Cryptosporidium spp. and Giardia spp. removal by bank filtration at Beberibe River,Brazil

In bank filtration (BF) technology, a production well is pumped near surface water and induces water flow from the river through a porous medium to the well by percolation into the soil. Several physical, chemical, and biological processes occur, providing a natural water treatment along the river banks. An experimental area was installed on the Beberibe River with 2 production wells and 7 monitoring wells. The BF potential in removing pathogenic intestinal parasites and analysis of physical–chemical and bacteriological parameters was evaluated, according to Standard Methods. River–aquifer interaction was characterized by piezometric levels of production wells. Monitoring of the wells was correlated with the water depth of the river and precipitation. Parasite analysis was performed using Hoffman, Pons, and Janer's methods of spontaneous sedimentation, followed by centrifugation and preparation of slides stained with acetic Lugol. Protozoa oocysts were isolated by a modified Ziehl‐Neelsen method, preceded by sedimentation and centrifugation. The pathogenic protozoa found in samples from Beberibe River were Cryptosporidium spp., Giardia spp., Entamoeba histolytica/dispar complex, and Isospora belli. Pathogenic helminths were also detected: Ascaris lumbricoides, Strongyloides stercoralis, and hookworm eggs and larvae, Hymenolepis nana. In water samples from the production wells, no waterborne pathogens were found. The BF pilot project was effective in reducing levels of turbidity and color. Total coliforms and Escherichia coli were absent in the production wells. Piezometric levels of production wells and monitoring wells correlated with water depth of Beberibe River show hydraulic connection between the production wells and river, thus featuring a river–aquifer interaction. The BF pilot system showed potential for reduction or elimination of pathogenic intestinal parasites.