Water Pollution in Rivers and Beaches in Costa Rica: Research Trends, Geographic Patterns, and Key Challenges

Costa Rica, a global biodiversity hotspot, faces escalating water pollution challenges in its rivers and coastal zones. This study aims to evaluate research trends, spatial gaps, and major pollution sources in Costa Rica's aquatic ecosystems. This bibliometric analysis synthesizes insights from 67 scientific studies, 17 on the Caribbean basins and 60 on the Pacific Basins, to assess research trends, geographic disparities, and pollution sources. Relevant articles were obtained from the most recent academic databases, employing a bilingual keyword strategy to ensure comprehensive coverage. The findings identify critical hotspots, such as the Tárcoles and Reventazón catchments, which experience severe contamination from agricultural runoff, domestic wastewater and solid waste. Coastal studies reveal significant pollution in popular tourist destinations, such as Jacó and Tamarindo, due to the presence of fecal coliforms, Eschericha coli and solid waste in the marine environment, while less-studied areas like Golfito and Manzanillo face emerging localized threats. Beach-related research increased post-2010, reflecting growing tourism and environmental awareness, while river studies peaked in 2020 amid increased attention to urban water quality. Pesticides, toxic metals, solid waste, and inadequate wastewater management emerged as dominant pollution sources, highlighting the need for sustainable practices and policy interventions. National and international journals have been instrumental in disseminating research, with a notable contribution from Costa Rican institutions. This review emphasizes the importance of addressing under-researched regions, improving waste management systems, and fostering sustainable tourism practices. By identifying key trends and disparities, this study provides a critical framework to guide future research and inform policies for safeguarding Costa Rica's aquatic ecosystems.