Avaliação microbiológica e físico - química das águas minerais comercializadas na cidade de Cajazeiras-PB.

Abstract

To evaluate the quality of mineral water marketed in the city of Cajazeiras-PB. Methods: This is a study with four mineral water marks that were submitted to physical-chemical tests (pH, chloride, alkalinity and conductivity) by means of benchtop instruments and microbiological tests (chromogenic substrate method and tube germination). Results: In 40 samples analyzed with the chromogenic substrate method, 13 samples showed total coliform growth and seven samples confirmed fecal coliforms. Yeast growth was verified in brands A and B in 100% of samples and in a c-mark sample, while mark D showed no growth. The results were positive for Candida albicans in 33.33% of the samples of mark A, 22.22% in samples B and 11.11% of mark C. The results obtained for pH, alkalinity and chloride were within the patterns, however, pH values and chloride differed of the values shown on the label. The conductivity parameter of mark A showed a higher value than the ones indicated, but the other samples are within the recommended. Conclusion: The waters studied are found with altered physical-chemical and microbiological characteristics in relation to what is established in the legislation, and may pose a risk to the health of consumers, suggesting a more detailed study.