Concentração de íons ferro e manganês solúveis em amostras de água bruta para consumo humano do estado de Minas Gerais

Abstract

Water is a natural resource with high economic value, which is not always suitable for human consumption. Several chemical substances can be found in water, such as iron and manganese ions that, depending on their concentration, can cause damage to human health. Thus, the present study aimed to evaluate the concentrations of ions iron and manganese in samples of raw water in different municipalities in the State of Minas Gerais. For this, 422 water samples from 85 municipalities were analyzed, originating from different sources, such as wells, cisterns, mines and springs. For analysis, the concentration of iron and manganese was determined by spectrophotometry, using specific kits for each ion. Of the 422 water samples, 93 (22.0%) and 106 (25.1%) showed values above the maximum limit for iron and manganese, respectively, according to GM/MS Ordinance No. 888 of May 2021. Although they are considered unsuitable for human consumption, the treatment through the addition of chlorine followed by a filtration process, can be a viable alternative to reduce the concentration of iron and manganese in the water and contributing to the reduction of bacteria in the water.