Avaliação dos níveis de contaminação parasitária da água do rio Infulene

Abstract

Water is an essential resource for life, but its contamination can pose serious risks to human health, serving as a vehicle for biological and chemical agents. This study aimed to assess the levels of parasitic contamination in the water of the Infulene River. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted between July and October 2022. A convenience sampling was performed, with 16 water samples collected in sterilized bottles along the Infulene River. The samples were analyzed in the microbiology laboratory of the Department of Biological Sciences (UEM) using the spontaneous sedimentation method, with some modifications to facilitate analysis. IBM SPSS version 20 was used for data analysis. The results showed that, of the 16 samples analyzed, 15 (93%) contained helminths and protozoa, with the most frequent species being Entamoeba coli (31%), Ascaris lumbricoides (29%), Taenia spp. (19%), Enterobius vermacularis (7%), and Entamoeba histolytica (6%). The highest frequency of parasite contamination was observed in Drainage (Infulene) (17%), WWTP (Infulene) (11%), and there was no contamination in Pontinha "after" (0%). Regarding the distribution of parasites, the highest prevalence was for helminths, 61% (8/12), and the lowest for protozoa, 39% (8/10). There were significant differences in the frequencies of contamination of water samples at the sampling points (p <0.05). The results of this study showed that the sanitary conditions of the Infulene River water used for irrigating vegetables are inadequate, as it presented high levels of contamination above the values recommended by the WHO guidelines (2013), which puts at risk the health of farmers, those who consume irrigated vegetables, and other water users. It is urgent to implement health education programs in the growing areas and in local communities, promoting good agricultural and sanitation practices.(TRADUÇÃO NOSSA)