MICROBIOLOGICAL QUALITY OF WATER AND BATHING SUITABILITY: A STUDY IN DRAINAGE CHANNELS OF SANTOS (SP)

Abstract

Between the 19th and 20th centuries, Santos faced epidemics due to poor sanitation. To control flooding and the flow of rainwater and seawater, Saturnino de Brito designed a system of canals with floodgates in 1906. Currently, intense tourism increases the risk of beach contamination, as opening the floodgates can release polluted water into the sea. The present study analyzed water samples from channels 3 and 4 and the sea between them, using sterilized bottles. E. coli and Enterococci were identified by membrane filtration, sequential dilutions, and incubation in selective media. The data showed temperature and pH within CONAMA limits, but low dissolved oxygen (DO). The canals had a higher presence of bacteria, especially C3, while the sea had lower concentrations, indicating dilution of contamination