River water quality in the Amazon: a case study of the Pará do Uruará river

Abstract

Water contamination can be seen as a sequence of adverse conditions that promote the growth and proliferation of pathogens. Based on this, this study sought to assess the water quality of the Pará do Uruará River, measuring the physicochemical and microbiological characteristics. The water samples were collected at four points along the river, using disposable and sterile plastic bags, suitable for water collection, properly identified and stored in a thermal environment, for subsequent analysis in the laboratory. The pH, hardness, turbidity, color, conductivity, total coliforms and Escherichia coli were quantified, following the water testing methodology of the Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater (SMEWW). Our results showed that the pH, hardness, turbidity, color and conductivity were in compliance with the maximum values ​​established by CONAMA Resolution no. 357/2005, but total coliforms and Escherichia coli did not meet the standards required by current environmental legislation. The contamination of Amazon rivers surrounded by small towns has occurred mainly due to the lack of basic sanitation, in which the population disposes of domestic effluents directly into the aquatic ecosystem. Therefore, it is necessary to make public the results obtained in this study, in view of a possible awareness of the population about the health risks that the consumption of inappropriate water can cause. In addition, enable the realization of environmental and health education activities aimed at the population, as a way to avoid river contamination.