Physicochemical and microbiological analysis of the water used for drinking fountains in public schools of the city of Timon-MA

Abstract

The objective of this study was to analyze the physicochemical and microbiological parameters of water from 10 drinkers used for consumption in public schools in the city of Timon - MA to verify if they are in accordance with the standards of potability established by the current legislation. Water used for consumer purposes that is contaminated by microorganisms or exhibits changes in quality standards that are not established by legislation when used in excess may be harmful to health. The 10 schools were randomly selected and the samples were collected in two stages of drinking taps in the morning, in which 10 samples were collected in total with a 15 days interval. The analyzed parameters were pH, electrical conductivity, total hardness, chlorides, free residual chlorine and microbiological analysis. The results of the analyzed samples pH, electrical conductivity, total hardness and chloride, showed that all the waters have chemical composition within the limits established by Ordinance 2914 of the Ministry of Health, except for concentrations of free residual chlorine in which 90% of the samples presented content of residual chlorine outside the standards of the legislation and for the microbiological analysis 30% of the samples presented total coliforms. The absence of more effective sanitation and monitoring in these establishments may have contributed to the distribution of contaminated water to consumers.