Determination of metals in water drink samples from different stages of treatment in water treatment plants in the Metropolitan Region of Recife-PE, Brazil.

Abstract

The water supplied to the population must meet the quality criteria established by national and international standards. To achieve these standards, the water of the fountains is subjected generally to treatment processes for contaminant removal. Among these contaminants have metals that once incorporated into bodies can configure a health risk population. Considering this aspect were analysed water samples from water Treatment Station in the metropolitan area of Recife-PE, in order to observe the concentration of metals present and evaluate the efficiency of the removal process. The metals were determined by Atomic Absorption Spectrometry means of flame. The results obtained in water intended for consumption showed values within the limit set by ordinance 2914 of the ministry of health of Brazil, with the exception of Al and Fe concentrations in Water Treatment Station situated in sedimentary basin Pernambuco/Paraiba. In this Station were also found in the water unfit to discharge concentrations of Fe and Al, as established in Resolution CONAMA for effluent discharge. Evaluation of removal efficiency demonstrated that the ETA of the sedimentary basin Pernambuco/Paraiba, the stage flocculation showed deficiencies that possibly caused the inadequacies of the system. Thus, it becomes a review of relevant factors that might affect the process of treating water in order to avoid damaging the quality of the water supplied to the population. Moreover, it is relevant to an assessment of the disposal of discharge water from the decanter until its disposal in order to avoid disturbing the ecosystem.