas orgánicas no biodegradables. La preservación de la calidad de las aguas terrestres es un tema regulado por la legislación nacional, donde se exige la caracterización de las aguas residuales antes de su vertimiento con vistas a evaluar el impacto ambiental que producen y diseñar el sistema adecuado para su tratamiento. El Instituto Finlay de Vacunas, pertenece al grupo de BioCubaFarma, es una empresa de ciclo completo, cuenta con nueve instalaciones, cinco de ellas son generadoras de grandes volúmenes de aguas residuales industriales. El presente trabajo tiene el objetivo de presentar los resultados obtenidos en la evaluación de los parámetros físico-químico de los residuales líquidos del proceso productivo de conjugados monovalentes, para esto se muestrearon los residuales líquidos generados al final de cada etapa del proceso. Se determinaron los indicadores de contaminación: pH, temperatura, conductividad eléctrica, demanda química y bioquímica de oxígeno, fósforo total, nitrógeno total y sólidos sedimentables; los ensayos fueron realizados en el laboratorio de la Empresa Nacional de Servicios Técnicos de la Habana, acreditado para la realización de las caracterizaciones de aguas residuales. Los resultados fueron comparados con los límites máximos permisibles establecidos en la Norma Cubana NC-27:2012 de vertimiento de aguas residuales al alcantarillado, además se calculó el índice de biodegradabilidad. Se demostró que el pH, la conductividad eléctrica, demanda química de oxígeno y demanda bioquímica de oxígeno no cumplen con el vertido para la descarga al alcantarillado pudiendo impactar de manera negativa en los recursos hídricos(AU)

At present, the pollution of terrestrial waters is a serious environmental problem. The drug industry is one of those that produces a greater impact, due to the great variety of chemicals that can contribute to the water; its effluents generally have associated high non-biodegradable organic loads. The preservation of the quality of terrestrial waters is a subject regulated by legislation, where the characterization of wastewater is required before its discharge, since it allows evaluating the environmental impact it produces and designing the appropriate system for its treatment. The Finlay Vaccine Institute, belongs to the BioCubaFarma group, is a full cycle company, has nine facilities, five of them are generators of large volumes of industrial wastewater. The current work presents the results obtained in the evaluation of the physical-chemical parameters of the liquid waste from the production process of monovalent conjugates, for this the liquid waste generated at the end of each stage of the process was sampled. Pollution indicators were determined: pH, temperature, electrical conductivity, chemical and biochemical oxygen demand, total phosphorus, total nitrogen and sedimentable solids. The results were compared with the maximum permissible limits established in NC-27: 2012 for the discharge of wastewater. The biodegradability index was also calculated. It was shown that some of the determined parameters do not comply with the discharge to release to the sewer system, which could have a negative impact on water resources(AU)

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.

Intervenção educativa com agentes comunitários de saúde sobre giardíase em região de fronteira - Foz do Iguaçu / Educational intervention with health community agents regarding giardiasis in border region - Foz do Iguaçu

O objetivo deste estudo foi comparar o conhecimento prévio e a assimilação das informações sobre giardíase pelos Agentes Comunitários de Saúde (ACS) de Foz do Iguaçu após intervenção educativa. Trata-se de um estudo comparativo de abordagem quantitativa com 55 ACS, do distrito sanitário Norte de Foz do Iguaçu. Foi utilizado um questionário contendo 10 questões fechadas sobre a giardíase que foi aplicado em dois momentos sequenciais da pesquisa. Inicialmente, foi aplicado um questionário para a avaliação do conhecimento prévio dos ACS sobre a giardíase. Em seguida, foi ministrada uma palestra sobre a doença para esse público e, aplicado novamente o questionário para a avaliação da assimilação das informações sobre a giardíase. Os dados coletados foram analisados pelo programa BioEstat 5.0® e utilizado o teste de Poisson, com significância de 5%. Foram identificadas fragilidades no conhecimento dos ACS na avaliação prévia para as variáveis investigadas (p<0,05). Após a intervenção educativa, observou-se aumento na média de acertos em todas as variáveis estudadas (p<0,05). A intervenção educativa favorece conhecimento aos ACS, possibilitando mudança no panorama da giardíase e, consequentemente melhora na qualidade de saúde da população.

The objective of this study was to compare the prior knowledge and assimilation of information regarding giardiasis by the Health Community Agents (HCA) from Foz do Iguaçu after educational intervention. This is a comparative study of the quantitative approach using 55 HCA from the northern health district in Foz do Iguaçu. A questionnaire containing 10 yes-or-no questions about giardiasis that was applied in two sequential moments of the research. Initially, a questionnaire was applied for assessing the HCA's prior knowledge regarding giardiasis. Then, the subjects attended a lecture on the disease and then, the questionnaire was applied again for assessing the assimilation of information on giardiasis. The data collected were analyzed using BioEstat 5.0® and the Poisson test with 5% significance. Weak points in the knowledge of the HCA were identified in the previous assessment for the investigated variables (p<0.05). After the educational intervention, there was an increase in the average number of correct answers in all variables studied (p<0.05). The educational intervention favors the retention of knowledge by the HCA, allowing a change in the panorama of giardiasis and, consequently, an improvement in the health quality of the population.

Pythiosis in sheep from Paraná, southern Brazil / Pitiose em ovinos no Paraná, Sul do Brasil

This paper reports pythiosis in a sheep from southwestern Paraná, Brazil, confirmed by indirect ELISA (Enzime-Linked Immunosorbent Assay) and immunohistochemistry, as well as it describes the macro and microscopic injuries, in order to understand the pathogenicity. A 4-year-old ewe from a flock of 30 Santa Inês sheep, raised semi-extensively with access to a weir, showed cachexia, bilateral enlargement in nasal region, a serous and bloody secretion with a fetid odor from its nose and swollen submandibular and retropharyngeal lymph nodes. Blood collection was performed trough jugular vein puncture in order to make complete blood cell count (CBC) and to obtain serum for the subsequent serological examination...

Este trabalho tem como objetivo descrever um caso de pitiose confirmado por ELISA (Enzime-Linked Immunosorbent Assay) indireto e imuno-histoquímica em uma ovelha do sudoeste do Paraná, Brasil, bem como suas lesões macro e microscópicas, a fim de compreender a sua patogenicidade. Trata-se de um ovino, fêmea, de 4 anos de idade, de um rebanho de 30 animais, da raça Santa Inês, criados em sistema semiextensivo, com acesso à um açude. O animal vinha apresentando aumento de volume na região do focinho, associado a emagrecimento progressivo. No exame físico apresentou-se caquético, com aumento de volume bilateral na região nasal, e com uma secreção serosanguinolenta de odor fétido fluindo das narinas, além de possuir os linfonodos submandibulares e retrofaríngeos bilateralmente infartados. Foi realizada coleta de sangue por punção da veia jugular para realização do hemograma e obtenção do soro para posterior realização de exame sorológico....

Contaminação das águas por resíduos de medicamentos: ênfase ao cloridrato de fluoxetina / Water contamination by drugs residues, with an emphasis influoxetine chloridrate

Este trabalho teve como objetivo fazer um levantamento sucinto da presença de resíduos de medicamentos no ambiente aquático e em estações de tratamento de esgotos, bem como discutir a necessidade iminente de ações que possam auxiliar nesse tipo de contaminação ao reduzir as emissões, orientar o gerenciamento adequado de resíduos de farmácia e de descarte em domicílios. Além disso, foram apresentados resultados de ensaios ecotoxicológicos empregados na avaliação de efeitos da fluoxetina em Vibrio fischeri e em H. azteca, organismos aquáticos frequentemente expostos a contaminantes ambientais. Dos resultados obtidos, observou-se que a partir de 0,3 mg.l-1 de cloridrato de fluoxetina ocorreu mortalidade em H. azteca, enquanto que a inibição de fotoluminescência em Vibrio fischeri foi obtida a partir de 30 mg.l-1. Nesse último caso, os menores valores de CE50 demonstraram toxicidade mais elevada nos ensaios com o produto genérico.

The objective of this paper was to review data on residues of medical products in aquatic environments and at waste water treatment plants. Secondarily the paper presents a discussion about the need for a good management of drugs residues and effluents generated by this sector. Bringing the evidences of environmental possible damages reported by ecotoxicity data on the effects of fluoxetine to Vibrio fischeri and H. azteca, aquatic organisms daily exposed to environmental contaminants. From the results we observed that 0.3 mg.l-1 of fluoxetine hidrochloride induced lethality to H. azteca and 30 mg.l-1 reduced the luminescence of Vibrio fischeri. This assay evidenced higher toxicity when we used the “generic” product.

Evaluación del riesgo para la salud del baño recreativo en cursos de agua en la provincia de Buenos Aires, Argentina / Risk assessment of recreational bathing in water courses in the Province of Buenos Aires, Argentina

Las sustancias relevadas en las aguas de determinados arroyos argentinos no generarían riesgo para la salud de los bañistas, principalmente niños, de realizarse actividad recreativa con contacto directo (ingesta accidental y contacto dérmico).

Corrosión e incrustaciones en los sistemas de distribución de agua potable: Revisión de las estrategias de control / Corrosion and incrustations in the drinking water distribution systems: Review of control strategies

La presente revisión tuvo como propósito analizar las estrategias para el control de la contaminación debida a la formación de la corrosión e incrustaciones, basado en los factores que afectan el deterioro de los sistemas de distribución de agua potable, así como, su influencia sobre la calidad del agua suministrada al consumidor. Los sistemas de distribución pueden afectar la calidad del agua potable debido a las condiciones de la tubería y a la operación del sistema. La corrosión, las incrustaciones y los depósitos en la red de distribución, son otros de los problemas con mayor importancia en la industria del agua potable; esto puede afectar a la salud, la aceptación pública del suministro de agua y el costo de proveer un agua digna de confianza. Se concluye y se recomienda que como estrategias para controlar la corrosión y la formación de incrustaciones se deben seleccionar apropiadamente los materiales y el diseño del sistema, realizar el tratamiento químico adecuado (ajuste de pH, alcalinidad, oxigeno, uso de inhibidores de corrosión) y usar revestimientos y pinturas resistentes a la corrosión para proteger las paredes de las tuberías.

The aim of this review was to analyze control strategies of contamination caused by the formation of corrosion and incrustations based on factors affecting deterioration of distribution systems of potable water as well as its influence on the quality of water supplied to the consumer. Distribution systems can affect the quality of drinking water due to the conditions of the pipes and the system’s operation. Corrosion, incrustations, and deposits in the distribution network major problems in the drinking water industry. These may affect health, public acceptance of the water supply and the cost of supplying reliable water. We conclude and recommend that, in order to control corrosion and the formation of incrustations, one must select appropriate materials and a sound system design, apply proper chemical treatment (adjusting pH, alkalinity, oxygen, the use of corrosion inhibitors) and use coatings and paints resistant to corrosion in order to protect the walls of the pipes.

Ecohydrology for compensation of Global Change / Ecohidrologia como compensação às mudanças globais

Water in the XXI century has become the primary factor for sustainable development, eradication of poverty and reversal of ecosystem degradation. Increasing water demand for agriculture and urbanisation, combined with pollution, eutrophication and amplification of the stochastic character of climatic processes, increases water limitations for ecosystems and societies. The transdisciplinary science of Ecohydrology, which has been developed in the framework of the International Hydrological Programme of UNESCO, provides a systemic approach, to regulate hydrology-ecosystem-society interplay towards: 1) slowing down the transfer of water from the atmosphere to the sea, still considered as a priority to reduce the severity of floods and droughts impact; 2) reducing input and regulating the allocation of excess nutrients and pollutants to aquatic ecosystems, toward reversing ecosystems degradation and improvement of human well being; and 3) harmonisation of ecosystem potential with societal needs within the framework of IWRM.

A Água no século XXI tornou-se o fator primordial para o desenvolvimento sustentável, a erradicação da pobreza e as iniciativas para reverter à degradação dos ecossistemas. O aumento da demanda de águas para a agricultura e urbanização, eutrofização e poluição e a amplificação do caráter estocástico dos processos climáticos aumenta o limite de água disponível para os ecossistemas e as sociedades. A ciência transdisciplinar da Ecohidrologia, que se desenvolve no arcabouço do Programa Hidrológico Internacional da UNESCO, proporciona uma abordagem sistêmica na regulação das interações hidrologia-ecossistema e sociedade. Esta abordagem dá-se através dos seguintes processos e ações: 1) iminuindo a transferência da água da atmosfera para os oceanos, considerando-se esta ação como prioridade para reduzir a severidade das enchentes e secas; 2) Reduzindo a eutrofização e poluição dos sistemas aquáticos continentais revertendo a degradação do ecossistema e melhorando o bem estar humano; e 3) Harmonização do potencial dos ecossistemas com as necessidades da sociedade no arcabouço do programa Gerenciamento Integradas de Recursos Hídricos.

Hepatitis E en niños / Hepatitis E in children

La hepatitis E, conocida previamente como hepatitis no A, no B, de transmisión enteral, es una infección causada por el virus de la hepatitis E (VHE), cuyas características clínicas y epidemiológicas son las de una hepatitis aguda. Pertenece a la familia Hepaviridae. El VHE setransmite principalmente por la vía fecal-oral, la mayoría de las epidemias se pueden asociar conbrotes que tienen su origen en el agua, alta densidad de población y deficientes condiciones sanitarias. El cuadro clínico es el de una hepatitis aguda típica, sin embargo, tiene un amplio espectro de presentación clínica. Es común encontrar marcadores serológicos para VHE positivos en niños con hepatitis viral aguda por otros virus hepatótropos, especialmente el virus B y C. El diagnóstico de infección por VHE se puede hacer por detección serológica y/o molecular. La teórica viabilidad de una vacuna frente alVHEestá basada en diversas evidencias.

Hepatitis E, formerly known as hepatitis non A, non B, enteral transmission, is an infection causedby the hepatitis E virus (HEV), clinical and epidemiological characteristics are those of acute hepatitis. Hepaviridae belongs to the family. HEV is transmitted primarily through fecal-oral route,most outbreaks have been associated with outbreaks that have their origin in water, high population density and poor sanitation. The clinical picture is that of a typical acute hepatitis, however, has a broad spectrum of clinical presentation. Commonly found positive for HEV serological markers in children with acute viral hepatitis other hepatotropic viruses, especially viruses B and C. The diagnosis of HEV infectionan be done by serological detection and/or molecular. The theoretical feasibility of a vaccineagainstHEVis based on different evidence.

Effective environmental management through environmental knowledge management

Owing to the green revolution, environmental problems have now become some of the most important issues worldwide. Environmental knowledge management, which combines the strengths of environmental management and knowledge management, will become a popular tool for businesses in the near future. In this paper, through interviews of staff at different levels and in different departments of the business, i. e. managers and engineers and using the environmental knowledge circulation process, the authors evaluate the success of environmental knowledge management when applied to China Steel Corporation in Taiwan. From the case study, the authors found that China Steel Corporation has applied the environmental knowledge circulation process for over thirty years. The company continually improves its environmental and financial performance through environmental knowledge creation, environmental knowledge accumulation, environmental knowledge sharing, environmental knowledge utilization and environmental knowledge internalization. Water pollution and air emissions have reduced year on year and total energy consumption has reduced by 20% from 1979 to 2006. On the other hand, China Steel Corporation also makes a profit and reduces cost through energy sold, by-products and recycling. Continuous improvement in environmental knowledge management has rendered China Steel Corporation in the most profitable steel company in Taiwan and the world's twenty fifth largest steel producing company in 2006

[Survey of bacteriological quality of the drinking water in rural areas of Saqqez city]

Safe drinking water providing is one of the main purposes in the community. Development and improvement of community is related to the public health. In this study we studied the bacteriological quality of 116 villages under coverage of the water and wastewater companies in rural areas of Saqqez in.1386 Material and Drinking water of these rural areas have provided of deep, semi-depth- wells and spring water sources. Because in numerous rural areas both sources of drinking water and in some of them different sources of drinking water were used [old and new storage water source], in general, 359 samples were collected and transferred to the laboratory for testing to evaluate its quality. We also used linear Regression statistical analysis for collected data. results show that residual chlorine in drinking water in 33.88 percent of rural areas population were in range 0.2-1 mg/l. For 98.3 percent of the seqqez rural population, the turbidity was lower than the maximum permissible levels of drinking water standards of Iran [5 NTU]. There was no any E.coli contamination in 88 percent of drinking water in saqqez rural areas. Based on WHO guidelines concerning the microbial quality of water published in 2006 the average indicator for lack of E.coli in water of rural areas of seqqez was 88 percent and water is safe or good for drinking

Photocatalytic disinfection of Coliform bacteria using UV/TiO[2]

There are great interests in photocatalytic oxidation of contaminants using titanium dioxide in recent years. The main objective of this research was to study photocatalytic disinfection of Coliform bacteria as water microbial pollution index using TiO[2] and a low pressure UV lamp in a batch reactor. The polluted water was prepared by adding a colony of Coliform in raw water and in separate stages was contacted with UV, TiO[2] and combination of them and various parameters such as contact time, pH and amount of TiO[2] were studied in terms of their effect on reaction progress. The results showed that in simultaneous presence of both UV ray and TiO[2], there was the most effective disinfection of Coliform. This study showed that 100% of Coliform was killed by irradiation for 60-75 min. in the presence of 0.8 gr 1[-1] TiO[2] in pH=7.0. Based on the results, UV/TiO[2] process may be effectively applied for disinfection of polluted water and can be suggested as a effective purifying method for water disinfection

Supervivencia y transporte de los virus entéricos humanos a través de los alimentos / Survival and transport of human enteric viruses in foods

Los virus se transmiten a los seres humanos vía los alimentos como resultado de la contaminación directa o indirecta de los mismos con heces; ésta es la esencia del análisis de peligro...

Groundwater quality--assessment on Anekal Taluk, Bangalore Urban district, India.

Water as a resource, basic amenity and universal solvent is shared by population. The physicochemical and biological quality study of Anekal Taluk has been taken up to evaluate its suitability for potable purposes. 1026 water samples were collected from bore well, hand pumps of 272 villages covering in Anekal Taluk. The quality of groundwater has been made through the analysis of pH, colour, electrical conductivity, turbidity, total dissolved solids, alkalinity, chlorides, total hardness, calcium, fluoride, nitrate, sulphate, iron and E. coli. The quality of groundwater assessed in the study area is discussed in detail.

Evaluation of pollution susceptibility of Karst aquifers of Rewa Town (Madhya Pradesh) using "DRASTIC" approach.

Pollution susceptibility of groundwater of Rewa town situated on karstified Bhander limestones of the Bhander group is discussed in this paper. Pollution potential of selected localities in the town has been determined using the DRASTIC INDEX methodology. Pollution potential for these localities varied between 162 to 217. Shallow aquifers in karstified limestones having direct access to surface water were found more susceptible to pollution. Accordingly, remedial measures were suggested for minimising pollution.

Microbial Quality of Drinking Water in Dar Es Salaam and Use of Waterguard as Disinfectant

Water borne diseases are alarmingly high in urban areas like Dar es Salaam. Hence the importance of chlorine-based water disinfectant solutions such as Waterguard that consists of 0.75sodium hypochlorite. Waterguard has been in the market in Dar es Salaam for about 4 years. Despite this; prevalence of waterborne diseases like cholera; dysentery and typhoid are still high. The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of Waterguard in disinfecting drinking water; and determine the level of fecal coliform contamination of water from four sources viz. taps; streams; shallow wells and deep wells located within Dar es Salaam city. The investigation on the efficacy of the agent was carried out in water samples collected in the city during a 4-month period.Sixty-four water samples were randomly collected and analyzed by the Most Probable Number (MPN) technique based on coliform counts for both untreated and treated water samples. Negative (distilled water) and positive (distilled water contaminated with feces)controls were also included. Results show that three out of the four water sources were heavily contaminated with the exception of deep wells. But appropriate use of Waterguard reduces the level of microbial contamination significantly. In this study the assayed Waterguard was found to be 100efficacious in treating the samples to a level within the WHO safety standards; hence is fit for disinfecting water for human use

Contamination of water due to major industries and open refuse dumping in the steel city of Orissa--a case study.

Contamination of ground water is common in the areas surrounded by industrial refuse dumping sites and the probability of contamination is more where dumping is done in low lying areas and the rate of percolation through the soil is high. In order to assess the ground water pollution by leachate around the refuse dumping site, eighteen wells were selected for study. Few wells are nearer to the dumps, few are far away and others are in between. Also an attempt has been made to evaluate the effect of industrial effluents on the ground and surface water due to Integrated Rourkela Steel Plant and other major industries. From the analytical data of physico-chemical parameters, it is indicated that the river water is contaminated mainly due to the industrial and municipal effluents and the ground water of some of the analyzed areas is contaminated due to municipal and industrial solid waste dumping.

La contaminación del agua de pozo como causa de metahemoglobinemia en niños: Camagüey 1985-2001 / Well water pollution as a cause of methemoglobinemia in child: Camagüey 1985-2001

Una tendencia a la disminución de la notificación de casos de metahemoglobinemia infantil en los últimos diez años en la provincia, unido al interés de investigar los factores que han motivado este hecho, constituyó el incentivo de esta investigación. Describir el comportamiento de la metahemoglobinemia infantil en la provincia en el período 1985-2001, caracterizar la entidad según algunas variables seleccionadas e identificar la posible asociación de la enfermedad con volumen de fertilizantes utilizados, precipitaciones, condiciones hidrogeológicas del territorio, y la variación de los niveles de nitratos de las aguas de consumo muestreadas, son los objetivos de esta investigación. Se utilizaron diferentes diseños metodológicos. Se concluyó que la metahemoglobinemia infantil en la provincia ha descendido en los últimos años y que los volúmenes de fertilizantes utilizados, la velocidad de infiltración de las rocas y la disminución de los valores de nitratos en las aguas de consumo, son los principales eventos asociados a este descenso