Evaluation of limnological parameters, parasites, bacteria and heavy metals in superficial water of Ribeirão Preto Stream, Ribeirão Preto-SP.

Author(s)

Renato Igor da Silva Alves

• Document type: Master's Dissertation
• Press: Ribeirão Preto.
• Institution: Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Escola de Enfermagem de Ribeirão Preto (PCARP/BC)
• Defense date: 2010-01-25

Examining board members

Susana Segura Muñoz; Sonia Valle Walter Borges de Oliveira; Angela Maria Magosso Takayanagui

• Advisor: Susana Segura Muñoz

Abstract

Water is fundamental to life. Its multiple uses are needed for a broad spectrum of human activities, among which stand out, the public and industrial supply, agricultural irrigation, the production of electricity and leisure activities and recreation. It is known that Brazil still has a privileged position of water quantity and quality, but their use hasn\'t been given in a responsible manner and often results in impairment of quality. This study aims to evaluate limnological parameters, parasites and bacteria, and concentrations of Cd, Pb, Cu, Cr, Mn, Hg and Zn as well, in superficial water of Ribeirão Preto Stream. The readings of pH, Temperature, Dissolved Oxygen, Conductivity and Transparency were performed at the collection site, with specific equipment (pH Meter, Dissolved Oxygen, Conductivity and Secchi disk, portable and calibrated). The parasitological analysis (Sedimentation Method and its measurement performed in Sedgwick-Rafter Chamber) and bacteriological (Multiple Tube Technique with Defined Substrate) were performed at the Laboratory of Ecotoxicology and Environmental Parasitology (LEPA) at Ribeirão Preto College of Nursing in the University of São Paulo (USP), and the analysis of heavy metals (Atomic Absorption Spectrometry) at the Pediatrics Laboratory - Metals Division at Hospital das Clínicas, University of São Paulo at Ribeirão Preto Medical School HCFMRP / USP. The results showed that the levels of dissolved oxygen values were lower than those established by CONAMA Resolution No. 357/2005. The reading of the conductivity values were higher than CETESB values considered to impacted environments. The parasitological analysis revealed the presence of nematode larvae and two cysts of Entamoeba coli. The bacteriological analysis showed higher values for total coliform and E. coli that those set by CONAMA Resolution No. 357/2005 for watercourses classified as Class 3. The heavy metals Cd, Pb, Cu, Cr, Mn, Hg and Zn, in general, showed concentrations in accordance with the established by CONAMA Resolution No. 357/2005 for the class 3. The Ribeirão Preto Stream is located in urban areas has anthropogenic influences. The results provide data quality of its waters and necessity to protect the watercourse from point sources of contamination recommending their continued monitoring. (AU)