title: Behavior of metals, pathogen parasites, and indicator bacteria in sewage effluents during biological treatment by activated sludge.
abstract: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the behavior of metals, pathogen parasites, and indicator bacteria in sewage effluents during biological treatment by activated sludge in a wastewater treatment plant in Ribeirão Preto (WTP-RP), Sao Paulo, Brazil. The evaluation was done during a period of 1 year. Results showed that metal concentrations in treated effluents decreased, reaching concentrations according to those established by national regulations. The activated sludge process at the WTP-RP promoted a partial removal of parasites considered as possible indicators according to the WHO guidelines. Reduction factors varied between 18.2% and 100% for agents such as Endolimax nana, Entamoeba coli, Entamoeba hystolitica, Giardia sp., Ancylostoma sp., Ascaris sp., Fasciola hepatica, and Strongyloides stercoralis. A removal was also observed in total and fecal coliforms quantification. The present study represents an initial evaluation of the chemical and microbiological removal capacity of the WTP-RP. The results should be of interest for the authorities responsible for the environmental health at municipal, regional, national, and international levels.
authors.affiliation: Laboratory of Ecotoxicology and Environmental Parasitology, Maternal Infant Nursing and Public Health Department, Ribeirão Preto College of Nursing, University of Sao Paulo, Av. Bandeirantes 3900, 14040-902, Ribeirão Preto, Sao Paulo, Brazil.
authors.forename: K A A
authors.initials: KA
authors.lastname: Tonani
authors.forename: F C
authors.initials: FC
authors.lastname: Julião
authors.forename: T M B
authors.initials: TM
authors.lastname: Trevilato
authors.forename: A M M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Takayanagui
authors.forename: Ana
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Bocio
authors.forename: Jose L
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Domingo
authors.forename: Susana I
authors.initials: SI
authors.lastname: Segura-Muñoz
mesh_terms: D001419:Bacteria / Q000378:metabolism*; D001673:Biodegradation, Environmental; D008670:Metals / Q000378:metabolism*; D012722:Sewage / Q000382:microbiology*
chemical_list: D008670:Metals; D012722:Sewage