SILVA, M. L. P.; SILVA, Maria Leônia Pessoa da.
Abstract:
Water is one of the most important natural and essential resources for life, though it is still little the public awareness of the need for its preservation. Human activity has led, over the years, major impacts on aquatic ecosystems, especially through the launch of domestic, industrial and agricultural effluents without adequate prior treatment. This study aimed at analyzing the water quality of the Mumbaba stream and its effects on the health of the riverine community. The area narrowed down for study was both the Mussure stream, which is inserted in the basin of the river Gramame in the state of Paraiba, and the stream located in the Mumbaba community in the southwestern city of João Pessoa – PB, Brazil. Details of the limnological bacteriological parameters as well as the heavy metal concentrations were analyzed over five picked up points for the indication of water quality. It was also used a questionnaire to know the profile of individuals and the most common diseases in the community. 130 families participated in this research. Data collection occurred from February to April, 2015. These data were collected by interviewing. Several changes were noted in the quality of the water in the streams of both Mussure and Mumbaba. The levels of dissolved oxygen were far below the limit established by Resolution 357/05 for Class 3 (4.0 mg L-1) in the five monitored points. The values of electrical conductivity and phosphate nutrient showed up high in all sampling points. The values of biochemical oxygen availability and temperature of the Mumbaba water were high when compared with the Mussure stream. This fact is due to the disposal of industrial effluents in these collected points. The turbidity values, temperature, and biochemical oxygen availability were within the law limits in the waters of the Mussure stream. In what concerns to the presence of toxic substances under analysis, the concentrations of metals in general were below the limits of resolution CONAMA with the exception of copper, chromium and nickel in MS 01A point. The number of fecal coliforms showed up high in accordance with the legally established standards. In reference to the presence of disease in the community, it was found respiratory and hydric diseases. The findings allowed concluding that both the Mussure stream and the Mumbaba creek have a high degree of degradation and that their waters pose a risk to the health of the population using them. It is crucial to forward municipal programs with a view to defend and preserve the Mussure stream and the Mumbaba creek recovering their vitality and to encourage improvement in the conditions of municipal sanitation and in the practices of Health Education measures.
