Análise da qualidade da água dos bebedouros das bibliotecas dos Campi Glória, Umuarama e Santa Mônica - UFU

Abstract

Water quality is crucial to human health. Without proper treatment, it can cause various diseases, especially diarrhea. One of the main indicators of water quality is the presence of coliform bacteria, which determine the presence of fecal contamination and waterborne pathogens. In universities, determining water potability is essential to assess potential health risks for the academic community. In this context, this study evaluated water samples from drinking fountains in the libraries of the UFU campuses with the highest concentration and flow of people: Glória, Santa Mônica, and Umuarama (blocks 1C, 3C, and 4G), verifying microbiological and physicochemical parameters and comparing them to the reference values of Ordinance No. 888/2021 of the Ministry of Health. Water samples were aseptically collected from all library drinking fountains, classified as 1C, 4G-E, 4G-T, 4G-P1 (these four in the first six weeks), 3C-E, 3C-T, 3C-P1, and 3C-P2 (these in the last six weeks), according to their location on each campus. Microbiological analysis was performed using the Standard Multiple Tube Method to obtain the Most Probable Number of bacteria. Gram staining was also used to further characterize bacteria. pH was measured using the potentiometric method. Electrical conductivity and total dissolved solids were measured using a multiparameter. Turbidity was measured using a turbidimeter. Free chlorine concentration was assessed using the colorimetric method. No total or thermotolerant coliforms were detected in any of the samples analyzed. Likewise, the physicochemical parameters also complied with the legislation. However, the chlorine concentration was below the minimum limit in several samples, particularly those from block 3C. These low concentrations may be due to natural decay due to distance from the chlorination point, lack of maintenance, low consumption, or high temperatures, in the case of water fountain 3C-E, which is exposed to the sun. It is recommended that the frequency of water fountain filter cleaning be reviewed and that water fountain 3C-E be moved so that chlorine concentrations meet the maximum permitted value established by law. Overall, this study indicated that the water supplied to the university community meets potability standards.