Influence of Emotional Intelligence on Psychosocial Development during Early Childhood

Abstract

Water pollution in Ecuador stands as one of the country’s most pressing environmental, public health, and social issues. From 2015 to 2025, the lack of wastewater treatment, uncontrolled discharge of industrial, agricultural, and domestic pollutants, and the expansion of extractive activities have significantly deteriorated water quality across all natural regions: the Amazon, Andes, Coastal, and Insular zones. This study aimed to conduct a comprehensive analysis of Ecuador's water pollution panorama during this decade, based on a systematic review of official data, scientific literature, technical reports, and environmental indicators. A qualitative and quantitative documentary approach was used, incorporating data on wastewater treatment coverage, presence of emerging pollutants, critical contamination events, and access to safe drinking water. Results indicate that 73.7 % of municipal wastewater remains untreated and that nearly 60 % of the rural population lacks access to safe water. High concentrations of fecal coliforms, heavy metals (e.g., mercury and lead), nutrients (nitrogen and phosphorus), pesticides, microplastics, and pharmaceutical residues were found in multiple water bodies. The Amazon and Coastal regions are the most affected, with serious ecological and public health implications. The discussion highlights ongoing structural deficiencies in water management, weak enforcement of environmental regulations, and the urgent need to strengthen water governance through decentralized, participatory, and intercultural approaches. It is concluded that overcoming this crisis requires not only technological upgrades but also deep transformations in development models, territorial planning, and environmental oversight. Community participation and environmental justice must become central pillars of any public policy aimed at ensuring the human right to water