Qualidade de amostras de água em ambiente universitário : análise físico-química, microbiológica e condições de conservação

Abstract

Drinking water is essential to human health, but it is constantly exposed to various contamination risks. In collective and public environments, such as universities, its consumption from drinking fountains requires greater attention to ensure adequate quality and guarantee the water safety of consumers. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate the quality of water samples consumed from public drinking fountains located in areas with high pedestrian traffic at the Federal University of Sergipe, São Cristóvão campus. The study was conducted at 14 collection points (13 drinking fountains and the institution's main water reservoir), following standardized sampling, preservation, and analysis protocols. The physicochemical parameters analyzed included apparent color, turbidity, pH, free residual chlorine, and temperature, while the microbiological parameters included total coliforms, Escherichia coli, and heterotrophic bacteria. In addition, a customized visual inspection checklist was used to assess structural conformity, conservation, and hygiene of the drinking fountains. The methodology of this investigation followed a descriptive and exploratory procedure carried out in August 2025. The results showed that some of the drinking fountains presented inadequacies regarding their structure, such as rust spots and unsealed internal reservoir lids, as well as trays with visible biofilms and encrustations. The physicochemical parameters, in general, met the current legislation (Ordinance GM/MS No. 888/2021), although the free residual chlorine mostly showed values below the minimum limit established by law. In terms of microbiology, total coliforms and E. coli were detected in 35.7% of the sampled points, highlighting potential risks of fecal contamination and waterborne diseases for consumers. The analysis of heterotrophic bacteria indicated significant growth in some drinking fountains (14.3%), evidencing conditions favorable to microbial proliferation. No significant pattern was identified that could influence this loss of quality. To provide a better understanding of the study, a weighted composite index was developed, giving greater weight to microbiological parameters (60%), followed by physicochemical (30%) and structural (10%) parameters. This allowed the drinking fountains to be ranked as follows: Pedestrian Entrance/Exit > Did. 4 – 1st floor > Did. 5 – Ground floor = Did. 5 – 1st floor = Did. 6 – Ground floor = Did. 6 – 1st floor > Resun – Ground floor 1 > Resun – Ground floor 2 > Did. 4 – Ground floor > Did. 3 – Ground floor = Bicen – 1st floor. Therefore, it is concluded that, although some samples met potability standards, inadequacies were found that could compromise water safety. Thus, the study reinforces the need for periodic maintenance, continuous monitoring, and preventive measures to ensure the quality of water consumed by the academic community.