[Water quality and sustainable development].

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Public Health
• Geochemistry

Background:

• Peru's mineral wealth, particularly in the Andes, contributes to widespread heavy metal contamination in drinking water.
• Mining extraction exacerbates the dispersion of chemical contaminants, posing chronic health risks to the population.
• Rising costs of physical-chemical water treatment strain resources for drinking water companies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the urgent need for Health Authorities to address heavy metal contamination in Peruvian drinking water.
• To advocate for cost-effective risk communication strategies and health education initiatives.
• To encourage the development of eco-efficient mining technologies alongside public health interventions.

Main Methods:

• This is a review article, synthesizing existing data on water quality, mining, and public health in Peru.
• Analysis focuses on the interplay between geological factors, mining activities, and heavy metal exposure.
• The study examines socio-environmental conflicts arising from heavy metal presence in blood.

Main Results:

• Specific heavy metals contaminate different regions: cadmium in the north, lead in the center, and arsenic in the south.
• Heavy metal exposure creates socio-environmental conflicts, negatively impacting the economy and investment.
• Current water treatment methods are becoming prohibitively expensive.

Conclusions:

• A dual approach is necessary, prioritizing public health and promoting economic growth through responsible mining.
• Effective risk communication and health education are crucial for managing exposure.
• Further research into eco-efficient mining and integrated water management is essential.