South African laboratory verifies Maputo water quality: No toxic cyanobacteria – Mozambique

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South African laboratory verifies Maputo water quality: No toxic cyanobacteria – Mozambique

1:12 CAT | 03 Oct 2016

Noticias

A South African laboratory has verified that tap water in Boane, Maputo and Matola is safe and free from toxic cyanobacteria. The results directly contradict a report published in August which stated that Pequenos Lebombos reservoir water contained toxic cyanobacteria at levels 44 times higher than those recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO).

At the request of Waters of Maputo Region (AdeM), Rand Water, a South African institution, analyzed three samples: a raw resource, another after treatment in Umbeluzi and a third from the Maxaquene distribution centre in Maputo.

The results received last week and revealed by a researcher at Eduardo Mondlane University indicate that none of the three samples contained toxic cyanobacteria. Gracinda Macuácua, head of the Department of Water Quality Control in AdeM also explained that levels of other bacteria in the three samples were “well below the limit of 500 cells/ml applying to drinking water”.

A study based on 40 samples collected between October 2009 and June 2010 by Olivia Pedro, a researcher at the Biotechnology Centre of the University Eduardo Mondlane (CB-UEM), found high levels of toxic cyanobacteria associated with high pH levels. The research was presented at the Veterinary Congress held in July in Maputo.

Pedro said that the results of the study had been presented to AdeM, the company that supplies the cities of Maputo and Matola and Boane district with water.

Days later, the National Laboratory of Hygiene, Water and Food (LNHAA) denied there was any toxicity. Speaking to Noticias, LNHAA director Nivalda Bomba said that his institution, certified to internationally recognised standards, monitored the water it supplied regularly and that he was able to reassure consumers as to its quality.

AdeM nevertheless requested Rand Water to perform the tests, the results of which should reassure consumers and the general public of the quality of water distributed in Boane, Matola and Maputo.

Source: Noticias