The Impact of a Mobile Laboratory on Water Quality Assessment in Remote Areas of Panama

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.