Microbiological Contamination of Urban Groundwater in the Brazilian Western Amazon

Groundwater is heavily exploited for a variety of uses. Depending on their structure, the wells from which water is extracted can act as an entry point/gateway for a variety of microbiological contaminants, which can cause numerous adverse health effects. This study aimed to identify the microorgani...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Water (Basel) 2022-12, Vol.14 (24), p.4023
Main Authors: Baia, Célia Ceolin, Vargas, Taíse Ferreira, Ribeiro, Vivian Azevedo, Laureano, Josilena de Jesus, Boyer, Rachel, Dórea, Caetano Chang, Bastos, Wanderley Rodrigues
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Aquifers
Bacteria
Citrobacter
Coliforms
Contaminants
Contamination
Deep wells
Drinking water
Dug wells
E coli
Fecal coliforms
Groundwater
Groundwater quality
Health risks
Hydraulic measurements
Hygiene
Management
Membrane filters
Microbial contamination
Microbiology
Microorganisms
Population growth
Public health
Sanitation
Seasons
Sediments
Shallow wells
Supplies
Urban areas
Water
Water analysis
Water flow
Water quality
Water sampling
Water, Underground
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Summary:Groundwater is heavily exploited for a variety of uses. Depending on their structure, the wells from which water is extracted can act as an entry point/gateway for a variety of microbiological contaminants, which can cause numerous adverse health effects. This study aimed to identify the microorganisms present in the groundwater in the Western Amazonian city of Porto Velho, using a methodology that can be deployed in other city centers. We collected 74 water samples from both dug and drilled wells in March, August and November 2018. Total coliforms were detected in 96% of dug wells and 74% of drilled wells. Thermotolerant coliforms were found in 90% of dug wells and 61% of drilled wells. Biochemical identification indicated 15 genera of bacteria. The genera Escherichia, Enterobacter, Cronobacter and Citrobacter had the highest prevalence. The genera Pseudomonas and Enterococcus were also detected. Thermotolerant coliforms showed higher values when the water flow was higher. Our results indicate high fecal contamination and higher susceptibility to contaminants in shallow wells compared to deep wells. These findings reflect the precariousness of WASH (water, sanitation and hygiene) services and the importance of effective actions to combat groundwater degradation, improve the quality of the environment, and protect public health.
ISSN:2073-4441
2073-4441
DOI:10.3390/w14244023