Estudo microbiológico de águas de poços artesianos para consumo humano na região de Santa Maria, RS / Microbiological study of artesian wells water for human consumption in the region of Santa Maria, RS

Objetivo: A água é de extrema importância para a saúde humana e essencial para a sobrevivência dos seres vivos. Águas subterrâneas de poços artesianos são menos contaminadas por não estarem expostas aos poluentes. Este estudo efetuou a análise microbiológica de águas de poços artesianos para o consumo humano. Métodos: As análises foram realizadas no Laboratório de Análises Microbiológicas, Departamento de Microbiologia e Parasitologia, Centro de Ciências da Saúde da Universidade Federal de Santa Maria. Através da técnica dos tubos múltiplos e do número mais provável por mililitro de amostra se obteve a contagem de coliformes totais e coliformes termotolerantes. A contagem de bactérias heterotróficas foi realizada em placas de Petri com meio Ágar Padrão Contagem. E a pesquisa e confirmação de Escherichia coli por Ágar Eosina Azul de Metileno e testes bioquímicos, respectivamente. Resultados: Verificou-se que 68% das amostras estavam próprias para consumo humano, em 21% foi emitido um alerta e 11% estavam impróprias. Foi confirmada E. coli em 96% das amostras impróprias. Além disso, Pseudomonas aeruginosa foi encontrada em oito das amostras analisadas. Em relação ao tratamento com cloro, 85% das amostras cloradas estavam próprias. Dividiu-se o estudo em quatro períodos para efetuar um comparativo da potabilidade, o último período do estudo demonstrou um maior nível de potabilidade quando comparado ao primeiro. Conclusão: Estes dados são de grande relevância para a população e a conscientizam sobre um controle microbiológico frequente a fim de obter níveis menores ou isentos de bactérias, evitando contaminações que podem ser nocivas à saúde humana.

Objective: Water is very important for human health and essential to survival of living beings. Groundwater from artesian wells is the least contaminated because it is not exposed to pollutants. This study performed the microbiological analysis of artesian well water to human consumption. Methods: These analyses were performed at the Microbiological Analysis Laboratory, Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Health Sciences Center of the Federal University of Santa Maria. Using the multiple tube technique and the Most Probable Number per milliliter of the sample, the Total Coliform and Thermotolerant Coliform counts were obtained. Heterotrophic Bacteria counts were performed in Plate Count Agar Petri dishes. And the research and confirmation of Escherichia coli by Methylene Blue Eosin Agar and biochemical tests, respectively. Results: Checked that 68% of the samples were found to be safe to human consumption, 21% were alerted and 11% were inappropriate. E. coli was confirmed in 96% of improper samples. In addition, Pseudomonas aeruginosa was found in eight of the samples analyzed. Regarding chlorine treatment, 85% of chlorinated samples were safe to human consumption. The study was divided into four periods to make a potability comparison, the last period of the study showed a higher level of potability when compared to the first one. Conclusion: These data are of great relevance to the population and make them aware of frequent microbiological control in order to obtain lower or bacteria-free levels. This avoids contamination that can be harmful to human health.

Multidisciplinary approach to assess the toxicities of arsenic and barium in drinking water

Well water could be a stable source of drinking water. Recently, the use of well water as drinking water has been encouraged in developing countries. However, many kinds of disorders caused by toxic elements in well drinking water have been reported. It is our urgent task to resolve the global issue of element-originating diseases. In this review article, our multidisciplinary approaches focusing on oncogenic toxicities and disturbances of sensory organs (skin and ear) induced by arsenic and barium are introduced. First, our environmental monitoring in developing countries in Asia showed elevated concentrations of arsenic and barium in well drinking water. Then our experimental studies in mice and our epidemiological studies in humans showed arsenic-mediated increased risks of hyperpigmented skin and hearing loss with partial elucidation of their mechanisms. Our experimental studies using cultured cells with focus on the expression and activity levels of intracellular signal transduction molecules such as c-SRC, c-RET, and oncogenic RET showed risks for malignant transformation and/or progression arose from arsenic and barium. Finally, our original hydrotalcite-like compound was proposed as a novel remediation system to effectively remove arsenic and barium from well drinking water. Hopefully, comprehensive studies consisting of (1) environmental monitoring, (2) health risk assessments, and (3) remediation will be expanded in the field of environmental health to prevent various disorders caused by environmental factors including toxic elements in drinking water.

Wide diversity of fungal species found in wellwater for human consumption: an analytical cross-sectional study

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Fungi are ubiquitous in the environment. They are able to grow in water and many of them may be opportunistic pathogens. OBJECTIVE: The aims were to identify fungi in registered wells (RWs) and nonregistered wells (NRWs) that tap into groundwater; and to correlate the results from physicochemical assays on this water (free residual chlorine and pH) with the presence of fungi. DATA AND SETTING: Analytical cross-sectional quantitative study on groundwater wells in São José do Rio Preto, São Paulo, Brazil. METHODS: 52 samples of 500 ml of water were collected from RWs and 107 from NRWs. These were sent to a microbiology laboratory to identify any fungi that were present. In addition, free residual chlorine and pH were measured immediately after sample collection. Several statistical analysis tests were used. RESULTS: Fungal contamination was present in 78.8% of the samples from RWs and 81.3% from NRWs. Filamentous fungi were more prevalent than yeast in both types of wells. There was no significant difference in presence of fungi according to whether chloride and pH were within recommended levels in RWs; or according to whether pH was within recommended levels in NRWs. Furthermore, there was no statistical difference in the levels of fungal contamination between RWs and NRWs. CONCLUSION: Both RWs and NRWs are potential reservoirs for many types of fungi. Many of these may become opportunistic pathogens if they infect immunosuppressed individuals. Furthermore, this study confirms that fungi are able to grow even when chlorine and pH parameters are within the standards recommended.

Concentración de fluoruro en agua subterránea y su relación con los niveles de calcio sérico en niños residentes en el distrito de Loreto, Concepción, Paraguay / Fluoride concentration in groundwater and its relationship with serum calcium levels in children living in Loreto, Concepción, Paraguay

Como parte del ciclo biogeoquímico, el fluoruro del suelo puede disolverse e ingresar al agua. La Organización Mundial de la Salud y la Norma Paraguaya NP 24 001 80 establecen una concentración máxima de 1,5 mg.L-1 de fluoruro en agua de consumo, pudiendo producir fluorosis cuando es elevada, tal como se encontró en niños residentes de Loreto. Estudios indican que la exposición al fluoruro concomitante al déficit de calcio puede agravar la pérdida de masa ósea, causando fragilidad y fluorosis esquelética. Además, se demostró mediante bioensayos en ratones que el exceso de fluoruro reduce la concentración de calcio sérico, por lo que el objetivo del estudio descriptivo con componente analítico fue elaborar un mapa de distribución espacial de fluoruro del agua subterránea de Loreto y relacionar con la calcemia en niños. Se determinó la concentración de fluoruro en muestras de veintitrés pozos de agua subterránea y el calcio sérico de dieciocho niños en edad escolar, ambos por método normalizado. Se identificaron dos pozos con concentraciones superiores al máximo permitido y en 61% de los niños el calcio sérico fue inferior al valor de referencia. Se encontró una correlación débil entre las variables (r = 0,212). El estudio proporciona información relevante sobre sitios con elevadas concentraciones de fluoruro lo que representa un riesgo para la salud pues aun con ingesta adecuada de calcio, los niños presentaron hipocalcemia. Sería importante incluir en estudios posteriores factores no abordados en esta investigación para una evaluación más completa del riesgo de la población expuesta(AU)

As part of the biogeochemical cycle, soil fluoride can dissolve and accumulate in groundwater. World Health Organization and the Paraguayan Standard NP 24 001 80 establishes of 1.5 mg.L-1 of fluoride in drinking water, which can produce fluorosis when it is higher, as it has been found in children of Loreto. Studies indicate that exposure to fluoride concomitant with calcium deficit may aggravate bone loss, causing frailty and skeletal fluorosis. In addition, it was demonstrated through bioassays in mice that excess fluoride reduces serum calcium concentration, the objective of the descriptive study with the analytical component has become a spatial distribution map of Loreto groundwater and related to calcemia in children. The fluoride concentration was determined in samples from twenty-three groundwater wells and serum calcium from eighteen school-age children, both by standard method. Two points were identified with levels above the maximum allowed and in 61% of the children the serum calcium was lower than the reference value. We found a weak correlation between the variables (r = 0.212). It would be important to include in later studies factors not addressed in this research for a more complete risk assessment of the exposed population(AU)

Qualidade microbiológica da água de cacimbão e poços artesianos na comunidade pesqueira Ilha Grande, município de Humberto de Campos – MA / Microbiological quality of cacimban water and artisian wells in the fishing community Grande Island, municipality of Humberto de Campos – MA

Objetivou-se neste trabalho avaliar a qualidade microbiológica da água de ‟cacimbão” (poços de coleta com mais de 1 metro de diâmetro) e poços artesianos na comunidade pesqueira Ilha Grande, Município de Humberto de Campos – MA. No mês de julho de 2018, foram coletadas as águas de cinco (5) poços artesianos e de um (1) ‟cacimbão” para obtenção de amostras. As mesmas foram encaminhadas para o Laboratório de Microbiologia de Alimentos e Água da Universidade Estadual do Maranhão (UEMA), onde foram realizadas as análises. Os resultados das análises microbiológicas e físico-químicas obtidas foram comparados com a Portaria 2.914/Ministério da Saúde de 12/12/11. O método utilizado para análises de coliformes totais e Escherichia coli foi a técnica do Substrato Colilert e para bactérias heterotróficas aeróbias mesófilas a técnica do Substrato SimPlate. As 5 (83,33%) amostras apresentaram qualidade insatisfatória, quanto aos parâmetros microbiológicos. Conclui-se que a todas as amostras avaliadas de águas de poços artesianos estão em descordo com padrões de potabilidade exigidos na legislação.

Evaluación de riesgo a la salud y contaminantes en agua de bebida: Importancia de la ingesta de agua / Evaluation of health risk and contaminants in drinking water: Importance of the water intake

Se evaluó la importancia del consumo diario de agua por ingesta en la evaluación de riesgo a la salud humana (ERS) de contaminantes presentes en agua subterránea de pozos domiciliarios en la ciudad de Azul, Argentina. El riesgo probabilístico acumulativo se calculó en base al modelo de la Agencia de Protección Ambiental de Estados Unidos (USEPA) para cuatro grupos de edad (5, 10, 15 años y adultos). Los resultados fueron comparados mediante la aplicación de un consumo diario de agua por ingesta estimado utilizado con frecuencia en la literatura frente a una cantidad ingerida local. De las seis variables usadas (Concentración de la sustancia peligrosa en el agua; Ingesta diaria de agua (I); Frecuencia de exposición; Duración de la exposición; Peso corporal del individuo expuesto; Factor de corrección para el tiempo promedio de exposición crónica), la Ifue la variable más influyente en el va­lor del riesgo presentando diferencias significativas entre los resultados derivados de ambos tipos de I. La diferencia más alta fue en los 5 años de edad, grupo que presentó un riesgo acumulado asociado con I local 98% más bajo respecto del riesgo calculado utilizando I basada en la literatura. La selección de la I tuvo un impacto significativo en los resultados del riesgo, lo que sugiere una cuidadosa elección de las variables de entrada al modelo de la evaluación del riesgo para evitar subestimaciones o sobreestimaciones.

We evaluated the importance of the daily consumption of water by ingestion on health risk assessment (HRA) from pollutants present in shallow groundwater from residential wells in the city of Azul, Argentina. The probabilistic cumulative risk was calculated based on the model of the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) for four age groups (5, 10, 15 years and adults). The results were compared by applying a daily consumption of water by estimated intake frequently used in the literature against a local ingested amount. From the six variables used (Concentration of the hazardous substance in water, Daily water intake (I), Frequency of exposure, Duration of exposure, Body weight of the exposed individual, Correction factor for the average time of chronic exposure), I was the most influential variable in the value of risk, presenting significant differences between the results de­rived from both types of I. The highest difference was in the 5 years of age, a group that presented an accumulated risk associated with local I 98% lower regarding the risk calculated using I based on the literature. The selection of I had a significant impact on risk outcomes, suggesting a careful choice of input variables to the risk assessment model to avoid underestimation or overestimation.

Avaliação da presença e quantificação de coliformes totais e Escherichia coli em amostras de água destinada ao consumo humano proveniente de poços artesianos / Evaluation of the presence and quantification of total coliforms and Escherichia coli in samples of water intended for human consumption from artesian wells

A água é indispensável à vida e a sua contaminação com microrganismos patogênicos oferece grande risco à saúde humana, podendo causar doenças que variam de gastroenterites brandas a doenças fatais. Dessa forma, a água para o consumo humano deve estar livre de microrganismos patogênicos e não deve conter bactérias indicadoras de contaminação fecal, sendo a Escherichia coli o principal representante desse grupo de bactérias. Tendo em vista a importância da potabilidade da água para a saúde, o presente trabalho teve por objetivo verificar a qualidade bacteriológica da água utilizada para o consumo humano proveniente de 200 poços artesianos localizados na cidade de Cambé/Paraná, no período de 2013 a 2017, utilizando-se para tanto a análise da presença de coliformes totais e de E. coli como indicador de contaminação fecal. A metodologia empregada para a pesquisa de coliformes totais e E. coli foi o método do substrato cromogênico Colilert®. Dentre as 200 amostras analisadas, 113 (56,5%) estavam contaminadas com coliformes totais e 35 (17,5%) com E. coli. As análises realizadas durante o período de cinco anos possibilitaram encontrar 14 (7%) amostras de água tratadas que apresentavam contaminação por bactérias do grupo coliforme. A partir dos resultados obtidos nesse trabalho, espera-se conscientizar tanto a população quanto os órgãos públicos sobre a importância do controle da qualidade da água para a prevenção de doenças transmitidas por esse meio (AU)

Water is essential for life and its contamination by pathogenic microorganisms offers great risk to human health and may cause illnesses ranging from mild gastroenteritis to life threatening diseases. Thus, water for human consumption should be free of pathogenic microorganisms and must not contain indicators of faecal contamination such as Escherichia coli presence. Given the importance of drinking water quality for health, this study aimed to verify the bacteriological quality of water used for human consumption from 200 artesian wells located in the city of Cambé - Paraná, from 2013 to 2017. The methodology used for the research of total coliforms and E. coli was the Colilert® chromogenic substrate method. Among the 200 analysed water samples, 113 (56.5%) were contaminated with total coliforms and 35 (17,5%) with E. coli. The analyses carried out during the five-year period allowed finding 14 (7%) treated water samples that showed contamination by bacteria of the coliform group. Based on the results obtained in this study, it is expected that both the population and the public agencies will be aware of the importance of water quality control for the prevention of diseases transmitted by this means (AU)

Stratified sampling survey of major human parasitic diseases in Henan province / 中华流行病学杂志

Objective: To understand the prevalence of major human parasitic diseases and related factors in Henan province. Methods: This stratified sampling survey was carried out according to the requirement of national survey protocol of major human parasitic diseases, 2014-2015. The prevalence of soil-transmitted helminths infection, taeniasis and intestinal protozoiasis were surveyed in 104 sites selected from 35 counties (districts) and the prevalence of clonorchiasis was surveyed in 62 sites selected from 37 townships. In each survey spot, 250 persons were surveyed. A total of 26 866 persons and 15 893 persons were surveyed. Modified Kato-Katz thick smear was used to detect the eggs of intestinal helminthes. Tube fecal culture was used to identify the species of hookworm. The Enterobius eggs were detected in children aged 3 to 6 years by using adhesive tape. The cyst and trophozoite of intestinal protozoa were examined with physiological saline direct smear method and iodine stain method. Results: The overall infestation rate of intestinal parasites was2.02% in Henan, and the worm infection rate was higher than protozoa infection rate. Fourteen kinds of intestinal parasites were found, including nematode (5 species), trematode (2 species), and protozoan (7 species). The infection rate of Enterobius vermicularis was highest, and Qinba Mountain ecological area had the highest infestation rate of intestinal parasites in 4 ecological areas of Henan. There was no significant difference in intestinal parasite infection rate between males and females (χ(2)=3.630, P=0.057), and the differences in intestinal parasite infection rate among different age groups had significance (χ(2)=124.783, P=0.000 1). The infection rate reached the peak in age group ≤9 years and the major parasite was Enterobius vermicularis. Furthermore the overall human infection rate of parasite showed a downward trend with the increase of educational level of the people (χ(2)=70.969, P=0.000 1), the differences had significance (χ(2)=120.118, P=0.000 1). For different populations, the infection rate of intestinal parasites was highest among preschool children. The infection of intestinal helminth was mainly mild, only 2 severe cases were detected. The infection rate of Clonorchis sinensis in urban residents was only 0.006%. Logistic regression analysis showed that being preschool children (χ(2)=15.765, P=0.000 1) and drinking well water (χ(2)=45.589, P=0.000 1) were the risk factors for intestinal parasite infection, and annual income per capita of farmers was the protective factor against intestinal parasite infection. The infection rates of protozoa and intestinal parasites decreased sharply compared with the results of previous two surveys, and the rate of intestinal helminth infection also dropped sharply compared with the second survey. The numbers of protozoa, helminth and intestinal parasites detected in this survey were all less than the numbers found in the previous two surveys. Conclusions: Compared the results of three surveys in Henan, the infection rate of protozoa and intestinal parasites showed a downward trend. The prevention and treatment of Enterobius vermicularis infection in children should be the key point of parasitic disease control in the future.

Frequency and molecular characterisation of Entamoeba histolytica, Entamoeba dispar, Entamoeba moshkovskii, and Entamoeba hartmanni in the context of water scarcity in northeastern Brazil

This study aimed to estimate the frequency, associated factors, and molecular characterisation of Entamoeba histolytica, Entamoeba dispar, Entamoeba moshkovskii, andEntamoeba hartmanni infections. We performed a survey (n = 213 subjects) to obtain parasitological, sanitation, and sociodemographic data. Faecal samples were processed through flotation and centrifugation methods.E. histolytica, E. dispar, E. moshkovskii, and E. hartmanni were identified by nested-polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The overall prevalence of infection was 22/213 (10.3%). The infection rate among subjects who drink rainwater collected from roofs in tanks was higher than the rate in subjects who drink desalinated water pumped from wells; similarly, the infection rate among subjects who practice open defecation was significantly higher than that of subjects with latrines. Out of the 22 samples positive for morphologically indistinguishableEntamoeba species, the differentiation by PCR was successful for 21. The species distribution was as follows: 57.1% to E. dispar, 23.8% to E. histolytica, 14.3% toE. histolytica and E. dispar, and 4.8% E. dispar and E. hartmanni. These data suggest a high prevalence of asymptomatic infection by the group of morphologically indistinguishable Entamoeba histolytica/dispar/moshkovskiicomplex and E. hartmanni species. In this context of water scarcity, the sanitary and socioenvironmental characteristics of the region appear to favour transmission.

Guía técnica para el mantenimiento del pozo de puesta a tierra en los establecimientos de salud / Technical Guide for the maintenance of the well grounding in health establishments

La publicación brinda las pautas y recomendaciones para fortalecer y mejorar las condiciones de seguridad de la vida de los pacientes, seguridad del ciclo de vida útil del equipamiento clínico y hospitalario; utilizando los procesos de técnicos del mantenimiento preventivo y correctivo de la infraestructura eléctrica

Padrão físico-químico e microbiológico da água de nascentes e poços rasos de propriedades rurais da região sudoeste do Paraná / Physico-chemical and microbiological standards of water springs and shallow wells on rural properties in the southwest region of Paraná

Este trabalho avalia a qualidade da água em propriedades rurais do município de Dois Vizinhos, Paraná, por meio de analises físico-químicas e microbiológicas. Foram analisadas 90 amostras, sendo 45 provenientes de nascentes e 45 de poços rasos, quanto aos parâmetros pH, temperatura, turbidez, coliformes totais e termotolerantes. Das 90 amostras analisadas, 23 atenderam à legislação vigente, enquanto que 67 estavam em desacordo, logo, inapropriadas para o consumo humano e animal, representando fator de risco à saúde.(AU)

This study evaluates the quality of water in rural farms of Dois Vizinhos, Paraná, Brazil, by physico-chemical and microbiological analyses. A total of 90 samples were analysed, 45 from water springs and 45 from shallow wells, regarding the following parameters: pH, temperature, turbidity, total and thermotolerant coliforms. Of the 90 samples analysed, 23 met the current legislation, while 67 disagreeded with it, being unsuitable for human and animal consumption and a health risk factor.(AU)

Determinación de la calidad microbiológica de las aguas de pozo artesiano de distritos de los departamentos Central, Cordillera y municipio Capital / Determination of the microbiological quality of the water of artesian wells in the districts of Central and Cordillera departments and the capital

Entre las fuentes principales que suministran agua para consumo humano se encuentran los acuíferos, que son formaciones geológicas que almacenan agua y actúan como depósito y reserva y se encuentran en toda la superficie terrestre. La explotación se realiza mediante pozos artesianos. La demanda creciente de consumo de agua potable en zonas densamente pobladas han requerido su instalación. El objetivo de este estudio fue determinar el grado de contaminación expresado en la concentración de coliformes fecales, totales y aerobios mesófilos en muestras de agua de pozo del departamento Central, Cordillera y municipio Capital, dentro del límite de afloramiento del acuífero Patiño. Se evaluaron 57 muestras de agua de pozo artesiano de 20 a 130 m de profundidad, tratadas y no tratadas remitidas por propietarios de pozos particulares y aguaterias al INTN durante el año 2008. Se usó la técnica de tubos múltiples para la determinación de coliformes totales y fecales y la de número más probable para aerobios Mesófilos. Fueron clasificadas como contaminadas el 58%(33/57) de las muestras. En las aguas tratadas el 12,5; 40 y 31,2% tenían valores fuera de lo permitido para coliformes fecales, aerobios mesófilos y coliformes totales respectivamente. En aguas no tratadas el 19,5; 61,5 y 48,8% tenían coliformes fecales, aerobios mesófilos y coliformes totales, respectivamente, en niveles fuera de lo permitido de acuerdo a lo establecido en la Norma Paraguaya NP 24 001 80 (5ª edición). Es importante detectar la contaminación microbiológica en las aguas subterráneas, ya que constituyen fuentes de agua potable.

Avaliação da qualidade da água de poço / Assessment the quality of well-water

O poço é considerado uma importante fonte de suprimento de água para consumo humano porpopulações que não têm acesso à rede pública de abastecimento em Manaus. A elevada porosidadedos solos de uma região, associada à quantidade de chuvas, pode comprometer a qualidade da água depoço por contaminação, principalmente antropogênica. Com o intuito de verificar essa contaminação,foram avaliadas 962 amostras oriundas das seis zonas do Município de Manaus durante todo o anode 2007 e de 2008, divididas nos períodos de chuva (inverno amazônico) e de seca (verão amazônico)da região, por meio de análises laboratoriais (físico-químicas e microbiológicas). Foram encontradosresultados fora dos parâmetros estabelecidos na Portaria nº 2914/2011 do MS em 20 % das amostrascorrespondentes ao período de seca e em 34 % das amostras referentes ao período de chuva. Essesresultados alertam para o risco da população ser acometida por diversas doenças de veiculação hídrica.Outrossim, este estudo mostra que é necessária a intervenção de órgãos competentes no sentido deminimizar a ocorrência de várias doenças de veiculação hídrica como parasitoses, hepatite infecciosa,febre tifoide, paratifoide, disenteria bacilar, cólera, dentre outras, na população de Manaus que faz usode água de poço.

Nuvens de veneno / Clouds of poison

A nuvem se espalha pelas plantações. Em vez de molhar, seca. Ela não traz a chuva, traz o veneno. O Brasil é um dos maiores produtores mundiais de soja, algodão e milho e também um dos maiores consumidores de fertilizantes químicos e agrotóxicos. "Nuvens de veneno" expõe as preocupações com as consequências no uso desses agroquímicos no ambiente, especialmente na saúde do trabalhador. Um filme revelador, que faz refletir sobre a forma que crescemos e sobre o tipo de desenvolvimento que queremos

Qualidade bacteriológica e físico-química da água de poços para o consumo humano no Estado do Maranhão / Bacteriological quality and physico-chemical water wells for human consumption in the state of Maranhão

A presente pesquisa teve como objetivo avaliar a qualidade bacteriológica e físico-química da água de poços de municípios do estado do Maranhão. Foram realizadas determinações bacteriológicas de coliformes totais e Escherichia coli, contagem de bactérias heterotróficas aeróbias mesófilas e físico-químicas de pH, dureza total, cloretos e turbidez.. Os resultados demonstraram que 40,38% das amostras se encontraram contaminadas por coliformes totais, 11,53% por E. coli e 13,46% apresentaram mais de 500 Unidades Formadoras de Colônias (UFC)/mL. Considerando-se os valores máximos permissíveis para os parâmetros físico-químicos foram obtidos os seguintes resultados: 0,96% das amostras apresentaram valor de dureza total elevado, 4,80% e 14,42% valores de cloretos e turbidez, respectivamente. Todas as amostras apresentaram pH dentro dos limites determinados pela legislação. Os resultados reforçam a importância da água de poços como veiculadora de micro-organismos para a população.

Environmental-Genetic Interactions in the Pathogenesis of Parkinson's Disease

To date, numerous case-control studies have shown the complexity of the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease (PD). In terms of genetic factors, several susceptibility genes are known to contribute to the development of PD, including alpha-synuclein (SNCA), leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2), and glucocerebrosidase (GBA). In addition, numerous recent epidemiological studies have shown that several environmental factors are either risk factors for PD or protective factors against PD. Risk factors identified include herbicides and pesticides (e.g., paraquat, rotenone, and maneb), metals (e.g., manganese and lead), head trauma, and well water. In contrast, smoking and coffee/caffeine consumption are known to be protective against PD. A recent finding in this field is that environmental-genetic interactions contribute more to the pathogenesis of PD than do genetic factors or environmental factors alone. In this review, I will discuss how these interactions promote the development of PD.

Análise microbiológica da água de poços de uma região rural pertencente ao município de Dourados, MS / Microbiological analysis of water from wells in a rural area in the municipality of Dourados, MS

A qualidade da água é essencial para que não haja veiculação de patógenos, especialmente nos locais desprovidos de água tratada. O objetivo deste trabalho foi pesquisar a qualidade microbiológica da água de poços de uma região rural de Dourados (MS). Pesquisaram-se água de dez poços de um total de 53, pertencentes à região do Proteirito, em dois momentos distintos. A Técnica de Tubos Múltiplos foi adotada para quantificar a presença de coliformes totais e termotolerantes e os resultados foram expressos de acordo com a tabela do NMP. Na primeira coleta (2006), 40% das propriedades ainda utilizam águas em condições impróprias para consumo humano, de acordo com os padrões estabelecidos pela legislação sanitária nacional. Na segunda coleta (2008) apenas um poço continha água potável. Dados como este reforçam que as estratégias para prevenção de doenças veiculadas pela água ainda é uma preocupação para a Saúde Pública.

Effects of road deicing salt on the quality of ground water resources in Hamadan province, west of Iran

The aim of this study was to assess the effects of road deicing salt on the quality of the ground water resources in Hamadan Province during winter season. Water samples were taken monthly from thirty wells located around the Hamadan-Asadabad highway. The quality of well water was examined by measuring amount of sodium, chloride, total hardness, total dissolved solid, electrical conductivity, total fecal coliform, and total coliform in well water sample. The correlation between mineral deposits in the water samples and the distance of wells from the highway was investigated using Pearson Correlation Coefficient. It was estimated that nearly 11,000 tons salt were applied annually in this province for deicing roads and streets. There was a statistically significant negative correlation between the quality variables of well water taken from a distance less than 400 meters from highway axis in the southern side except for fecal coliform and total coliform. No statistically significant correlation was seen between the distance from the highway axis and the quality variables of well water taken from the northern side. There was a significant difference between water quality variables of the wells located in a distance less than 200 meters in the northern side of the highway, with that of the wells located in southern side in the highway [p<0.05]. A positive correlation between road dicing salt and mineral deposits in the ground water resources was indicated. Therefore, regarding the limited water resources in Hamadan Province, constraining application of road deicing salt is recommended