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<p>Among the environmental challenges faced by Chile, the conservation of water resources in the so-called “sacrifice zones”, characterized as a geographical urbane zone with strong environmental degradation and high pollution, remains a critical concern. The city of Coronel, located in central Chile, is an environmentally vulnerable territory due to its historical industrial land use, with implications for both environmental and water quality. This study aimed to assess, through a citizen science approach, the total concentrations of potentially toxic elements (PTE) including arsenic (As) as a metal(loid), lead (Pb), mercury (Hg) and hexavalent chromium (Cr-VI) in wells and drinking (potable) water. This approach was requested to address community concerns about water sources and to involve concerned communities in data generation to understand their territory. Between spring 2023 and autumn 2024, in situ measurements of physicochemical parameters (pH, temperature, conductivity, dissolved oxygen, alkalinity, turbidity, TDS, redox potential and nitrate) were conducted in parallel with laboratory analyses. PHREEQC hydrogeochemical modelling was used to estimate dissolution processes and the potential metal mobility. Moreover, surveys were applied to explore perceptions of pollution. Citizen-validated results indicated that, while most samples fell within established standards, variations were observed in pH (from 6.6 to 8.5), conductivity (up to 600 μS/cm). Remarkably, high nitrate concentrations (up to 66.4&#xa0;mg/L), that exceed drinking water consumption limits, mainly associated with agricultural and sewage activities and turbidity in some water samples were found. The highest As, Pb and Cr-VI levels (0.011 and 0.012&#xa0;mg/L respectively) were also slightly out the limits established by Chilean regulations, the U.S.EPA and WHO. This study demonstrates the potential of citizen-generated data not only to anticipate impacts but also to foster inclusive and appropriate strategies for local water governance.</p>

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Community-based water quality in Coronel Chile: addressing environmental sustainability in a labeled sacrifice zone

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2026年3月30日

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  • Mariela A. Yevenes,
  • Robinson Torres,
  • Marcelo Veloso,
  • Natalia Durán,
  • Micaela Castillo,
  • Sofía Castañeda

摘要

Among the environmental challenges faced by Chile, the conservation of water resources in the so-called “sacrifice zones”, characterized as a geographical urbane zone with strong environmental degradation and high pollution, remains a critical concern. The city of Coronel, located in central Chile, is an environmentally vulnerable territory due to its historical industrial land use, with implications for both environmental and water quality. This study aimed to assess, through a citizen science approach, the total concentrations of potentially toxic elements (PTE) including arsenic (As) as a metal(loid), lead (Pb), mercury (Hg) and hexavalent chromium (Cr-VI) in wells and drinking (potable) water. This approach was requested to address community concerns about water sources and to involve concerned communities in data generation to understand their territory. Between spring 2023 and autumn 2024, in situ measurements of physicochemical parameters (pH, temperature, conductivity, dissolved oxygen, alkalinity, turbidity, TDS, redox potential and nitrate) were conducted in parallel with laboratory analyses. PHREEQC hydrogeochemical modelling was used to estimate dissolution processes and the potential metal mobility. Moreover, surveys were applied to explore perceptions of pollution. Citizen-validated results indicated that, while most samples fell within established standards, variations were observed in pH (from 6.6 to 8.5), conductivity (up to 600 μS/cm). Remarkably, high nitrate concentrations (up to 66.4 mg/L), that exceed drinking water consumption limits, mainly associated with agricultural and sewage activities and turbidity in some water samples were found. The highest As, Pb and Cr-VI levels (0.011 and 0.012 mg/L respectively) were also slightly out the limits established by Chilean regulations, the U.S.EPA and WHO. This study demonstrates the potential of citizen-generated data not only to anticipate impacts but also to foster inclusive and appropriate strategies for local water governance.