Water Quality Challenges in Central Veracruz, Mexico: A Comprehensive Review

Abstract

Major rivers in Veracruz show significant levels of contamination, closely linked to agro-industrial activities—particularly sugarcane cultivation—and the intensive use of fertilizers and pesticides, with implications for human health, the environment, and productive activities. In the central region of the state of Veracruz, Mexico, water quality faces increasing pressure due to the discharge of domestic and industrial wastewater, leachates from sanitary landfills, climate change, and accelerated population growth. These factors affect water availability and compromise its safety for human consumption and environmental balance. The purpose of this research was to identify the main sources of contamination, analyze their impacts on the environment and public health, and recognize knowledge gaps to guide future research and public policies. The PRISMA 2020 methodology was applied to conduct a rigorous and replicable systematic review of the scientific literature. The search was carried out in Google Scholar, Springer, Taylor & Francis, and ScienceDirect. From 380 initial records, 30 articles that met the inclusion criteria (related to water quality, findings from similar regions, and studies in central Veracruz) were selected for detailed analysis. Using VosViewer, a bibliometric analysis was performed, identifying two major thematic axes: one ecological-geographical (ecosystem services, land use, wetlands, and regional characteristics) and another technical, focused on the evaluation and efficiency of treatment systems, particularly constructed wetlands. The findings show sustained growth in scientific production since 2015, reflecting increasing interest in sustainable solutions and integrated water management strategies. This study provides an updated overview of water-related challenges in Veracruz and highlights the urgency of strengthening public policies and appropriate technologies to improve water quality and protect this essential resource for life.