The objective of this study was to evaluate the treatment of rainwater in two industrial regions in Joinville (SC, Brazil) by ultraviolet radiation. The reactor was operating in continuous process with each particle remaining under radiation for 60 seconds. The samples were evaluated in terms of total coliforms, fecal coliform and heterotrophic bacteria prior to ultraviolet treatment, after treatment and further treated and stored for 24, 48 and 72 hours. The efficiency of disinfection of direct rainwater and that collected from roofing by ultraviolet radiation was verified with 100% inactivation of total coliforms and fecal coliform and these microorganisms did not reappear in samples treated and stored for up to 72 hours, however, heterotrophic bacteria persisted and were identified after 24, 48 and 72 hours of treatment.
rainwater; ultraviolet radiation; disinfection
