Estudio microbiológico de las aguas embotelladas que se expenden en la ciudad de Riobamba.

Abstract

The objective of the present research work was the evaluation of the microbiological quality of 10 brands of bottled water sold in Riobamba city, Chimborazo province; in concordance with the Regulation NTE INEN 2200:2008.10 commercial brands of bottled water were chosen at random, those were gotten in some of the most important markets in the city, during the period from April 22 to June 3, 2016.The microbiological study was done through the Most Probable Number (MPN) and 3M Petrifilm methods; the analyzed parameters were: total coliforms, fecal coliforms and aerobic mesophilic .The results showed that the 30% of the analyzed brands had aerobic mesophilic, but it is necessary to emphasize that the amount if those bacteria do not exceed the set parameters in the INEN Regulation. Regarding the total and fecal coliforms, it was showed that the 100% of the analyzed brands fulfill the set parameters; the MPN Techniques as well as the 3M Techniques showed the results of 0 CFU/mL and 0 MNP/mL for the 10 brands of bottled water. Meanwhile, for the aerobic mesophilic analyzed through the 3 M Petrifilm Technique it was showed the increase in the T1 water of (2CUF/mL), T3 (60CFU/mL), y T10 (13CFU/mL), being the maximum value 1,0X 102 CFU/mL. The study indicated that the 10 analyzed brands of bottled water fulfil with the sanitary specifications regarding fecal and total coliforms, but the aerobic mesophilic may be prejudicial for human health even though they do not exceed the stablished limits. It is recommended a continuous sanitary evaluation, inspection and monitoring from the regulatory agencies as the “Departamento de Agencia Nacional de Regualción, Control y Vigilancia (ARCSA)” which responsibility is to provide the health registration and to evaluate after to verify if the quality parameters required according to the products are being fulfilled.