Tube Technique Research Articles

Evaluation of 2-column agglutination versus conventional tube technique for antibody screening

The study aimed to determine the specificity and sensitivity of the Ortho BioVue two-column agglutination system for the detection of low concentrations of clinically significant antibodies in serum. The BioVue system was compared with the conventional tube technique (LISS-Coombs indirect antiglobulin test), and the two-stage Papenzyme test was used to resolve discrepancies between the two methods. We tested 3000 serum samples from randomly selected patients at King Hussein Medical Centre. Both the antibody screening and identification gave negative results in 2952 patients and positive results in 48 patients. We found the BioVue system to be the more sensitive technique. However, if papain enzyme-treated cells were included in the conventional tube technique when applied to antibody screening and identification, both methods would be of comparable sensitivity.

Experimental and modeling investigation of the acoustic behavior of sustainable kenaf/yucca composites

The increased awareness of environmental issues has motivated researchers and manufacturers towards the use of natural acoustic absorbers, which are environmentally friendly, sustainable, and relatively cheap. One approach in this direction is to explore the use of waste fibers for potential applications in sound absorption. This study investigates the acoustic behavior of kenaf and yucca waste fiber composites. To this end, yucca and kenaf waste fibers were collected. The separation and extraction of fibers from non-fibrous tissues and woody parts were carried out using the water retting technique. Afterward, yucca and kenaf fibers were blended with a mass ratio of 70:30, 50:50, and 30:70. Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) was used as the binder to fabricate the composite samples. The acoustic performance of the composites was evaluated using the impedance tube technique. The frequency-dependent absorption behavior of the samples was also investigated using the Delany-Bazley (D-B), Garai-Pompoli (G-P), and Johnson-Champoux-Allard (JCA) models. An in-house developed Matlab code was used for the simulation of the 3D structure of the specimens, and flow resistivity was calculated by simulation of the airflow through the structure. Additionally, tortuosity, viscous, and thermal characteristic lengths were calculated by an inverse technique. It was found that samples of 100% kenaf fibers have the highest flow resistivity values. Flow resistivity decreased with decreasing the kenaf content in the composite samples. It was found that samples of 100% kenaf fibers exhibit promising performance at the low- and mid-frequency bands. A decrease in the amount of kenaf content led to the shift of absorption peak towards the high-frequency region. It was also found that the JCA model closely follows the trend of experimental data for the frequency range of 80–6300 Hz.

Evaluation of Erythrocytes Magnetized Technology for Measurement of ABO Isoagglutinin Titers.

Background A variation in the measurement of ABO antibody titer has been seen among different laboratories due to lack of standardization. In our study, we aim to evaluate automated ABO isoagglutinin titer measurements by erythrocytes magnetized technology (EMT) and compare with conventional tube technique (TT). Methods We performed ABO isoagglutinin titration on samples received in a reference laboratory during a period of 2 months. A total of 134 tests for immunoglobulin G (IgG) titer and 116 for immunoglobulin M (IgM) for anti-A or anti-B were included in the study. Samples were processed for ABO isoagglutination titers by both TT and EMT by QWALYS-3 (DIAGAST, France). Microsoft Excel was used to compile data, for all calculations, and to draw graphs and plots. The number and percentage of cases within ±1, ±2, or ±3 titer difference (TT-EMT) were calculated. Results Median titers and their ranges obtained by EMT were higher or equal to those by TT for all IgM and IgG ABO-antibodies in all blood group (BGs), except anti-A IgM in (BG) O that was lower by EMT (32 [4:128]) than TT (48 [8:256]). One twenty one (121/134, 90.3%) cases of IgG titer showed an agreement by both methods (within ± one titer difference). One hundred seven cases (107/116, 92.2%) for IgM titer were within one titer difference by both the methods. Conclusion Results of titration by EMT-based automated instrument QWALYS-3 and conventional TT may vary by one titer dilution in the majority of cases. Use of consistent method for patient management is, therefore, advised.

Live record of vortex-shaped flow by microgravity solidification

A unique type of vortex-shaped microstructure reflecting the flow pattern during the microgravity solidification formed in Al70Ag20Ge10 alloy droplets using drop tube technique. A 2D axisymmetric model coupling heat transfer, fluid flow with phase change was established to simulate the fluid flow variation of alloy droplets during microgravity solidification. The Stokes motion was suppressed and the Marangoni motion was prominent in driving the vortex-shaped flow. The melt flow affected the phase selection, consequently the Ag2Al phase nucleated primarily instead of (Al) phase under near-equilibrium solidification, and the flow pattern was preserved during the rapid growth of the metastable Ag2Al dendrites. The Marangoni effect was weakened with the decrease of droplet size, and anomalous (Al) + Ag2Al and intergranular (Al) + (Ge) eutectics formed owing to the enhanced nucleation and growth competition among phases. In comparison, Al70Ag20Ge10 alloy was solidified under gravity condition by DSC and vacuum arc melting methods respectively. No vortex-shaped microstructure formed in DSC sample ascribed to the suppressed natural convection at small cooling rate. During arc melting, the electromagnetic force and enhanced natural convection caused strong turbulent flow, the metastable Ag2Al dendrites rapidly formed with increased vortex density.

Detection of Rare Blood Group Ax Phenotype in Blood Donor

Background: Karl Landsteiner discovered ABO blood group system in early 20th century, but still, uncertainty remains in immune-hematology while detection of ABO subgroups or weaker variants. The presence of weak subgroups in blood donor samples gives rises to discrepancy in forward (cell) and reverse (serum) grouping. Methods and Materials: We here report a case of the 'A' weak Rh 'D' Positive, Probably Ax Phenotype in a blood donor who came for replacement donation at our blood bank. The blood group discrepancy was resolved by using serological testing, Adsorption elution technique and saliva secretor study. Results: Blood grouping by the tube technique showed no reaction was shown with anti-B, a faint reaction with anti-A, 1+ agglutination with Anti-AB, and a significant reaction (4+) with anti-D and anti-H. The patient's serum showed the presence of anti-B antibody as well as anti-A1. Result for eluate showed microscopic agglutination (1+) with group A cells and a negative reaction with group B cells and saliva secretor study showed having only H substance. Conclusion: This report highlights the importance of cell and serum grouping in solving blood group discrepancy in blood donors. This rare phenotype in a donor is first of its kind reported from India.

PREVALENCE OF WEAK D PHENOTYPE IN BLOOD DONORS: A STUDY FROM TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL

Objective: To determine the prevalence of weak D phenotype among blood donor population. Methodology: This cross-sectional review was conducted at Rehman Medical Institute, Peshawar from October 2018 to September 2019 and involved 4361 voluntary blood donors. Blood samples obtained for ABO and Rh D blood grouping were tested through conventional test tube technique. Agglutinating commercially available mon­oclonal anti-D sera were used for Rh D status detection. Du-testing was performed to identify weak-D phenotype. MS Excel and SPSS version-22 were used hands for statistical analysis. Results: A total of 4361 blood samples were taken from recruited healthy blood donors (one sample per donor). Out of these 3786 (86.8%) were Rh D positive while 575 (13.2%) were Rh D negative. Among Rh D negative cases, three (0.5%) were weak-D positive constituting 0.5% among Rh D negatives and 0.06% from total donors screened. Conclusion: This study concluded a very small prevalence of weak D in blood donor population. It is recommended that weak-D phenotype detection in Rh negative donors must be considered as an essential part of blood transfu­sion investigations to prevent risk of alloimmunization in recipients.

Sound Absorbing and Insulating Low-Cost Panels from End-of-Life Household Materials for the Development of Vulnerable Contexts in Circular Economy Perspective

From a construction point of view, neighborhoods with residents living at or below the poverty threshold are characterized by low energy efficiency buildings, in which people live in acoustic discomfort with no viable options for home improvements, as they usually can not afford the materials and labor costs associated. An alternative to this is to use low-cost insulating elements made of non-conventional materials with acceptable acoustic properties. Given that household materials at their end-of-life (EoLHM) are free of costs and available also to the more disadvantaged population, they can be used to build acoustic panels for such contexts. This approach embraces several benefits since it reduces the amount of waste produced, the footprint deriving from the extraction of new raw materials and, by highlighting the potential of the EoLHM, discourages the abandonment of waste. In this paper, the acoustic properties of EoLHM, such as cardboard, egg-cartons, clothes, metal elements and combinations of them, are investigated by means of the impedance tube technique. The measured sound absorption coefficient and transmission loss have shown that EoLHM can be used for the realization of acoustic panels. However, since none of the analyzed materials shows absorbing and insulating properties at the same time, EoLHM must be wisely selected. This innovative approach supports the circular economy and the improvement for the living condition of low-income households.

Acoustic and thermoacoustic properties of an additive manufactured lattice structure.

With the advent of additive manufacturing, lattice structures can be printed with precisely controlled geometries. In this way, it is possible to realize porous samples with specific acoustic and thermoacoustic characteristics. However, to this aim and prior to the manufacturing process, it is fundamental to have a design tool that can predict the behaviour of the lattices. In the literature, Luu, Perrot, and Panneton [Acta Acust. United Ac. 103, 1050 (2017)] provide a model to characterize transport parameters of fibrous material with a certain fiber orientation with respect to the direction of wave propagation. In this work, finite element numerical simulations are used to improve their model in order to compute the thermoviscous functions of lattice structures composed of cylindrical struts arranged in Tetragonal Body Centred cells. New correlations for transport parameters are suggested, which are finally coupled with the semi-phenomenological model of Johnson-Champoux-Allard-Lafarge to obtain the complex density and bulk modulus of the equivalent fluid. These results are compared with the measurements carried out on two 3-dimensional-printed samples with hybrid impedance tube techniques.

The Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)-Directed Implantable Guide Tube Technique: Accuracy and Applications in Deep Brain Stimulation

The magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-directed implantable guide tube technique allows for direct targeting of deep brain structures without microelectrode recording or intraoperative clinical assessment. This study describes a 10-year institutional experience of this technique including nuances that enable performance of surgery using readily available equipment. Eighty-seven patients underwent deep brain stimulation surgery using the guide tube technique for Parkinson disease (n= 59), essential tremor (n= 16), and dystonia (n= 12). Preoperative and intraoperative MRI was analyzed to measure lead accuracy, volume of pneumocephalus, and the ability to safely plan a trajectory for multiple electrode contacts. Mean target error was measured to be 0.7 mm (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.6-0.8 mm) in the anteroposterior plane, 0.6 mm (95% CI 0.5-0.7 mm) in the mediolateral plane, and 0.8 mm (95% CI 0.7-0.9 mm) in the superoinferior plane. Net deviation (Euclidean error) from the planned target was 1.3 mm (95% CI 1.2-1.4 mm). Mean intracranial air volume per lead was 0.2 mL (95% CI 0.1-0.4 mL). In total, 52 patients had no intracranial air on postoperative imaging. In all patients, a safe trajectory could be planned to target for multiple electrode contacts without violating critical neural structures, the lateral ventricle, sulci, or cerebral blood vessels. The MRI-directed implantable guide tube technique is a highly accurate, low-cost, reliable method for introducing deep brain electrodes. This technique reduces brain shift secondary to pneumocephalus and allows for whole trajectory planning of multiple electrode contacts.

An Overview of Acoustic Impedance Measurement Techniques and Future Prospects

In order to progress in the area of aeroacoustics, experimental measurements are necessary. Not only are they required for engineering applications in acoustics and noise engineering, but also they are necessary for developing models of acoustic phenomenon around us. One measurement of particular importance is acoustic impedance. Acoustic Impedance is the measure of opposition of acoustical flow due to the acoustic pressure. It indicates how much sound pressure is generated by the vibration of molecules of a particular acoustic medium at a given frequency and can be a characteristic of the medium.The aim of the present paper is to give a synthetic overview of the literature on impedance measurements and to discuss the advantage and disadvantage of each measurement technique. In this work, we investigate the three main categories of impedance measurement techniques, namely reverberation chamber techniques, impedance tube techniques, and far-field techniques. Theoretical principles for each technique are provided along with a discussion on historical development and recent advancements for each technique.

A prospective, observational study to compare effect of DTT treatment and heat inactivation on ABO isoagglutinin titers in O blood group donors

Background and aimsIn order to determine actual concentration of clinically significant IgG antibodies, there is a need to inactivate IgM antibodies, which can be performed by DTT or heat. The aim of the present study was to compare the effect of DTT treatment and heat inactivation (HI) on ABO isoagglutinin titres performed by column agglutination technology (CAT) and conventional tube technique (CTT).Materials and methodsThis was a prospective, observational study conducted from October 2018 to March 2020. All consecutive O group donors were included. Serum from each donor was treated with DTT, and heat and tests were performed by CTT and CAT before and after treatment.ResultsA total of 2005 donors were included. 401 (20%) samples had inter‐observer variation by CTT, and 69 (3·4%) had inter‐observer variation by CAT. Median anti‐A and anti‐B titre results were higher with CAT as compared to CTT. Median anti‐A and anti‐B IgG titre results showed a one‐ to twofold difference between CTT and CAT with higher titres reported by CAT. Median IgM titres decreased two‐ to threefold after DTT treatment, whereas onefold decrease was confirmed after HI. Concordance was found to be poor. However, correlation was found to be strong.ConclusionThere is overestimation of ABO IgG antibody titres and hence, estimation of ABO IgG titres after inactivation of IgM antibodies is strongly recommended. DTT treatment was found to be superior to HI in terms of efficiency in elimination of IgM activity.

Structure and Property Modulations of 13Cr Stainless Steel Through Microgravity Solidification and Minor Ce Addition

Both rare‐earth doping and microgravity solidification processing bring significant influences upon the structure formation and mechanical properties of various alloys. Herein, the microstructure and performance of 13Cr martensitic stainless steel are modulated by adding minor Ce content and microgravity solidification by means of drop tube technique. The lattice structure of constituent phase α(Fe) is deformed evidently by microgravity solidification, and the lattice parameter variation is 1.8 times of that caused by Ce addition. The microstructures of this steel processed by arc melting consist of lath‐shaped martensites and a few feather‐shaped bainites whose volume fraction increases with the Ce content. The bainite is replaced by ferrite in the rapidly solidified microstructure of 13Cr steel under microgravity condition. Although both microgravity solidification and Ce addition induce the microstructure refinement and inclusion spheroidization, the former effect plays the dominant role. The compressive properties and microhardness decrease moderately with Ce addition due to the slight increase in bainite, however, the microgravity solidification brought the hardening effect and thus the microhardness of the steel droplets increases with undercooling.

Molecular characterization of RhD variant phenotypes among blood donors: A study from the coastal region of India

BackgroundRhD expression varies with population and ethnicity. Accurate typing of RhD antigen among blood donors is important to prevent development of anti-D among recipients of blood transfusion. We aimed to screen blood donors for variant D phenotypes and accurately characterize them by genotyping. Material and methodsWe have done prospective study on blood donors by performing RhD typing using three different commercial monoclonal anti-D reagents by both column agglutination and conventional tube techniques. Samples that showed ambiguous results were further screened with the Bio-Rad Partial RhD typing kit. Minor phenotyping for C, c, E, e antigens was performed. Multiplex PCR and Sequencing of all RHD exons with Sanger’s sequencing was performed for molecular characterization of variant D. ResultsA total of 16,974 blood donors were screened during the study period. Among them, 31 (0.18 %) donors were found to have a RhD variant phenotype. The male to female ratio was 10:1. The presence of ‘C’ antigen was noted among all RhD variant samples. Serological typing identified two samples as DV phenotype and the rest could not be characterized. Molecular genotyping characterized 90.3 % of the samples as Indian specific weak D type 150 variants. Three samples were subjected to Sangers sequencing and showed wild type pattern. ConclusionThe present study showed that the most common variant in this population was Weak D type 150. This study highlights that serological methods may serve as a screening tool, however, molecular techniques are essential for characterization of RhD variants.

IS UMBILICAL TUBE TECHNIQUE THE BEST METHOD TO GAIN INTRAPERITONEAL ACCESS? A PROSPECTIVE ANALYSIS OF 1532 CASES

Background: Intraperitoneal access in laparoscopic surgery is the first and most important step to start a procedure. Many methods have been described in literature for the same. We share our experience of umbilical tube technique using a vertical infra umbilical or supra umbilical incision for the better cosmetic result.
 Methods: This study is a retrospective study of laparoscopy performed for various indications. Umbilical tube technique was performed. In 1532 cases performed from July2016to January 2019. A vertical incision was used instead of a commonly performed curve incision to access the umbilical tube. A vertical incision is again taken after exposing the junction of rectus sheath and umbilical tube. Vertical incision is again taken over the tube to gain access to peritoneal cavity. The closure is done in a similar way with skin closed in subcuticular fashion. No Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval was required for this paper.
 Result: The technique is found to be safe, can be performed with technical ease as anatomy is well defined, good cosmesis is achieved. The longest follow up is for a period of one year. No incidence of port site hernia or infection was seen.
 Conclusion: The umbilical tube technique using a vertical incision is found to be safe and effective, can be reproduced with technical ease. In our opinion this method can be considered as a standard approach to intraperitoneal access.
 Keywords: umbilical tube, intraperitoneal access, port site infection, port site hernia. Laparoscopy.

Microstructural evolution and magnetic property of rapidly solidified Co62Mo38 hypereutectic alloy

To investigate the microstructural dependence of magnetic property for hypereutectic Co62Mo38 alloy, it was sufficiently undercooled by electromagnetic levitation (EML) and drop tube (DT) techniques. The maximum liquid undercoolings attained as 232 K (0.13 TL) at levitated state and 313 K (0.18 TL) under microgravity condition, respectively. At small undercoolings, the final microstructure consisted of lath-shaped primary ε-Co7Mo6 dendrites and interdendritic (α-Co + ε-Co7Mo6) eutectics. As the undercooling increased, the volume fraction of α-Co phase decreased continuously, leading to a reduction in saturation magnetization. Meanwhile, the coercive force exhibited a downward trend due to the coarsening of α-Co grain. Once the undercooling exceeded 271 K, the equiaxed growth of ε-Co7Mo6 compound was induced. In this case, the value of saturation magnetization abruptly increased with the increase of alloy undercooling, whereas the coercive force was further reduced.

Design of supercontinuum laser hyperspectral light detection and ranging (LiDAR) (SCLaHS LiDAR)

ABSTRACT Traditional Light Detection and Rangings (LiDARs) can quickly collect high-accuracy of three-dimensional (3D) point cloud data at a designated wavelength (i.e., cannot obtain hyperspectral data), while the passive hyperspectral imager can collect rich spectral data of ground objects, but are lack of 3D spatial data. This paper presents one innovative study on the design of airborne-oriented supercontinuum laser hyperspectral (SCLaHS) LiDAR with 50 bands covering 400 nm to 900 nm at a spectral resolution of 10 nm and ground sampling distance (GSD) of 0.5 m. The major innovations include (1) development of the high-power narrow-pulse supercontinuum laser source covering 400 nm to 900 nm with 50 bands using multi-core microstructure fibre, all-polarization maintaining fibre and ultra-long cavity structure, (2) a miniaturized aberration correction holographic concave grating spectroscopic and streak tube technique are developed for 50 bands laser echoes detection at high spectral-spatial-temporal resolution and dynamic airborne platform, and (3) the algorithm theoretic basis for SCLaHS LiDAR point cloud data 3D geodetic coordination calculation, including in-flight airborne calibration algorithm. The initial experimental results demonstrated that the designed SCLaHS LiDAR is doable, and a prototype of the (SCLaHS) LiDAR intends to be implemented.

Characterization and recycling potential of the discarded cathode ray tube monitors

Abundantly available discarded cathode ray tubes are a serious threat to the environment and loss to resource conservation and therefore requiring immediate recycling efforts. In this study, extensive characterization of all parts of the discarded cathode ray tube was carried out using X-ray diffraction, thermo-gravimetric, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Scanning electron microscope, and Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy. The detailed mass balance and the overall potential (market value calculations) of discarded cathode tubes as an urban source, and the techno-economic calculations were carried to provide guidelines for the development of recycling technology. Recycling techniques of cathode-ray tubes were reviewed, and a concise flow sheet for overall recycling was prepared for evaluation and assessment of recycling potential. The thermal response and dissociation kinetics of the phosphor were investigated, and the activation energy in the temperature range (600–930 °C) for thermal processing of phosphor was determined as 105.4 kJ/ mol. Effective recycling of cathode ray tube phosphor can yield 4.5 g of Y, Eu and, La metal values per 500 kg of discarded units with a market value of 835 INR and an overall market value of 115,870 INR ($1567.34). The different fractions of cathode-ray tube glass were recycled using a combination of the pyrometallurgical and hydrometallurgical processes for metal recovery. Recycling of different fractions of hazardous discarded cathode ray tubes is necessary and is beneficial for a circular economy for recovery of phosphor, copper, glass and coating material, plastics, and steel.

Reprint of: Pyrolysis of ethanol studied in a new high-repetition-rate shock tube coupled to synchrotron-based double imaging photoelectron/photoion coincidence spectroscopy

Shock tube techniques for kinetic studies are continuously evolving driven by advances in kinetic modeling and detection techniques. An innovative category of shock tubes has been recently developed for use at Synchrotron facilities. In this work, a new high-repetition-rate shock tube (HRRST) was constructed to employ synchrotron-based double imaging photoelectron/photoion coincidence spectroscopy (i2PEPICO) at the beamline DESIRS of the SOLEIL synchrotron. The shock tube design and performance (pressure profiles, repeatability of operations) are presented for the first time together with the detailed description of the coupling with the molecular beam end-station holding the i2PEPICO spectrometer. The first experimental results with the HRRST/i2PEPICO on ethanol pyrolysis are grouped based on four different experimental conditions, each highlighting functionality of this novel experimental system. Experiments were performed at temperatures between 1232 K and 1525 K, pressures between 6.2 bar and 7.5 bar, with 2.7% or 0.25% ethanol in argon, and photon energy of 10.0 eV or 11.0 eV. The results are supported by kinetic analyses with the CRECK model. This study shows the potential of the HRRST/i2PEPICO combination for obtaining detailed mechanistic and kinetic data for complex chemical systems. Mass spectra, photoelectron spectra and time-resolved species profiles were obtained for a wide variety of species from methyl radicals to large polyaromatic hydrocarbons. The different experimental conditions studied indicate how future experiments can be designed to target key regimes facilitating the elucidation of desired kinetic and mechanistic data.

Ambulant Market Foods: Consumer Problem or Solution?

Background: The sale of food by street vendors is an activity of economic, sanitary, and nutritional importance, but these foods can pose a high risk to the health of consumers in inadequate conditions of preparation and storage. The aim of this study was to investigate the preparation conditions and the hygienic-sanitary quality of food sold by street vendors in the vicinity of four campuses of a University Center in Maceió, Brazil. The aim was to verify the sanitary hygienic conditions of the preparation site as well as to carry out a microbiological analysis of the commercialized foods. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, the microbiological analyses were carried out on different foods following the multiple tube technique for coliforms and surface sowing method and pour-plate assay for Salmonella sp., molds, and yeasts. In addition, an observational checklist was applied involving 21 trailer tent owners in the vicinity of the four campuses of the University Center. Inclusion criterion included adult vendors selling food near four campuses at the Centro Universitário de Maceió, Brazil. Exclusion criteria consisted of street vendors due to the difficulty in locating them. Results: The findings showed high presence of microorganisms; a high degree of risk was observed in 100% of the studied places. Conclusion: Hygienic-sanitary interventions are necessary to train these vendors on the importance of good manufacturing practices, since this will probably not result in food-borne outbreaks.

Impactos ambientais macroscópicos e qualidade da água em nascentes localizadas na Vila Bananeira, Arapiraca-AL

RESUMO: O crescimento populacional vem acompanhado de uma constante degradação do meio ambiente, colocando em risco o equilíbrio ecológico de diversos ecossistemas afetando, direta ou indiretamente, muitas nascentes. Nascentes são sistemas ambientais importantes para a manutenção do equilíbrio hidrológico e são as principais fontes de água para um rio. Nesse contexto, e considerando que a água é um recurso natural imprescindível para diversas atividades humanas, objetivou-se, com este estudo, avaliar o grau de conservação de nascentes localizadas na Vila Bananeira, Arapiraca-AL, através do Índice de Impacto Ambiental em Nascentes (IIAN), assim como averiguar a qualidade da água proveniente dessas nascentes por meio da análise de alguns parâmetros físico-químicos e microbiológicos nas amostras coletadas. O estudo foi realizado nos meses de Janeiro e Fevereiro de 2020 e dividido em duas etapas. A primeira consistiu em um trabalho de campo com a observação dos parâmetros macroscópicos, para determinação do IIAN. Sete nascentes foram avaliadas. Na segunda etapa, análises laboratoriais foram realizadas para determinação da qualidade da água das nascentes em estudo. Amostras das três nascentes que apresentavam maior volume de água foram encaminhadas aos laboratórios da UFAL/ Campus Arapiraca. Parâmetros físico-químicos como: pH, turbidez e condutividade foram determinados utilizando-se aparelhos específicos para este fim. Também foram realizados testes microbiológicos para averiguar a presença de bactérias do grupo coliformes. Para a análise microbiológica, utilizou-se a técnica dos tubos múltiplos. Após as análises, constatou-se que seis nascentes apresentavam grau de conservação razoável (classe C) e uma delas, a nascente denominada “A”, grau de conservação ruim (classe D). Os valores de pH encontrados estavam ligeiramente abaixo daquele exigido pela legislação, mas foram classificados como satisfatórios para consumo humano. Os valores de turbidez estavam dentro da normalidade, considerando os valores de referência apontados pela legislação. Os valores de condutividade encontrados foram: 304,9; 302,1 e 355,8 µS/cm para as nascentes “A”, “B” e “C”, respectivamente. Quanto aos resultados microbiológicos, somente a nascente “A” apresentou contaminação por coliformes fecais. Os resultados encontrados nesta pesquisa, tanto quanto ao grau de conservação da nascente “A”, considerado ruim, como os achados microbiológicos, são preocupantes, dada a importância dessa nascente para a comunidade local e circunvizinha, uma vez que se trata da principal fonte de água da região.
 PALAVRAS-CHAVES: conservação, recursos hídricos, impactos sócio-ambiental.