IWRA Proceedings

ABSTRACT

The release of domestic and industrial sewage into rivers, lakes and reservoirs have contributed to the increased incidence of cyanobacterial blooms in the springs used as a source of supply. The study of these organisms is of paramount importance, mainly because they have the ability to produce and release toxins into the liquid medium that can affect human health. This work aimed to present a monitoring of hydrobiological conditions (concentration of cyanobacteria) of the springs used as sources of supply for the Pernambuco Sanitation Company (COMPESA) in the state of Pernambuco during the months July to December 2010. The study revealed that the local sanitation company conducts monitoring the concentration of cyanobacteria in approximately 80% of surface used. From these sources, 70% are being monitored with the frequency required by Order 518/2004 of the Ministry of Health The regional managers were verified where the largest numbers of sources with a concentration of cyanobacteria above 20.000 cells / mL were those of Arcoverde, Afogados da Ingazeira e Serra Talhada. These managers, the concentrations of these microorganisms ranged from 32.036 to 1.375.466 cells / mL. Monitoring the toxicity of raw water by performing bioassays in camudongos, is performed only in watersheds with a history of cyanobacteria concentration above 20.000 cells / mL. The determination of the concentration of cyanotoxins in treated water, when found positive in toxicity testing, is performed. However, it does not meet the required frequency Ordinance 518/2004 of the Ministry of Health Although positive results have been identified in the bioassay camudongos in some springs of managements Arcoverde Ingazeira Drowned and the Sierra Carved, but none showed concentrations of cyanotoxins above the limit of acceptance for human consumption in the period studied.

Keywords: Monitoring, cyanobacteria and Springs.