Abstract

The objective of this study was to carry out an alternative treatment of low-cost water using organic polymers, Moringa oleifera seed, Opuntia cochenillifera and Cereus jamacaru, associated with the technique of solar water disinfection. From July to November 2020, the samples were collected within the university campus of the Federal University of Recôncavo from Bahia. The count of total coliforms, Escherichia coli and aerobic mesophilic microorganisms were performed. The physicochemical analysis was also carried out (pH, color, turbidity, Dissolved Oxygen and temperature). Analyzes were performed at time 0 (before exposure to the sun) and time 1 (after exposure to the sun). The microbiological results were compared, based on the quality criteria established by the Consolidation Ordinance n. 5, of September 28, 2017 from the Ministry of Health. For the control of total coliforms, there was no significant interaction between the levels observed, in both treatments and times. In collection 1, the M. oleifera, after being exposed to the sun, proved to be more efficient in controlling mesophilic microorganisms. The C. jamacaru stood out with satisfactory performance in the two collections in the control of E. coli. In the physicochemical parameters, O. cochenillifera was the species that showed the best performance in decreasing the color and turbidity. We concluded that the polymers were efficient in the control of microbiological and physicochemical characteristics of the water, however, the levels reached were not sufficient to meet the quality parameters established by the current legislation. Therefore, further studies are recommended to improve the technique.

Key words: Natural coagulants, natural polymers, water quality, microbiology.