Wastewater treatment performance in microbiological removal and (oo)cyst viability assessed comparatively to fluorescence decay

Author(s)

Medeiros, Raphael Correa ; Sammarro Silva, Kamila Jessie ; Daniel, Luiz Antonio

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGY; v. 43, n. 7, p. 9-pg., 2020-08-29.

Abstract

Municipal wastewater is a source of pathogenic protozoan (oo)cysts and may play a significant role in spreading waterborne diseases. This scenario becomes more critical as treated sewage from municipal wastewater treatment plants (WWTP) is discharged into springs, which are often used for water supply, irrigation, recreation and, further downstream, indirect potable reuse, quite common in Brazil. This study aimed to elucidate, regarding microbiological quality, the performance of a full-scale WWTP, consisting of preliminary treatment, upflow anaerobic sludge blanket (UASB) reactor, activated sludge system and ultraviolet (UV) radiation disinfection. Pathogenic protozoa (Giardiaspp. cysts andCryptosporidiumspp. oocysts), as well as microbiological indicators (Escherichia coliandClostridium perfringens), were evaluated in terms of their removal. In addition, (oo)cyst viability and fluorescence reduction were assessed. By using the data obtained from this research, the prevalence of infection estimated for the population served by the WWTP was between 7.4% and 14.8% for giardiasis, and between 0.055% and 0.11% for cryptosporidiosis. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 12/50522-0 - Environmental contamination by protozoa Giardia spp. and Cryptosporidium spp. and Ascaris suum: challenges of detection, removal and inactivation of infective forms
• Grantee: Regina Maura Bueno Franco
• Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants
• FAPESP's process: 11/08653-8 - Removal and inactivation of indicator microorganisms, Giardia spp. cysts and Cryptosporidium spp. oocysts in wastewater treatment plants
• Grantee: Luiz Antonio Daniel
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• FAPESP's process: 10/07902-1 - Assessment of the behavior of protozoa Giardia spp. and Cryptosporidium spp. and indicator microorganisms in the wastewater treatment and in river water
• Grantee: Raphael Corrêa Medeiros
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate