Análise microbiana e do teor de flúor adicionado à água de abastecimento em um estado do Nordeste do Brasil

Objective: To assess the levels of fluoride ions and microbiological standard present in the public water supply of cities that fluoridate their water in the state of Alagoas. Methods: Descriptive cross sectional study conducted in the period 2012-2014 to analyze all reports issued by the Public Health Central Laboratory of Alagoas (Laboratorio Central de Saude Publica de Alagoas - LACEN-AL) with the results of drinking-water analysis of the eleven cities in Alagoas that fluoridated their water – a total of 3,089 reports. We assessed the total number of samples sent for analysis of water quality, the number of samples for analysis of fluoride, levels and variation of fluoride ions, and the microbiological standard of fluoride samples. Data underwent descriptive analysis with absolute frequencies and percentages. Results: 429 (83.9%) of the samples collected were in the range 0.0-0.5 mgF/L, which is considered below the recommended levels, and there was a great variation in the concentration of fluoride ions; 128 (26.3%) fluoridated water samples were outside the potability standards. Conclusion: Data showed a great variation and a high percentage of samples with low concentrations of fluoride as well as the need to improve the quality of water provided in order to guarantee a continued access to drinking-water.