The Herrera township (86.0 km²), located in La Chorrera, is Panama’s leading pineapple production area. Ensuring sustainable agricultural management in this region is crucial for long-term productivity, resource conservation, and environmental protection. This study evaluates soil and irrigation water quality to provide insights into improved management practices. Soil samples were analyzed for pH, EC, OM, SM, CEC, texture, and content of Al, Ca, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, N, P, Si, Sr, and Zn. Water samples, including surface water and groundwater, were assessed for Ca, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Na, N, HCO₃, SO₄, PO₄, NO₃-N, and salinity. Soil quality was evaluated using the Igeo, and geospatial techniques were applied to map the soil parameter distribution. The water quality analysis confirmed its suitability for irrigation, though groundwater in the central area requires caution due to elevated Na levels and a moderate risk of salinization. Soil maps indicate adequate levels of essential nutrients but highlight the need for N amendments. This study is the first comprehensive assessment of an agricultural township in Panama, providing critical data for decision-making and the adoption of sustainable agricultural practices that enhance resource management and mitigate climate change impacts.

The El Valle Volcanic Complex, located in the province of Cocle, Panama, presents geological characteristics that could be linked to public health problems. This study focuses on the municipalities of San Juan de Dios, Pajonal, and Caballero, where water is consumed directly from springs (groundwater outcrops). The region has a high incidence of non-traditional chronic kidney disease (nt-CKD) that may be associated with the natural presence of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in the water. This study aimed to analyze the concentration of PTEs in groundwater and assess the carcinogenic (CR) and non-carcinogenic (HQ) risk to human health from the direct ingestion of water. Sediments, rocks, and water samples were collected. Major ions and PTEs (As, Al, Ba, Co, Cu, Fe, Mn, Sr, Sb, Pb, V, and Zn) were measured, and the mineralogical composition of the rocks was analyzed. The results showed that Fe was the only PTE that exceeded the recommended concentration for drinking water, according to Panama regulations, and Pb according to USEPA. In Caballero and Pajonal, the acceptable threshold for CR and HQ was exceeded, a higher percentage than in San Juan de Dios. The PTEs that contribute most to the risk are Co, Cu, Pb, and As. This study suggests that the region’s historical volcanic activity, involving the release of minerals rich in these PTEs, along with the interaction between groundwater and volcanic rocks, may be contributing to the presence of PTEs in the water. This geological phenomenon could be what has led to prolonged exposure to these elements, which correlates with the high prevalence of chronic kidney disease in the area. This is a novel study, the first conducted in Panama, as it seeks to uncover the relationship between the geology of the site, the presence of PTEs in the groundwater of springs for human consumption, and the implication of health risks, with the aim of generating new information for decision makers for the generation of public policies on health issues such as nt-CKD and cancer in the region.

Debido a la incertidumbre sobre la calidad del agua para consumo humano en Tonosí, provincia de Los Santos; se lleva a cabo el proyecto “Morbilidad vs la calidad del agua para consumo humano en Tonosí: un estudio piloto”, el cual tiene como objetivo evaluar la calidad del agua incluyendo la identificación y cuantificación de parámetros no convencionales como metales pesados y compuestos orgánicos en zonas remotas, con técnicas analíticas instrumentales avanzadas a través de un laboratorio móvil operado por personal técnico calificado. El laboratorio móvil es un vehículo tipo van que está equipado con equipos compactos, con tecnología de punta, respuesta rápida y con un mínimo de residuos generados. Gracias a este equipo, es posible evaluar compuestos orgánicos por cromatografía; metales pesados por fluorescencia de rayos X; contaminación biológica mediante la técnica de filtración por membranas; parámetros fisicoquímicos mediante titulación y espectrofotometría; además de la evaluación de las condiciones ambientales. De esta manera, se busca dar respuesta a la preocupación de la población respecto a la calidad del agua para consumo.

The initial results of the properties that have been determined to a sample of natural zeolite, coming from areas of volcanic activity of Panama, and that has been identified with potential for its industrial explotation, are presented. Some physicochemical properties, chemical composition and morphology were determined. A natural zeolite with an intermediate level of Si/Al (2.62), low levels of dissolved salts and a morphology with pores-shaped channels with a diameter of 5 mm are observed.Keywords: natural zeolites, chemisorption, morphology, macropores, cation exchange capacity

Monitoring water quality is crucial for achieving clean water and sanitation goals, particularly in remote areas. The project “Morbidity vs. Water Quality for Human Consumption in Tonosí: A Pilot Study” aimed to enhance water quality assessments in Panama using advanced analytical techniques to assess volatile organic compounds, heavy metals, and microbiological pathogens. To support this, the Technical Unit for Water Quality (UTECH) was established, featuring a novel mobile laboratory with cutting-edge technology for accurate testing, minimal chemical reagent use, reduced waste generation, and equipped with a solar-powered battery system. The aim of this paper is to explore the design, deployment, and impact of the UTECH. Furthermore, this study presents results from three sampling points in Tonosí, where several parameters exceeded regulatory limits, demonstrating the capabilities of the UTECH and highlighting the need for ongoing monitoring and intervention. The study also assesses the environmental, social, and economic impacts of the UTECH in alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals and national initiatives. Finally, a SWOT analysis illustrates the UTECH’s potential to improve water quality assessments in Panama while identifying areas for sustainable growth. The study showcases the successful integration of advanced mobile laboratory technologies into water quality monitoring, contributing to sustainable development in Panama and offering a replicable model for similar initiatives in other regions.

A brief abstract of the research work not more than 200 words in length should be typed here. Must include a statement of relevance, the main objective, the scope of work to be presented, and most significant findings. Do not include figures, tables or illustrations in this section. The conference will accept papers in English, Portuguese and Spanish. If the papers is written in a language different than English, a translation of the abstract and the keywords must be included after the Keywords: Natural zeolites, heavy metals, contamination, remediation, adsorption.