Abstract

BARRANTES, Kenia; CHACON, Luz María; SOLANO, Melissa  and  ACHI, Rosario. Fecal contamination of the superficial water of the microbasin of Rio Purires, Costa Rica, 2010-2011. Rev. Soc. Ven. Microbiol. [online]. 2013, vol.33, n.1, pp.40-45. ISSN 1315-2556.

Fecal contamination of the superficial waters is an important public health problem due to the presence of pathogenic microorganisms- It has been estimated that populations located close to coasts, rivers of lakes with an elevated fecal contamination have a higher risk of developing communicable gastrointestinal diseases. This investigation analyzed the fecal contamination of the superficial waters of the microbasin of the Rio Purires, located in a highly populated area of Costa Rica. Fecal contamination was detected in 100% of the samples, and sample point 3 was the one that showed the highest levels, with an average of 2.2 x 10⁴ Most Probable Number (MPN)/100mL. Even thought points 1 and 2 presented a lower fecal contamination, an average of 6.4 x 10² MPN/100mL and 6.3 x 10³ MPN/100mL, respectively, these values also indicate low quality water. With these results we intend to alert regarding the problem of a high fecal contamination of superficial waters of this microbasin. This information is an input for developing control actions over the contamination sources which compromise the quality of water and, therefore, the health of the populations located in its vicinity.

Keywords : superficial water; accredited tests; coliform fecal; Escherichia coli.