A escassez de água é um problema vigente em todo o mundo, sendo o reaproveitamento de águas residuárias uma importante temática no que se refere a preservação dos corpos hídricos e utilização consciente dos recursos disponíveis. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a viabilidade do uso da água residuária tratada da Estação de Tratamento de Esgoto de Ribeirão Preto (ETE-RP) no cultivo de hortaliças, através da caracterização e quantificação de parasitas, coliformes e metais pesados. Foram preparados 3 viveiros de iguais características, em espaço cedido pela ETE-RP, sendo o primeiro irrigado com efluente tratado/clorado à 0,2 mg/L, o segundo com efluente tratado e o terceiro com água potável, constituindo o grupo controle. As análises parasitológicas e bacteriológicas foram realizadas no Laboratório de Saúde Ambiental da Escola de Enfermagem de Ribeirão Preto, sendo utilizado o Método de Sedimentação Espontânea para detecção de parasitas e o Teste P/A (Presença ou Ausência) para investigação de bactérias do grupo coliforme. A leitura de parasitas foi realizada em Câmara de Sedgwick-Rafter e a quantificação de coliformes pela Técnica dos Tubos Múltiplos. As análises de Cd, Cu, Cr, Pb e Zn, foram realizadas por Espectroscopia com Plasma Induzido (ICP) no Instituto de Química de São Carlos da Universidade de São Paulo. A dosagem de Hg foi realizada por Espectrofotometria de Absorção Atômica com Geração de Hidreto no Laboratório de Pediatria-Setor de Metais do HCFMRP/USP. Verificou-se nas águas de irrigação, com exceção da água potável, a presença de Hymenolepis nana, Enterobius vermicularis, Larva de nematóide, Ascaris lumbricóides, Schistossoma mansoni e Entamoeba coli, os valores encontrados superam os limites estabelecidos pela WHO de < 1 nematóide/L. Os resultados de coliformes fecais da água potável e do efluente tratado/clorado mostram-se dentro dos limites estabelecidos pela Portaria CVS n.21 de 19 de dez. de 1991. Nas amostras de alface verificou-se a presença de Hymenolepis nana, Enterobius vermicularis, Larva de nematóide e Entamoeba coli, sendo que a contagem de coliformes nas hortaliças não apresentou diferença estatisticamente significante entre os três tipos de irrigação. Os níveis de metais pesados do solo de cultivo das hortaliças, bem como das águas de irrigação encontram-se dentro dos limites máximos permitidos pela CETESB (2001) e EPA (2004), respectivamente. A concentração de metais pesados nas hortaliças encontra-se abaixo dos limites máximos permitidos pela WHO (1989). / Water shortage is a worldwide problem, and the use of residuary water is an important theme regarding the preservation of water bodies and conscious use of the resources available. This study aimed to evaluate the viability of using treated residuary water from the Biological Wastewater Treatment Plant of Ribeirão Preto (ETE-RP) to grow vegetables, through the characterization and quantification of parasites, coliforms and heavy metals. Three equal cultivation areas were prepared in a space given by ETE-RP, the first was irrigated with treated/chlorinated (0.2 mg/L) wastewater, the second with treated wastewater and the third with potable water, which was the control group. Parasitological and bacteriological analyses were carried out in the Environmental Health Laboratory in the University of Sao Paulo at Ribeirao Preto College of Nursing. The Spontaneous Sedimentation Method was used to identify parasites and the P/A Test (Presence or Absence) to investigate bacteria of the coliform group. Parasite count was done in Sedgwick-Rafter Chamber and coliform quantification by the Multiple Tubes Technique. Cd, Cu, Cr, Pb and Zn analyses were carried out by Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) at the Institute of Chemistry of São Carlos in the University of Sao Paulo. Hg dosage was done by Hydride Generation Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry at the Pediatrics Laboratory, in the Metals Unit at Hospital das Clínicas, University of Sao Paulo at Ribeirao Preto Medical School (HCFMRP/USP). The presence of Hymenolepis nana, Enterobius vermicularis, Nematode larvae, Ascaris lumbricóides, Schistosoma mansoni and Entamoeba coli was verified in irrigation waters, with except of potable water. Values found are higher than the limits established by the WHO, which are <1 nematode/L. Results of fecal coliforms in potable water and treated/chlorinated wastewater are within the limits established by CVS (Sanitary Vigilance Center) Decree n.21 from December 19 1991. The presence of thHymenolepis nana, Enterobius vermicularis, Nematode larvae and Entamoeba coli was verified in lettuce samples. Coliform count on vegetables did not show statistically significant difference among the three irrigation types. Levels of heavy metals in vegetable growing soil and in irrigation waters are within the maximum limits allowed by CETESB (2001) and the parameters recommended by EPA (2004), respectively. Concentration of heavy metals in vegetables does not represent significant risks to human health, according with recommended parameters by WHO (1989).

Várias regiões do planeta sofrem com escassez natural de água potável, o aumento da população e a contaminação ambiental desse recurso têm agravado esse quadro. Nesse contexto, práticas de reuso de água na agricultura vêm sendo difundidas em diversos países. O objetivo deste trabalho foi comparar a qualidade parasitológica e toxicológica entre hortaliças cultivadas com água de reuso e hortaliças comercializadas em feiras livres do município de Ribeirão Preto - SP. Para tanto, foram coletadas 20 amostras de alface (Lactuca sativa) e 20 de rúcula (Eruca sativa) nas feiras livres do município e na horta experimental construída na Estação de Tratamento de Esgotos de Ribeirão Preto, onde as hortaliças foram irrigadas com efluente tratado e clorado a 0,1 mgL-1. No total foram coletadas 80 amostras. Para análise parasitológica foram utilizadas a Técnica de Sedimentação Espontânea e a Técnica de Separação Imunomagnética com utilização de Microscopia de Imunofluorescência e Contraste de Fase (método 1623 USEPA), para análise de Cryptosporidium spp. e Giardia spp. A leitura das concentrações de metais foi realizada por Espectrometria de Massa com Plasma Indutivamente Acoplado (ICP-MS). Os resultados obtidos evidenciaram que tanto as verduras coletadas nas feiras livres quanto as produzidas na horta experimental apresentaram positividade para contaminação parasitológica, especialmente helmintos. Especificamente para Cryptosporidium spp. e Giardia spp., o método 1623 mostrou que houve contaminação por Giardia spp. apenas nas hortaliças procedentes da horta experimental, com densidades que variaram de 6 a 15 cistos/50g. e por Cryptosporidium spp., com densidade de 3 oocistos/50g. As análises de metais mostraram que houve diferença significante dos metais Cd, Pb, Mn e Fe, em alface e rúcula, sendo as concentrações maiores nas amostras procedentes da horta experimental. O Pb apresentou concentrações máximas próximas ou superiores ao Limite Máximo de Tolerância, segundo o Decreto 55871/1965, nos dois grupos de hortaliças analisados. Concluiu-se que a cloração do efluente tratado a uma concentração de 0,1 mgL-1 não elimina os agentes patogênicos persistentes ao tratamento convencional. Para viabilizar a utilização de águas residuárias tratadas na cultura de hortaliças é necessário buscar uma forma de tratamento complementar que elimine microrganismos patogênicos presentes no efluente. Evidenciou-se também, a necessidade de monitoramento constante das concentrações de metais no efluente e na hortaliça produzida considerando as variações temporais que caracterizam o esgoto urbano, pois esses elementos podem ser transferidos para a cadeia alimentar. Torna-se evidente a necessidade de continuar buscando usos alternativos ao reuso da água, visando contornar os problemas já existentes de escassez de água garantindo a preservação de fontes de água no futuro. / Several regions of the planet suffer from a shortage of natural drinking water. However, population growth and environmental pollution have aggravated this situation. In that context, a practice to use wastewater in the agriculture has been extend in several countries. The aim of this study was to compare the parasitological and toxicological quality of vegetables grown with recycled water and vegetables sold in street markets in the city of Ribeirão Preto - SP. To this end, we collected 20 samples of lettuce (Lactuca sativa) and 20 of rocket salad (Eruca sativa) in a streets markets and experimental garden built in the Sewage Treatment Station of Ribeirão Preto, where the vegetables were irrigated with treated and chlorinated effluent to 0,1 mgL-1. In total, were collected 80 samples. For parasitological analysis we used the Spontaneous Sedimentations Technique and the Technique of Immunomagnetic Separation with use of Immunofluorescence Microscopy and Phase Contrast (USEPA, Method 1623) for analysis of Cryptosporidium spp. and Giardia spp. Metals concentration was detected by Inductively Coupled Plasma with Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS). The results showed that vegetables collected in free markets and those produced in the experimental garden were positive for parasitological contamination, especially helminths. Specifically for Cryptosporidium spp. and Giardia spp., the Method 1623 showed that there was contamination by Giardia spp. only in the experimental garden vegetables, with densities ranging from 6 to 15 cists/50g. and Cryptosporidium spp. with a density of 3 oocists/50g. Analyses of metals showed a significant difference of the metals Cd, Pb, Mn and Fe in lettuce and rocket salad, with higher concentrations in samples from experimental garden. The results showed Pb concentration near or above the Maximum Tolerance Limit, according to Federal Decree 55871/1965, in both vegetable groups analyzed. We concluded that the chlorination to 0,1 mgL-1 of the treated effluent do not eliminated the persistent pathogens of conventional treatment. To enable the use of treated wastewater in the culture of vegetables is necessary to search a form of complementary treatment to eliminate pathogenic microorganisms present in the effluent. It also showed the need for constant monitoring of metal concentrations in the effluent and vegetables produced considering temporal variations that characterize the urban sewage, since these elements can be transferred to the food chain. This study highlights the need to continue seeking for alternative uses for recycled water, in order to correct existing problems of water scarcity and ensuring the preservations of water sources in the future.

Várias regiões do planeta sofrem com escassez natural de água potável, o aumento da população e a contaminação ambiental desse recurso têm agravado esse quadro. Nesse contexto, práticas de reuso de água na agricultura vêm sendo difundidas em diversos países. O objetivo deste trabalho foi comparar a qualidade parasitológica e toxicológica entre hortaliças cultivadas com água de reuso e hortaliças comercializadas em feiras livres do município de Ribeirão Preto - SP. Para tanto, foram coletadas 20 amostras de alface (Lactuca sativa) e 20 de rúcula (Eruca sativa) nas feiras livres do município e na horta experimental construída na Estação de Tratamento de Esgotos de Ribeirão Preto, onde as hortaliças foram irrigadas com efluente tratado e clorado a 0,1 mgL-1. No total foram coletadas 80 amostras. Para análise parasitológica foram utilizadas a Técnica de Sedimentação Espontânea e a Técnica de Separação Imunomagnética com utilização de Microscopia de Imunofluorescência e Contraste de Fase (método 1623 USEPA), para análise de Cryptosporidium spp. e Giardia spp. A leitura das concentrações de metais foi realizada por Espectrometria de Massa com Plasma Indutivamente Acoplado (ICP-MS). Os resultados obtidos evidenciaram que tanto as verduras coletadas nas feiras livres quanto as produzidas na horta experimental apresentaram positividade para contaminação parasitológica, especialmente helmintos. Especificamente para Cryptosporidium spp. e Giardia spp., o método 1623 mostrou que houve contaminação por Giardia spp. apenas nas hortaliças procedentes da horta experimental, com densidades que variaram de 6 a 15 cistos/50g. e por Cryptosporidium spp., com densidade de 3 oocistos/50g. As análises de metais mostraram que houve diferença significante dos metais Cd, Pb, Mn e Fe, em alface e rúcula, sendo as concentrações maiores nas amostras procedentes da horta experimental. O Pb apresentou concentrações máximas próximas ou superiores ao Limite Máximo de Tolerância, segundo o Decreto 55871/1965, nos dois grupos de hortaliças analisados. Concluiu-se que a cloração do efluente tratado a uma concentração de 0,1 mgL-1 não elimina os agentes patogênicos persistentes ao tratamento convencional. Para viabilizar a utilização de águas residuárias tratadas na cultura de hortaliças é necessário buscar uma forma de tratamento complementar que elimine microrganismos patogênicos presentes no efluente. Evidenciou-se também, a necessidade de monitoramento constante das concentrações de metais no efluente e na hortaliça produzida considerando as variações temporais que caracterizam o esgoto urbano, pois esses elementos podem ser transferidos para a cadeia alimentar. Torna-se evidente a necessidade de continuar buscando usos alternativos ao reuso da água, visando contornar os problemas já existentes de escassez de água garantindo a preservação de fontes de água no futuro. / Several regions of the planet suffer from a shortage of natural drinking water. However, population growth and environmental pollution have aggravated this situation. In that context, a practice to use wastewater in the agriculture has been extend in several countries. The aim of this study was to compare the parasitological and toxicological quality of vegetables grown with recycled water and vegetables sold in street markets in the city of Ribeirão Preto - SP. To this end, we collected 20 samples of lettuce (Lactuca sativa) and 20 of rocket salad (Eruca sativa) in a streets markets and experimental garden built in the Sewage Treatment Station of Ribeirão Preto, where the vegetables were irrigated with treated and chlorinated effluent to 0,1 mgL-1. In total, were collected 80 samples. For parasitological analysis we used the Spontaneous Sedimentations Technique and the Technique of Immunomagnetic Separation with use of Immunofluorescence Microscopy and Phase Contrast (USEPA, Method 1623) for analysis of Cryptosporidium spp. and Giardia spp. Metals concentration was detected by Inductively Coupled Plasma with Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS). The results showed that vegetables collected in free markets and those produced in the experimental garden were positive for parasitological contamination, especially helminths. Specifically for Cryptosporidium spp. and Giardia spp., the Method 1623 showed that there was contamination by Giardia spp. only in the experimental garden vegetables, with densities ranging from 6 to 15 cists/50g. and Cryptosporidium spp. with a density of 3 oocists/50g. Analyses of metals showed a significant difference of the metals Cd, Pb, Mn and Fe in lettuce and rocket salad, with higher concentrations in samples from experimental garden. The results showed Pb concentration near or above the Maximum Tolerance Limit, according to Federal Decree 55871/1965, in both vegetable groups analyzed. We concluded that the chlorination to 0,1 mgL-1 of the treated effluent do not eliminated the persistent pathogens of conventional treatment. To enable the use of treated wastewater in the culture of vegetables is necessary to search a form of complementary treatment to eliminate pathogenic microorganisms present in the effluent. It also showed the need for constant monitoring of metal concentrations in the effluent and vegetables produced considering temporal variations that characterize the urban sewage, since these elements can be transferred to the food chain. This study highlights the need to continue seeking for alternative uses for recycled water, in order to correct existing problems of water scarcity and ensuring the preservations of water sources in the future.

As populations grow and urban centres expand, meeting water demand and wastewater management requirements will become increasingly difficult. Goal 6 of the Sustainable Development Goals is to: 'Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all'. Part of the approach to achieving this will be reusing wastewater and will require a greater understanding of the institutional arrangements that support or obstruct reuse. This research was designed to achieve this and aimed to develop a set of factors that investors could use to assess the institutional feasibility of reuse in a given setting. The methodology combined a case study approach, focusing on wastewater systems in Bangalore, India and Hanoi, Vietnam, with triangle analysis to assess: the content of policies and laws; the structures (formal and informal) to implement laws and reuse projects; and the culture around acceptance and engagement in reuse. The reuse practices observed in Bangalore were treatment and use within apartments, centralized treatment and sale to industries, use in agriculture after natural attenuation, groundwater recharge and lake regeneration. In Hanoi the only reuse was indirect use from rivers feeding fish ponds and fields, although formal treatment and use is planned. Critically, both cities have environmental and water resources policies and laws that advocate reuse, as well as related local legislation. However, support for reuse is not reciprocated in industrial, agricultural or fisheries law, the result being that reuse does not always take place as planned. Legislation is required along the whole sanitation chain to the point of wastewater use. Structures to implement reuse are also vital. In Bangalore the water board has initiated reuse projects and established the New Initiatives Division but resources are a limiting factor. Effective institutions include expertise, manpower and financing mechanisms, which are lacking in both cities. The environment agency is also engaged in reuse though legislation on recycling in residential and commercial complexes but guidance for users is inadequate, expectations are perceived to be excessive and monitoring is almost impossible. The driver for reuse is increasingly the benefits observed by users. In the case of apartments this is a reliable water source and reduced costs of water supply. As a result, a private sector in wastewater treatment is becoming established. The active civil society and strong, independent media are instrumental in providing information to potential users and holding authorities to account in Bangalore. Their absence in Hanoi is notable. In summary, institutional elements to be considered are: supportive legislation across all sectors; details of acceptable reuse, deterrents and inducements; budget allocation; structures to enable reuse; strong civil society, NGOs, courts, media and universities providing evidence of suitability and safety; donors and finance mechanisms; and stakeholders willing to use the products. Encumbrances are inconsistent or uncoordinated legislation, lack of cooperation and insufficient benefit sharing or perceptions of benefits along the reuse chain.

A escassez de água é um problema vigente em todo o mundo, sendo o reaproveitamento de águas residuárias uma importante temática no que se refere a preservação dos corpos hídricos e utilização consciente dos recursos disponíveis. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a viabilidade do uso da água residuária tratada da Estação de Tratamento de Esgoto de Ribeirão Preto (ETE-RP) no cultivo de hortaliças, através da caracterização e quantificação de parasitas, coliformes e metais pesados. Foram preparados 3 viveiros de iguais características, em espaço cedido pela ETE-RP, sendo o primeiro irrigado com efluente tratado/clorado à 0,2 mg/L, o segundo com efluente tratado e o terceiro com água potável, constituindo o grupo controle. As análises parasitológicas e bacteriológicas foram realizadas no Laboratório de Saúde Ambiental da Escola de Enfermagem de Ribeirão Preto, sendo utilizado o Método de Sedimentação Espontânea para detecção de parasitas e o Teste P/A (Presença ou Ausência) para investigação de bactérias do grupo coliforme. A leitura de parasitas foi realizada em Câmara de Sedgwick-Rafter e a quantificação de coliformes pela Técnica dos Tubos Múltiplos. As análises de Cd, Cu, Cr, Pb e Zn, foram realizadas por Espectroscopia com Plasma Induzido (ICP) no Instituto de Química de São Carlos da Universidade de São Paulo. A dosagem de Hg foi realizada por Espectrofotometria de Absorção Atômica com Geração de Hidreto no Laboratório de Pediatria-Setor de Metais do HCFMRP/USP. Verificou-se nas águas de irrigação, com exceção da água potável, a presença de Hymenolepis nana, Enterobius vermicularis, Larva de nematóide, Ascaris lumbricóides, Schistossoma mansoni e Entamoeba coli, os valores encontrados superam os limites estabelecidos pela WHO de < 1 nematóide/L. Os resultados de coliformes fecais da água potável e do efluente tratado/clorado mostram-se dentro dos limites estabelecidos pela Portaria CVS n.21 de 19 de dez. de 1991. Nas amostras de alface verificou-se a presença de Hymenolepis nana, Enterobius vermicularis, Larva de nematóide e Entamoeba coli, sendo que a contagem de coliformes nas hortaliças não apresentou diferença estatisticamente significante entre os três tipos de irrigação. Os níveis de metais pesados do solo de cultivo das hortaliças, bem como das águas de irrigação encontram-se dentro dos limites máximos permitidos pela CETESB (2001) e EPA (2004), respectivamente. A concentração de metais pesados nas hortaliças encontra-se abaixo dos limites máximos permitidos pela WHO (1989). / Water shortage is a worldwide problem, and the use of residuary water is an important theme regarding the preservation of water bodies and conscious use of the resources available. This study aimed to evaluate the viability of using treated residuary water from the Biological Wastewater Treatment Plant of Ribeirão Preto (ETE-RP) to grow vegetables, through the characterization and quantification of parasites, coliforms and heavy metals. Three equal cultivation areas were prepared in a space given by ETE-RP, the first was irrigated with treated/chlorinated (0.2 mg/L) wastewater, the second with treated wastewater and the third with potable water, which was the control group. Parasitological and bacteriological analyses were carried out in the Environmental Health Laboratory in the University of Sao Paulo at Ribeirao Preto College of Nursing. The Spontaneous Sedimentation Method was used to identify parasites and the P/A Test (Presence or Absence) to investigate bacteria of the coliform group. Parasite count was done in Sedgwick-Rafter Chamber and coliform quantification by the Multiple Tubes Technique. Cd, Cu, Cr, Pb and Zn analyses were carried out by Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) at the Institute of Chemistry of São Carlos in the University of Sao Paulo. Hg dosage was done by Hydride Generation Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry at the Pediatrics Laboratory, in the Metals Unit at Hospital das Clínicas, University of Sao Paulo at Ribeirao Preto Medical School (HCFMRP/USP). The presence of Hymenolepis nana, Enterobius vermicularis, Nematode larvae, Ascaris lumbricóides, Schistosoma mansoni and Entamoeba coli was verified in irrigation waters, with except of potable water. Values found are higher than the limits established by the WHO, which are <1 nematode/L. Results of fecal coliforms in potable water and treated/chlorinated wastewater are within the limits established by CVS (Sanitary Vigilance Center) Decree n.21 from December 19 1991. The presence of thHymenolepis nana, Enterobius vermicularis, Nematode larvae and Entamoeba coli was verified in lettuce samples. Coliform count on vegetables did not show statistically significant difference among the three irrigation types. Levels of heavy metals in vegetable growing soil and in irrigation waters are within the maximum limits allowed by CETESB (2001) and the parameters recommended by EPA (2004), respectively. Concentration of heavy metals in vegetables does not represent significant risks to human health, according with recommended parameters by WHO (1989).