[Sanitary and socio-environmental conditions in the Iauaretê indigenous area, São Gabriel da Cachoeira, Amazonas State, Brazil].

Objective: To describe sanitary, social and environmental conditions that are significant for health of residents in the Iauaretê Indigenous Area in Brazilian Amazonia, notable for its population concentration.

Method: Qualitative and quantitative methodologies were used, with the action research method deployed mainly for qualitative approaches, through community meetings with tribespeople and researchers in the villages constituting the hub of the Area. Talking maps were prepared and interviews were conducted, together with studies of solid wastes disposal techniques, in addition to locating, sampling and analyzing the quality of water used for human consumption, in parallel to the use of geo-referencing techniques.

[Phytoplankton community in a recreational fishing lake, Brazil].

Objective: The assessment of water quality and phytoplankton community in recreational environments allows to setting management programs aiming at preventing potential harm to human health. The purpose of the present study was to describe phytoplankton seasonal changes in a freshwater system and their relation to water quality.

Methods: The recreational fishing lake is located in the southern area of the city of São Paulo, Brazil.

[Basic sanitary conditions in Iporanga, São Paulo State, Brazil].

Objective: To assess the pollution of water bodies by domestic sewage and to evaluate the basic sanitation conditions of residences and the knowledge of the local population concerning intestinal parasitic diseases and the hazards they present to public health.

Methods: Thirteen water samples were collected from each of four sites in different water bodies of the Bairro da Serra region, in Iporanga, São Paulo State. Rates of total and fecal coliforms were measured and median values were presented so as to show domestic sewage contamination in the area.