Microbiological quality assessment of drinking water sources in Tonosí, Panama, using an advanced portable analytical technique
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.14295/bjs.v5i3.821Keywords:
microbiology, membrane filtration assembly, drinking water quality, PanamaAbstract
The microbiological assessment of water is crucial for public health. It is particularly significant in developing countries. This study assess the microbiological quality of water sources for human consumption in the District of Tonosí, Republic of Panama, using a portable advanced technique to detect fecal coliforms. Tonosí is a rural area, characterized by its tropical climate. Its main economic activities are agriculture and livestock. Eleven points were identified and sampled during the dry season of 2023. The Potatest 2 microbiological water quality laboratory was used to analyze the water samples. The procedure involved filtering water samples using a Membrane Filtration Unit (MFU), followed by incubation. Physicochemical parameters such as temperature, pH, residual chlorine, color, turbidity, and suspended solids were also measured. Fecal coliforms were found in most sampling points, exceeding acceptable limits according to the DGNTI-COPANIT Technical Regulation 21-2019 for drinking water in Panama. Parameters such as water temperature and pH were within regulatory standards, while some color and turbidity values slightly exceeded the limits, indicating the need for monitoring. Low residual chlorine levels suggested inadequate disinfection. The study emphasizes the importance of regular monitoring and inter-institutional collaboration for effective water quality management.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Natasha Alejandra Gómez-Zanetti, Dina Henríquez, Kathia Tamara Broce, Jorge Enrique Olmos Guevara, Yazmin Lisbeth Mack-Vergara
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