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[Bacteriological quality of groundwaters in cemeteries]
M T Martins1, V H Pellizari, A Pacheco
1Departamento de Microbiologia, Universidade de São Paulo, Brasil.
Revista De Saude Publica
|February 1, 1991
Summary
Groundwater in Brazilian cemeteries is unsanitary, with high nitrate levels. Fecal streptococci and sulfite reducer clostridia may be better indicators of contamination than fecal coliforms.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Microbiology
- Hydrogeology
Context:
- Groundwater contamination in cemeteries poses a public health risk.
- Geological and hydrogeological factors influence water quality in burial sites.
Purpose:
- To assess the hygienic and sanitary conditions of groundwater in Brazilian cemeteries.
- To evaluate the suitability of different microbial indicators for detecting fecal contamination.
Summary:
- Groundwater from three cemeteries in Brazil showed inadequate sanitary and hygienic conditions.
- High nitrate levels were detected, and fecal streptococci and sulfite reducer clostridia were more prevalent than fecal coliforms.
- A correlation between poor water quality and local geological conditions was observed.
Impact:
- Findings suggest that geological and hydrogeological factors must be considered during cemetery construction.
- Recommends fecal streptococci and sulfite reducer clostridia as potentially more effective indicators for cemetery groundwater quality assessment.