Estudo da eficiência de inativação de patógenos presentes em um manancial urbano através da fotólise

Abstract

The presence of thermotolerant and total coliforms in waste water is one of the main analyzed in the distribution of treated water to a population. Due to this, the aim of the study was tested the efficiency of mercury vapor lamps in the inactivation of pathogens present in a sample of water collected in Arroio Clarimundo, in the city of Cerro Largo / RS. Radiation performance was measured with the Inverted Coliform Test for Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Total Coliforms (CT). The experiment was carried out in the Water Laboratory of the Federal University of Fronteira Sul (UFFS), Cerro Largo / RS campus, in a Suntest reactor using borosilicate tube. The result showed a 96% efficiency in inactivation of E. coli and 90% in CT inactivation over ten hours of reaction. Due to the high number of coliforms in the water, the efficiency of the reactor failed to leave the parameters within the stipulated by Portaria 2914/11 of the Health Ministry. However, photolysis proved to be an effective alternative for a disinfection of wasterwaters, as well as easily and economically viable operating technical. Still, it is a clean technology, which leaves no residue in the water treatment, on the other side of chlorination, the main method used to disinfect drinking water.