Aldo Pacheco Ferreira

Quality assessment of the public water supply in Nova Iguaçu, Rio de Janeiro

This study proposes to develop methodologies for public water supply quality control by implementing evaluation and control mechanisms and enhancing environmental health surveillance decision-making. These objectives were based on data for waterborne diseases recorded at the Rio de Janeiro State Health Department. We selected the following neighborhoods: Posse (1st Township) and Caioaba (5th Township), with dissimilar situations, allowing us to produce a model of water supply coverage in the Municipality of Nova Iguaçu, Rio de Janeiro State. The study underscored the poor quality of the water supply in the two townships, since 61% of the samples were positive on bacteriological examination, showing the undesirable effects of differential sanitation, especially in developing countries.

Caffeine as an environmental indicator for assessing urban aquatic ecosystems

This study aimed to evaluate the co-occurrence of caffeine and the extent of its influence as compared to other traditional water quality parameters (microbiological and physico-chemical) in order to characterize it as an efficient indicator of anthropic pollution of urban aquatic environments. Caffeine is an ingredient in a variety of beverages (coffee, tea, and caffeinated soft drinks) and numerous food products (chocolate, pastries, and dairy desserts). Although the human body metabolizes this stimulant efficiently, between 0.5 and 10.0% is excreted, mostly in the urine. Analysis of water samples from the Leopoldina Basin and Guanabara Bay revealed a significant difference between areas not commonly affected by nutrient enrichment or sewage inputs and areas chronically influenced by sewage discharges and elevated eutrophication. Monitoring caffeine will be fundamental in stressed urban aquatic environments where frequent accidental ruptures of sewer lines and discharges of untreated effluents impede effective water quality evaluation with traditional indicators.

Development of an evanescent-field fibre optic sensor for Escherichia coli O157:H7

An intensity-modulated fibre optic sensor was developed for Escherichia coli O157:H7. The interaction between the whole natural bacteria and the guided lightwave was carried out by means of evanescent-field coupling. A correlation between optical response and the current number of bacteria was achieved. The device sensitivity had been calibrated for initial number of bacteria (N(0)) from 10-800. The sensor sensitivity was 0.016 (+/-0.001) dB/h/N(0). The sensing mechanism starts together with the log phase leading the present sensor response to be five to ten times faster than conventional bacteriological techniques.

Anthropic pollution in aquatic environment: Development of a caffeine indicator

This study aimed to evaluate the co-occurrence of caffeine and the extent of its influence front to other traditional water quality parameters (microbiological indicator data) in way to characterize it as an efficient pollution indicator of anthropogenic origin in urban aquatic environments. Caffeine is a constituent of a variety of beverages (coffee, tea and caffeinated soft drinks) and of numerous food products (chocolate, pastries and dairy desserts). Although the human body is efficient at metabolising this stimulant, between 0.5 – 10% is excreted, mostly in urine. In addition, caffeine from domestic use may find its way directly into the sewer system due to the disposal of unconsumed drinks. The analysis of samples from Leopoldina Hydrographic Basin and Guanabara Bay revealed a significant difference areas not commonly affected by nutrient enrichment or sewage inputs versus areas chronically influenced by sewage discharges. Monitoring caffeine will be fundamental in urban-stressed aquatic environments where frequent accidental ruptures of sewage lines, pump station overflows or elevated numbers of inefficient septic tank systems are common.

Aerobiological pathogen detection by evanescent wave fibre optic sensor

An evanescent field fibre optic sensor was employed for detecting and monitoring aerobiological pathogen contamination in hospital environment. Measurements of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and Streptococcus pneumoniae colonies were detected in 6 and 13 h, respectively, faster than those obtained by means of conventional techniques. All of the bacteria growth phases were clearly time resolved by means of the optical sensor. The 0.33 cm2 sensitive surface area fibre optic transducer also exhibited reproducibility, was of easy construction and low cost, which greatly enhances its potential and usefulness.

Temporal relationship between environmental factors and the occurrence of dengue fever.

To determine the time-lag effect of meteorological factors on the relative risk (RR) of dengue incidence in Coronel Fabriciano city, Brazil, we applied a distributed lag nonlinear model, a modeling framework that can simultaneously represent nonlinear exposure–response dependencies and delayed effects, to establish the association between dengue incidence and weather predictors. The weekly number of notified dengue cases during the period 2004–2010 was used for analysis. When considering the rainfall, the highest RR (1.2) was observed for lag 10. Observing the cumulative effect of the precipitation, the RR for 12th and 13th week was RR = 4. The highest risk, 1.25, was observed at 25 °C, denoting that the risk of dengue transmission increases with temperature. Climate-based models that take into account the time lag between rainfall, temperature, and dengue can be useful in dengue control programs to be applied in tropical countries.

Sustentabilidade ambiental da água consumida no Município do Rio de Janeiro, Brasil

OBJECTIVE To propose an urban water sustainability index based on indicators that may serve as a foundation for developing planned actions concerning water resources. METHODS Eleven indicators (covering aspects of water and sewage) were selected based on the parameters of Brazils National Water and Sanitation Information System (Sistema Nacional de Informação sobre Saneamento) for the years 2000 and 2001. A score and a weight were assigned to each indicator. Based on that, the urban water sustainability index (UWSI) was calculated, using the formula UWSI = product (I(i)(pi)), where I(i) is the score attributed to each indicator i, ranging from 0 to 100, and p(i) is the weight for each indicator sigma(i=1)(n) p(i) = 1, where n is the number of indicators considered). The lowest water quality is indicated by an index value of 0, and the best by an index value of 100. RESULTS The urban water sustainability index for the city of Rio de Janeiro was 58.99 in 2000, and it rose to 59.57 in 2001, indicating water of good quality in both those years. CONCLUSIONS The improvement in the quality of the water resources between 2000 and 2001 in the city of Rio de Janeiro is possibly the result of the implementation, in the 1990s, of an environmental management program in the Rio de Janeiro region. Environmental planning that includes rational use of water resources and methods to prevent their destruction is crucial to sustaining society.

Modelagem matemática para avaliação dos efeitos de despejos orgânicos nas condições sanitárias de águas ambientais

This article provides an overview of emerging trends in environmental approaches to wastewater management in the developing world. Organic matter present in wastewater is one of the main sources of water pollution. In large amounts it can increase the number of microorganisms and thus the excessive consumption of dissolved oxygen in the metabolic processes of its utilization and stabilization, leading to the disappearance and extinction of aerobic organisms, favoring the appearance of other life forms in anaerobic conditions, often producing toxic residues. The main focus of this article is to analyze the presence of organic matter in urban sewage using a water quality model whose main parameters are dissolved oxygen and biochemical oxygen demand. Wastewater management methodologies can contribute to public health, sanitation, and improved conservation of water resources.

Esquistossomose mansônica no Estado do Maranhão, Brasil, 1997-2003

The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of schistosomiasis mansoni in Maranhao State, Brazil, from 1997 to 2003, based on data from the regional health offices included in the Schistosomiasis Control Program. The statistical method was polynomial regression. The municipalities (counties) of Bacabal and Sao Luis showed a constantly downward trend throughout the time series. Colinas showed an increase in prevalence until 2002, followed by a downward trend. Imperatriz witnessed a constant upward trend. Socioeconomic factors are highly significant for schistosomiasis prevalence in Maranhao, which helps explain the results. The recording of data for the regional health offices is believed to have been affected by changes resulting from decentralization of the Schistosomiasis Control Program. The studys results highlight issues that extend beyond analysis of the pattern of occurrence of schistosomiasis mansoni cases in the State of Maranhao, particularly demonstrating the need for improvements in the populations living conditions.

Uso de agrotóxicos em assentamentos de reforma agrária no Município de Russas (Ceará, Brasil): um estudo de caso

Summary Objective: to analyze the use of pesticides in agrarian reform settlements. Methodology: a descriptive cross-sectional study of characterization of the use of pesticides, and register of self-referred signs and symptoms related to exposure to these products, through interviews with agricultural workers. Results: predominance of mixed temporary farming was observed, with cultivation of beans and corn; the utilization of six pesticides was related, usually in the rainy season and during the planting of temporary crops; almost all users bought the products at an agricultural store or at the settlements’ cooperatives; disposal of empty containers was considered as inappropriate; seven farmers reported poisoning, with vertigo / dizziness, general malaise and skin allergy / itching. Conclusion: the study findings highlight the need for reassessment of public policies for the settlements, emphasizing the fragility of the technical monitoring and surveillance and, in addition, the non-compliance with the legislation that controls pesticides sales.