Acta Scientiarum: Technology (Jul 2008)
Contaminação por Enterococcus da água das praias do município de São Luís, Estado do Maranhão = Water contamination by Enterococcus at the beaches of the municipality of São Luís, Maranhão State, northeastern Brazil
Abstract
O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar as condições higiênico-sanitárias das praias do município de São Luís, utilizando os Enterococcus como indicador. Foram avaliados dois períodos distintos, estação chuvosa e seca. A amostragem foi realizada quinzenalmente na estação chuvosa e semanalmente na estação seca. Aferiu-se o pH no local da coleta e no laboratório, realizou-se análise microbiológica de acordo com ametodologia dos tubos múltiplos, conforme preconiza a American Public Health Association – APHA (1995). O pH mostrou-se dentro do padrão, com índices entre 7 e 8, em todas as praias. Constataram-se altos índices de Enterococcus, da ordem de 102 a 103 NMP 100 mL-1 no período seco, chegando a 105 no período chuvoso. Conclui-se que as praias Ponta da Areia e do Calhau se caracterizaram como impróprias para banho nos períodos avaliados, enquanto as praias Olho d’Água e Araçagi se enquadraram como próprias.The aim of this study was to evaluate the hygiene and sanitary conditions of the beaches of the city of São Luís, using Enterococcus as the indicator. Two distinct periods were studied: the rainy and drought seasons. The samplings were performed fortnightly during the rainy season and weekly at dry season. Water pH was measured at the sampling site, and microbiological analysis was performed at the laboratory using the multiple-tube method, as recommended by the American Public Health Association – APHA (1995). The pH was found to be within normal levels, between 7 and 8, for all examinedbeaches. High levels of Enterococcus, between 102 and 103 MPN 100 mL-1, were found during the drought season, reaching 105 MPN 100 mL-1 in the rainy season. It was concluded that the beaches of Ponta da Areia and Calhau were characterized as improper for swimming at the examined periods, while the Olho d’Água and Araçagi beaches were suitable.
