Microbiological quality of water and Perna perna (Linnaeus, 1758) mussels cultivated in Piúma, Espírito Santo, Brazil

ABSTRACT This study aimed to verify the microbiological quality of water and mussels cultivated by the Piúma Farmers Association (Associação dos Maricultores de Piúma — AMPI), Espírito Santo, Brazil. Seven samples of water and mussels were collected monthly from October 2016 to May 2017. The mussels were collected from the long lines of the AMPI, and in each month 40 mussels Perna perna and 100 mL of water were sampled from the site. The collected material was sent to the laboratory for duplicate microbiological analysis, Most Probable Number of Total (CT) and Thermotolerant (Ctt) coliforms, presence or absence of Salmonella sp and number of Staphylococcus aureus colony forming units. The results showed that the number of Ctt in the water samples in January was higher than that allowed by Resolution 357 of the National Environment Council (Conselho Nacional do Meio Ambiente — CONAMA). The levels of Ctt and Staphylococcus aureus in mussel meat were within the acceptable range by the Brazilian National Environment Council (Agência Nacional de Vigilância Sanitária — ANVISA) Resolution RDC No. 12. However, colonies with characteristics of Salmonella sp were found in December and March in the mussels, making it impossible to sell and consume. This period coincides with a high flow of tourists in the municipality. Finally, it is recommended to perform microbiological analyzes continuously, especially in the summer, where there are a lot of tourists in the city of Piúma, period that showed the presence of Salmonella in the meat of mussels and Ctt levels in water above the allowed current legislation.