ABSTRACT Mimosa caesalpiniifolia Benth is an arboreous species native to the Caatinga commonly utilized for restoration of degraded areas. One factor that can affect its development is water shortage. This denotes the importance of searching for alternatives for improving these plant's tolerance to water shortage, such as the use of water-absorbing polymers known as hydrogels. In this context, the objective of this study was to evaluate the production of M. caesalpiniifolia seedlings under different hydrogel rates and water regimes. The experiment was conducted at the Forest Nursery of the Federal University of Campina Grande, Patos, PB, Brazil. Seeds were sown in 2-liter pots made from halved polyethylene terephthalate bottles, containing a substrate consisted of soil and cattle manure (2:1 v v-1). A completely randomized design with four replications was used, in a 4×2 factorial arrangement consisted of four hydrogel rates in the substrate (0, 1, 2, and 3 g L-1) and two water regimes (daily irrigation and irrigation every 2 days). The following parameters were evaluated at the end of the experiment (75 days after sowing): number of leaves per plant, stem base diameter, plant height, root length, shoot and root dry weights, water relative content, chlorophyll content, gas exchanges, and Dickson quality index. Most of parameters presented no statistically significant difference; however, the hydrogel rate of 2 g L-1 resulted in increased production of M. caesalpiniifolia seedlings, whereas the absence of hydrogel resulted in longer roots, regardless of the water regime.

RESUMO Mimosa caesalpiniifolia Benth é uma espécie arbórea nativa da caatinga comumente utilizada em programas de recuperação de áreas degradadas. Um fator que pode afetar seu desenvolvimento é a falta de água. Assim, é fundamental buscar alternativas que aumentem a tolerâncias das plantas a falta d’água, desse modo uma dessas alternativas é o uso dos polímeros hidroabsorventes. Neste contexto, o objetivo foi avaliar doses do polímero hidrorretentor sob diferentes turnos de rega na produção de mudas de sabiá. O experimento foi conduzido no Viveiro Florestal da Universidade Federal de Campina Grande, campus de Patos. As sementes foram semeadas em garrafas PET (Polietileno Tereftalato) de 2 litros cortadas ao meio, contendo os substratos solo e esterco bovino, na proporção 2:1. Foi utilizado o delineamento inteiramente casualizado, em esquema fatorial 4 x 2, sendo 04 doses do hidrogel (0, 1g, 2g e 3g por litro de substrato) e dois turnos de rega (irrigação diária). Ao término do experimento (75 dias) foi avaliado número de folhas, diâmetro do colo, altura de planta, crescimento do sistema radicular, massa seca da parte aérea, massa seca do sistema radicular, teor relativo de água (TRA), teor de clorofila e trocas gasosas, além do Índice de Qualidade de Dickson (IQD). Quase todas as vaiáveis não se deferiram estatisticamente, mas ao término do experimento, conclui-se que a dose 2g de hidrogel promove maiores incrementos na produção de mudas de sabia e ausência de hidrogel promove maior crescimento do sistema radicular independente do turno de rega.

Polysaccharide-based prodrugs formed via pH-responsive covalent interactions can be used to prepare nanoparticles for drug delivery to tumor cells. This study reports the synthesis of cashew gum-doxorubicin prodrugs via Schiff base (CG-S-DOX) and amide bonds (CG-A-DOX), both of which exhibit pH-responsive behavior. Synthesis was confirmed using spectroscopic techniques. Drug-binding content and efficiency were higher for CG-S-DOX than for CG-A-DOX. The capacity of the nanoparticles to self-organize in aqueous media was confirmed using fluorescence spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering, and atomic force microscopy. Both prodrugs possessed sizes < 200 nm and showed responsive doxorubicin-release profiles in the acidic tumor cell microenvironment. Compared with free DOX, the CG-S-DOX and CG-A-DOX prodrug had significantly reduced cytotoxicity against non-tumor cells (L929). CG-S-DOX, but not CG-A-DOX, showed antitumor activity against HCT-116 (human colorectal cancer) and MCF-7 (human breast cancer) cells. An uptake assay confirmed that the nanoparticles were easily taken up by HCT-116 cells. These results together with the great reduction in cytotoxicity against non-tumor cells, confirm the potential of CG-S-DOX prodrug nanoparticles as a reliable and efficient system for the effective delivery of doxorubicin to tumor cells.

The use of fluorescent nanomaterials in various fields of study has become increasingly common. In this work, the use of carbon quantum dots as a corrosion marker in carbon steel is proposed. To produce the sensor, carbon quantum dots based on ethylenediamine and citric acid were used, dissolved in a polymeric matrix. The quantum dot used showed a quantum yield of 42.34%. The nanomodified coatings emitted blue light under ultraviolet radiation lamp. However, it was observed that there is a loss of photoluminescence in the coating on the carbon steel substrate compared to the coating on the polymeric substrate, which maintained photoluminescence activity after natural exposure. Thus, it is inferred that the loss of photoluminescence may be associated with the corrosion process.

Considering the relevance of natural products to the development of new drugs, this study focuses on the species Sida rhombifolia (L.), Malvaceae, widely used as a traditional remedy in several countries. The species is used to treat several diseases such as fevers, skin diseases, stomach pain, diarrhea, gum infection, conjunctivitis, urinary infections and inflammation. Many researchers around the word have investigated its pharmacological potential, and many uses have been confirmed. In spite of that, the phytochemical composition of its extracts is still poorly investigated. This research aims to make advances on the understanding of the constituents of S. rhombifolia identifying its alkaloidal compounds using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (UPLC-QTOF-MS/MS). By analyzing its alkaloidal fraction, it was possible to identify: 11-cryptolepine carboxylic acid (1), cryptolepine (2), quindoline (3), 11 methoxyquidoline (4), quindolinone (5), cryptolepinone (6), and 11-quindoline methyl ester (7). The alkaloids 1 and 7 are being reported for the first time from Sida genus. Based on the antimicrobial potential of cryptolepinone-type alkaloids, we prepared by semi-synthesis two cryptolepinone derivatives: 10-methylcryptolepinone (8) and the unreported compound 10-ethylcryptolepinone (9). Both derivatives were tested against fungal and bacterial strains and 10-methylcryptolepinone (8) showed strong activity against Cryptococcus neoformans, Candida albicans, Candida tropicalis, Aspergillus fumigatus and Aspergillus flavus. drugs L., L L. , (L.) Malvaceae countries fevers pain diarrhea infection conjunctivitis inflammation confirmed that S ultrahigh ultra high UPLCQTOFMS/MS. UPLCQTOFMSMS UPLC QTOF MS/MS . MS (UPLC-QTOF-MS/MS) fraction identify 11cryptolepine 1, (1) 2, 2 (2) 3, 3 (3) 4, 4 (4) 5, 5 (5) 6, 6 (6) 11quindoline 7. (7) genus cryptolepinonetype type semisynthesis semi synthesis 10methylcryptolepinone methylcryptolepinone 10 8 (8 10ethylcryptolepinone ethylcryptolepinone 9. 9 (9) neoformans albicans tropicalis flavus (L. UPLCQTOFMS UPLCQTOFMS/MS MSMS (UPLC-QTOF-MS/MS (1 (2 (3 (4 (5 (6 (7 ( (9 (L

Abstract For oxide semiconductors for application in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs), titanium dioxide conjugated with zinc oxide thin films was synthesized and characterized. The UV (ultraviolet) spectrum characterization showed a peak of absorbance at around 355 nm, with a band gap of 3.25 eV and reflectance around 85%. Such characteristics allowed the fabrication of DSSCs with N719 dye, under simulated light of 100 mW/cm2. The highest efficiency of 1.17% was at 5% titanium dioxide and 4 h of dye immersion. dyesensitized sensitized DSSCs, , (DSSCs) characterized ultraviolet (ultraviolet 35 nm 325 3 25 3.2 85 85% N N71 10 mWcm2 mWcm mW cm2 cm mW/cm2 117 1 17 1.17 5 immersion (DSSCs 32 2 3. 8 N7 mW/cm 11 1.1 1.

RESUMO A salinidade da água de irrigação pode causar sérios problemas na produção agrícola, enquanto as fontes de fertilizantes orgânicos potencialmente mitigam o estresse salino. Assim, este trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar a produtividade da cultura do milho sob irrigação com água salina e adubação orgânica. O estudo foi conduzido em campo de agosto a novembro de 2020 na fazenda experimental da Universidade da Integração Internacional da Lusofonia Afro-Brasileira (UNILAB), Redenção-CE. Utilizou-se o delineamento em blocos casualizados, em parcelas subdivididas, em que as parcelas consistiram em dois níveis de salinidade da água de irrigação (0,8 e 3,0 dS m-1). Nas subparcelas foram aplicadas quatro combinações de fontes de adubo orgânico, compostas por 10 plantas cada, com quatro repetições: C1, esterco bovino + biofertilizante de aves + biofertilizante de cabra; C2, esterco bovino + biofertilizante caprino; C3, esterco bovino + biofertilizante de aves; e C4, tratamento controle. A combinação de fontes de fertilizantes orgânicos não influenciou o acúmulo de assimilados e a produtividade das lavouras de milho sob a salinidade da água de irrigação de 3,0 dS m-1, exceto C3, que atenuou o efeito salino.

ABSTRACT Irrigation water salinity can cause serious problems in crop production, while organic fertilizer sources potentially mitigate saline stress. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the productivity of maize crops under irrigation with saline water and organic fertilization. The study was conducted in the field from August to November 2020 at the experimental farm of the Universidade da Integração Internacional da Lusofonia Afro-Brasileira (UNILAB), Redenção-CE. A randomized block design was used, in subdivided plots, in which the plots consisted of two levels of irrigation water salinity (0.8 and 3.0 dS m-1). Four combinations of organic fertilizer sources were applied in the subplots, composed of 10 plants each, with four replications: C1, cattle manure + poultry biofertilizer + goat biofertilizer; C2, cattle manure + goat biofertilizer; C3, cattle manure + poultry biofertilizer; and C4, control treatment. The combination of organic fertilizer sources did not influence the accumulation of assimilates and productivity of maize crops under the irrigation water salinity of 3.0 dS m-1, except for C3, which attenuated the saline effect.

RESUMO A utilização frequente de água salina para irrigação de culturas, sob condições climáticas da região semiárida, pode afetar diretamente os processos fisiológicos das plantas. Entretanto, o manejo nutricional das plantas cultivadas pode influenciar nas respostas ao ambiente salino. Com base nisso, o objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar a resposta da cultura do girassol a diferente condutividade elétrica da água em solo sem e com fertilizante mineral e orgânico. O experimento foi conduzido na área experimental da Universidade Federal do Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará. O delineamento foi o inteiramente casualizado, em esquema fatorial 5 × 3, com quatro repetições. Os tratamentos foram compostos por cinco níveis de condutividade elétrica da água de irrigação (CEa): 1,1; 2,1; 3,1; 4,1 e 5,1 dS m-1 e três formas de adubação aplicados ao solo (M = adubação mineral com base em NPK, B = biofertilizante caprino e CT = solo sem adubação). A salinidade da água de irrigação a partir de 2,1 dS m-1 afetou negativamente a altura das plantas, a área foliar, o diâmetro do caule e o número de folhas e aumentou a temperatura da folha. O uso da adubação mineral com NPK e orgânica com biofertilizante caprino favoreceram positivamente o crescimento em altura de plantas e o número de folhas em relação à testemunha. A adubação mineral e a orgânica atenuaram o efeito negativo da água salina na condutância estomática, transpiração e a concentração interna de CO2 e proporcionou maior taxa de assimilação de CO2.

ABSTRACT The frequent use of saline water for crop irrigation, under climatic conditions of semiarid region, can directly affect the physiological processes of plants. However, nutritional management of cultivated plants can influence responses to saline environments. Based on this, the objective of the present study was to evaluate the response of sunflower crops to different electrical conductivities of irrigation water in soil, with and without mineral and organic fertilizers. The experiment was conducted in the experimental area of Universidade Federal do Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil. The experimental design was completely randomized in a 5 × 3 factorial arrangement, with four replicates. The treatments consisted of five levels of electrical conductivity of irrigation water (ECw): 1.1, 2.1, 3.1, 4.1, and 5.1 dS m-1 and three forms of fertilization applied to the soil (M= mineral fertilizer based on NPK, B = goat biofertilizer, and CT = soil without fertilization). The salinity of irrigation water from 2.1 dS m-1 negatively affected plant height, leaf area, stem diameter, and leaf number of sunflower plants and increased leaf temperature. The use of mineral fertilization with NPK and organic goat biofertilizer positively favored growth in the height of plants and number of leaves in relation to the control. Mineral and organic fertilization attenuated the negative effect of saline water on stomatal conductance, transpiration, and the internal concentration of CO2 and provided the highest rate of CO2 assimilation.

RESUMO Diversas ações humanas têm causado degradação de solos e a revegetação dessas áreas é uma alternativa de recuperação. Contudo, em solos afetados por sais, é fundamental escolher espécies adequadas para a extração de sais do solo. Neste estudo o objetivo foi avaliar o desenvolvimento e a resposta de espécies arbóreo-arbustivas cultivadas em solo degradado por sais, estabelecidas isoladamente ou associadas à espécie fitoextratora de sais, por meio da produção de biomassa e extração de elementos pelas plantas. Um experimento de campo foi instalado em Serra Talhada-PE com oito tratamentos: 1) Atriplex nummularia Lindl., 2) Mimosa caesalpiniifolia Benth, 3) Leucaena leucocephala (Lam.) de Wit, 4) Azadirachta indica A. Juss, 5) A. nummularia + M. caesalpiniifolia, 6) A. nummularia + L. leucocephala e 7) A. nummularia + A. indica; em blocos casualizados com quatro repetições. Após 30 meses de cultivo, as plantas foram coletadas e pesadas, analisando-se teores de Na, K, Ca, Mg, Cl, P e N. Plantas de A. indica produziram mais biomassa total (10,75 kg planta-1), cerca de 15 vezes mais que M. caesalpiniifolia, ambas em cultivo associado com A. nummularia. Plantas de A. nummularia extraíram mais Na e Cl na matéria seca, com máximo de 124,70 e 166,79 g planta-1, respectivamente. A mais alta produção de biomassa vegetal (23,55 t ha-1) e extração total de elementos (1438,51 kg ha-1) foi no cultivo associado de A. nummularia e A. indica. O cultivo associado não diminuiu o potencial fitoextrator de A. nummularia, e pode ser utilizado em áreas sob recuperação.

ABSTRACT Anthropogenic actions have caused soil degradation and revegetation is a way to recover degraded soils. However, salt-affected soils require the use of suitable species to extract salts from the soil. This study investigated the growth of shrub and tree species in a soil degraded by salts, alone or associated with a phytoextraction salt species, evaluating plant biomass yield and extraction of elements by plants. A field experiment was assembled with eight treatments: 1) Atriplex nummularia Lindl., 2) Mimosa caesalpiniifolia Benth, 3) Leucaena leucocephala (Lam.) Wit, 4) Azadirachta indica A. Juss, 5) A. nummularia + M. caesalpiniifolia, 6) A. nummularia + L. leucocephala and 7) A. nummularia + A. indica; in randomized blocks with four replications. After 30 months of cultivation, plants were collected to measure biomass and concentrations of Na, K, Ca, Mg, Cl, P, and N. A. indica plants had the highest total biomass (10.75 kg plant-1), about 15 times more than M. caesalpiniifolia, both in associated cultivation with A. nummularia. A. nummularia plants extracted more Na and Cl in the dry matter, maximum of 124.70 and 166.79 g plant-1, respectively. The highest production of plant biomass (23.55 t ha-1) and total extraction of elements (1438.51 kg ha-1) were obtained by associated cultivation of A. nummularia and A. indica. Associated cultivation did not decrease the phytoextractor potential of Na and Cl by A. nummularia plants and it can be used to regenerate degraded areas.

Abstract Spiny lobsters (Family Palinuridae) are a popular seafood in Brazil. We characterize the fishing activity and analyze the population of lobster species captured in the coast of the state of Rio Grande do Norte, Northeast Brazil. We monitored the landings of lobster fishermen at the start of the fishing season, from May 24 to November 21, in 2010, at Pirangi beach, the main landing point in the metropolitan area of Natal. The lobster fisherman in the region use small vessels and a compressor to dive in artificial reefs known as marambaias. The artisanal fishermen are engaged in several illegal practices and revealed a greater capture of lobsters categorized as small-sized for the market (11-13.95cm tail length). The capture area led to different fishing pressures for each species. For P. laevicauda, fishing pressure occurred for all size classes, while for P. meripurpuratus, pressure occurred partially, only for a few population cohorts. On regional scale, fishing involved a demand-supply trade balance centered on the size of capture vs. abundance, regardless of the natural interespecific differences on body size and the preferential distribution area. Our results provide key information for future decision making involving the fishing of spiny lobster.

The present work studied aqueous extracts of castor beans as a natural inhibitor of the corrosion of mild steel in 1 M HCl using gravimetric tests, potentiodynamic polarization curves, linear polarization method, electrochemical impedance measurements, surface analysis by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and chemical characterization by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Gravimetric tests showed that inhibition efficiency (IE) increased with immersion time and concentration of the extract, reaching 97.8% in the presence of 800 mg L−1 inhibitor after 24 h immersion time. For the gravimetric tests varying the temperature, a decrease of the activation energy (Ea) was observed, suggesting chemical adsorption of extract components on the metal surface. The extracts from the castor beans acted as a good corrosion inhibitor, and the macromolecules present in the high molecular weight fraction (HMWF) have a fundamental participation in this process since it presented 93.7% of IE for 200 mg L−1.

Resumen Para evaluar el efecto del uso de la harina de Cajanus cajan (gandul) en indicadores productivos de Codorniz, se emplearon 160 codornices, de 43 días de edad y peso promedio de 149 ± 0.25 g, distribuidas en un diseño completamente aleatorizado con cuatro tratamientos, cuatro repeticiones (40) y 10 animales por repeticiones. Se determinó la materia seca, proteína bruta, cenizas, fibra bruta, y extracto etéreo, así como la energía metabolizable. Se evaluaron los indicadores peso inicial y final, ganancia media diaria, conversión alimentaria, índice de postura, viabilidad, grosor de la cáscara, altura de la clara, yema e índice de forma. Los mejores resultados se obtuvieron en el tratamiento control y al incluir 10 % de la harina con 18.19 %, 0.34 g y 0.21 g para el índice de postura, peso del huevo y ganancia media diaria, respectivamente. El índice de puesta tuvo los mayores valores en el control; 10 % de harina de gandul presenta una composición química y aminoacídica adecuada para su utilización en la alimentación animal. Se puede incluir hasta 10 % de harina de semilla en la alimentación de las codornices, sin afectar los principales indicadores productivos y de calidad del huevo.

Abstract To evaluate the effect of the use of Cajanus cajan (pigeon pea) meal on production indicators of quail, an amount of 160 quails was used, with 43 days old and an average weight of 149 ± 0.25 g, distributed in a completely randomized design with four treatments, four repetitions (40) and 10 animals per repetitions. Dry matter, crude protein, ashes, crude fiber and ether extract were determined, as well as metabolizable energy. Indicators initial and final weight, daily mean weight gain, food conversion, laying index, viability, shell thickness, white and yolk height, and shape index were evaluated. The best results were obtained in control treatment, and when including 10% of meal with 18.19%, 0.34 g and 0.21 g for laying index, egg weight and mean daily weight gain, respectively. Laying index showed the highest values for control, 10% of pigeon pea meal has a chemical and amino acid composition suitable for its use in animal feed. Up to 10% of seed meal can be included in quail feed, without affecting the main productive and quality indicators of the egg.

Abstract Rabies is a fatal zoonotic infection of the central nervous system of mammals and has been known to humans for millennia. The etiological agent, is a neurotropic RNA virus in the order Mononegavirales, family Rhabdoviridae, genus Lyssavirus. There are currently accepted to be two cycles for rabies transmission: the urban cycle and the sylvatic cycle. The fact that both cycles originated from a common RABV or lyssavirus ancestor and the adaptive divergence that occurred since then as this ancestor virus adapted to a wide range of fitness landscapes represented by reservoir species in the orders Carnivora and Chiroptera led to the emergence of the diverse RABV lineages currently found in the sylvatic and urban cycles. Here we study full genome phylogenies and the time to the most recent common ancestor (TMRCA) of the RABVs in the sylvatic and urban cycles. Results show that there were differences between the nucleotide substitution rates per site per year for the same RABV genes maintained independently in the urban and sylvatic cycles. The results identify the most suitable gene for phylogenetic analysis, heterotachy among RABV genes and the TMRCA for the two cycles.

ABSTRACT In order to determine the chemical composition of Cenchrus clandestinum and Lolium perenne hay at different regrowth ages, a completely randomized design with three treatments and five repetitions was used for each of the species. The research was conducted in the province of Chimborazo, Ecuador. An amount of 30 male sheep of 25 kg average weight were used. Indicators of dry and organic matter, crude protein, crude fiber, neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber, acid detergent lignin and ash were evaluated. Dry matter digestibility, organic matter, crude protein and crude fiber were determined. The highest dry matter value in Cenchrus clandestinum occurred at 50 days old with 93.98%, and for protein it was at 30 days with 14.95%. The highest percentage of fiber was presented at 50 days with 37.22. For Lolium perenne, the best result of dry matter was at 60 days with 87.23% and the crude protein at 30 with 18.33%. The highest values of neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber and acid detergent lignin appeared at 60 days, with 63.70, 52.10 and 4.30%, respectively. In specific cases of protein digestibility, the best results appeared after 30 days with 89.27% for Cenchrus and 84.15 % for Lolium. The studied forages have an acceptable quality and chemical composition to be conserved as hay in the different evaluated regrowth ages.

RESUMEN Con el objetivo de determinar la calidad de los forrajes Cenchrus clandestinum y Lolium perenne en forma de heno a diferentes edades de rebrote, se empleó un diseño completamente al azar con tres tratamientos y cinco repeticiones, para cada una de las especies. La investigación se realizó en la provincia de Chimborazo, Ecuador. Se utilizaron 30 ovinos machos de 25 kg de peso promedio. Se evaluaron los indicadores, materia seca y orgánica, proteína bruta, fibra bruta, fibra detergente neutra, fibra detergente ácida, lignina detergente ácida y ceniza. Se determinó la digestibilidad de la materia seca, la materia orgánica, la proteína bruta y la fibra bruta. El mayor valor de materia seca en Cenchrus clandestinum lo presentó la edad de 50 días con 93.98 %, y para la proteína fue a los 30 días con 14.95 %. El mayor porcentaje de fibra se presentó a los 50 días con 37.22. Para el Lolium perenne el mejor resultado de la materia seca fue a los 60 días con 87.23 % y la proteína bruta a los 30 con 18.33 %. Los mayores valores de fibra detergente neutra, ácida y lignina detergente ácida aparecieron a los 60 días, con 63.70, 52.10 y 4.30%, respectivamente. En los casos específicos de la digestibilidad de la proteína los mejores resultados se aprecian a los 30 días con 89.27% para el Cenchrus y 84.15 % para el Lolium. Los forrajes estudiados poseen una composición química y calidad aceptable para ser conservados como henos en las diferentes edades de rebrotes evaluadas.

Abstract The electronic monitoring of physiological responses is essential for managing animal production systems considering market demands for animal welfare. The objective of this study was to design, build, and test an electronic monitoring system, with recording and wireless transmission capability, for measuring the heart rate and skin temperature in small ruminants. The system had two components: a mobile base unit, mounted on the animal under study, and a fixed base unit. Wireless communication between the mobile and fixed units was performed using a Xbee Series 2 radio frequency transceiver whereas data were recorded and transferred to a secure digital card in the mobile unit. The device was mounted in Santa Inês crossbred sheep using reference equipment while the animals were restrained in steel cages. Subsequently, the device was validated in free-living Dorper sheep in two collection periods (morning and afternoon). The results indicated that the monitoring system accurately measured physiological responses and efficiently recorded and transmitted data, particularly heart rate data. However, one of the limitations was low energy autonomy.

Resumo A detecção de microrganismos patogênicos em ambientes aquáticos é extremamente importante em termos de saúde pública. Como estas metodologias laboratoriais são geralmente difíceis de realizar, dispendiosas e demoradas, são frequentemente substituídas pela avaliação de bactérias indicadoras de contaminação fecal, tais como Escherichia coli. Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a presença de E. coli em amostras fecais de lontras Neotropicais, para avaliar o seu potencial como indicador fecal e poder ser aplicado para a determinação da qualidade microbiológica da água em áreas onde as populações de lontras são numerosas. Vinte e seis amostras de fezes de lontra, coletadas na bacia do Alto Paranapanema, Estado de São Paulo, Brasil, foram analisadas quanto à presença de E. coli, utilizando métodos bacteriológicos convencionais. Apenas oito amostras de fezes (30%) se revelaram positivas para E. coli, indicando que este microrganismo não é um indicador fecal adequado para avaliar a contaminação fecal da água por lontras Neotropicais, e não deve ser usada para inferir a presença de agentes patogênicos relacionados com lontra em águas.

Abstract The detection of pathogenic microorganisms in aquatic environments is extremely relevant in terms of public health. As these laboratorial methodologies are usually difficult, expensive and time-consuming, they are frequently replaced by the assessment of fecal indicator bacteria, such as Escherichia coli. This study aimed to assess the presence of E. coli in fecal samples from Neotropical otters, to evaluate its potential as fecal indicator to be applied to the determination of water microbiological quality in areas where otters’ populations are high. Twenty-six otter fecal samples, collected in Alto Paranapanema river basin, São Paulo State, Brazil, were analyzed for the presence of E. coli, using conventional bacteriological methods. Only 8 scat samples (30%) were E. coli positive, indicating that this microorganism is not a suitable fecal indicator to assess water fecal contamination by Neotropical otters, and should not be used to infer the presence of otter related pathogens in waters.