Assessment of drinking water quality in Asunción and Greater Asunción

physicochemical and microbiological analysis

Abstract

The main objective of this research was to analyze the water quality in Asunción and Greater Asunción. In order to raise awareness about the global water and sanitation crisis, an update talk and a series of simple experiments were carried out for the students of the Biochemistry subject in the Medicine program at the University of the Americas Integration (UNIDA). The students visited a water laboratory and brought water samples from their homes and from UNIDA and ISEPOL institutions. The materials and methods used were based on a laboratory study, with an experimental design that analyzed the causes and possible effects on the dependent variables. Groups of 10 students were organized for sample collection, each one led by a group delegate. The results showed the presence of total coliforms in a value of 328 CFU/100ml, while the allowed value should be 0 CFU/100ml according to the Paraguayan Drinking Water Standard. Additionally, according to the analysis of the results, water supply is ruled out because nitrate parameters are within the allowed value. The possible reasons for contamination could be through bacterial pathways such as surface water and animal waste, among others.