Microbiological analysis of water from different sources of the Agrotécnica State School Afonso Queiroz

Abstract

Water is essential for the survival of the human being and the balance of nature, though it can hold several microorganisms that can cause different pathologies what makes necessary its microbiological control. The aim of this study was to evaluate the microbiological quality of the water from different sources of the Afonso Queiroz State Agrotechnical School located in the city of Patos de Minas, Minas Gerais, Brasil. Two samples of the shallow well and the Canavial Stream were collected during the morning and afternoon periods. Using the Colilert method, it was possible to identify total coliforms, Escherichia coli and plate counts of heterotrophic bacteria. It was concluded that the water evaluated was not within the standards of the current legislation, due to the presence of at least one microorganism researched. Therefore, the water from the sources cannot be used for human consumption, becoming mandatory the adoption of preventive measures and adequate treatment to preserve the water sources.