Techniques for Cryptosporidium sp. detection in Wastewater Treatment Systems

  • Ivonne Arnedo Water Research Center, Faculty of Engineering. Research Unit in Environmental Microbiology, Faculty of Sciences, Universidad del Zulia. Maracaibo Venezuela.
  • Mariangela Bracho Water Research Center, Faculty of Engineering. Research Unit in Environmental Microbiology, Faculty of Sciences, Universidad del Zulia. Maracaibo Venezuela.
  • Odelis Díaz Suárez "Dr. Américo Negrette" Clinical Research Institute. Faculty of Medicine, University of Zulia. Maracaibo Venezuela.
  • Ligia Botero Water Research Center, Faculty of Engineering. Research Unit in Environmental Microbiology, Faculty of Sciences, Universidad del Zulia. Maracaibo Venezuela.
Keywords: Cryptosporidium sp., Kinyoun, immunofluorescence, wastewater

Abstract

This work evaluates the applicability of the Kinyoun and immunofluorescence techniques for periodic control of the parasitological quality of wastewater from the stabilization lagoon system “Wastewater Treatment Plant South” in the city of Maracaibo. Cryptosporidium sp. was detected in the 100% of the samples analyzed by both techniques. The concentration of Cryptosporidum sp. detected by the Kinyoun technique was: 4.9x105 oocysts/100L at the plant entrance, 1.2x105 oocysts/100L in the primary modules, 5.9x104 oocysts/100L in the facultative lagoon and 3.0x104 oocysts/100L in the final effluent, while those of C. parvum detected by inmunofluorescence were: 5.9x104 oocysts/100L, 7.7x104 oocysts/100L, 3.0x105 oocysts/100L and 3.0x104 oocysts/100L, respectively. A 100% correspondence of the results from samples analyzed by both techniques was observed. Given the advantages in ease of application, rapidity and costs offered by the Kinyoun technique, its routine application for evaluating Cryptosporidium sp. in wastewater samples is suggested. The presence of parasites in the final effluent was observed; therefore, from the parasitological viewpoint, it is not apt for irrigation purposes, without representing a risk to human health.

Published
2008-09-08
How to Cite
1.
Arnedo I, Bracho M, Díaz Suárez O, Botero L. Techniques for Cryptosporidium sp. detection in Wastewater Treatment Systems. Kasmera [Internet]. 2008Sep.8 [cited 2024Nov.7];36(2):120-8. Available from: https://mail.produccioncientificaluz.org/index.php/kasmera/article/view/4829
Section
Original Articles