Quality evaluation of the water used for irrigation in the Córrego Sujo basin, Teresópolis, RJ

Abstract This study aimed to evaluate the physical, chemical and microbiological quality of the water used for vegetables irrigation in the Córrego Sujo basin, Teresopolis-RJ; an important agricultural pole that supplies the metropolitan region of Rio de Janeiro. Analysis of fecal coliforms, total heterotrophic bacteria and physicochemical parameters were held in eight different points of the river channels in this basin. According to the CONAMA Resolution 357/2005, physicochemical parameters results, except for dissolved oxygen, in two stations (6 and 7) showed proper values for irrigation of raw consumed vegetables and low vegetation like those cultivated in the region. However, according to the same resolution, only one station (4) presented water with proper microbiological quality for the same purpose. Our results indicate the need for greater quality control of the water used for irrigation in this region as vegetables irrigation with contaminated water can transmit several diseases.