Methods for Concentrating and Detecting Parasites in Drinking Water

Concentración y detección de parásitos en agua potable

Abstract

Objective: The presence of parasites in drinking water poses a critical challenge in disease prevention, underscoring the importance of rigorous water quality monitoring. To ensure the accurate identification of these parasites, standardized concentration methods are essential. Proficiency in applying these concentration and identification techniques is crucial for obtaining precise and reliable results.

Materials and Methods: A reference standard was developed, and various dilutions were prepared to evaluate the efficacy of different parasite concentration methods: spontaneous sedimentation and centrifugation. Statistical tests using SPSS version 22, specifically the Kruskal-Wallis test, were employed to assess the efficiency of the parasite concentration methods and detect significant differences in the number of parasites recovered.

Results: A significant difference was found between the two methods. The results indicated that centrifugation, in general, allowed for the recovery of a higher number of parasites compared to the sedimentation method.

Conclusions: This difference highlights the importance of selecting the appropriate method for parasite concentration, as it can directly impact the accuracy of identification and, ultimately, the safety of drinking water. Choosing the most effective concentration method not only improves parasite detection but also significantly contributes to public health protection.