Qualidade microbiológica da água proveniente de poços artesianos da zona rural do município de Medianeira, Paraná

Abstract

The microbiological quality of water is essential to ensure its safety for various uses, mainly due to the risk of transmission of diarrheal diseases. Of surface or underground origin, water is constantly subject to contamination resulting from human activities, which may compromise its potability. In rural areas, agricultural activities and the absence of adequate sewage collection and treatment systems stand out as the main sources of contamination. In the municipality of Medianeira, PR, community and private wells represent the main form of water collection. In this context, the objective of this work was to evaluate the microbiological quality of water from artesian wells in the rural area of Medianeira-PR. Water samples were collected from eight artesian wells between March and August 2024. For microbiological analysis, the multiple-tube fermentation technique was used to quantify total and thermotolerant coliforms before and after disinfection. Of the eight wells analyzed, only well 1 (Assentamento Sávio) had an active chlorination system, presenting parameters within the limits established by current legislation. Wells 2 and 3 presented low indices or values below the detection limit, while wells 4 and 5, as well as springs 1, 2, and 3, showed high values, above 1600 MPN/100 mL. Thus, it was concluded that most of the samples did not meet potability standards, highlighting the urgent need for effective measures to ensure the quality of water intended for consumption by the rural population.