Navigating tensions between public and commercial interests: a case study of open source biosensors for detecting water contaminants in Argentina

Abstract

Access to clean and safe water is a fundamental human right (1), and ensuring its quality is paramount for public health. The path to provide safe water to each individual presents tensions or conflicts that can arise due to various factors, such as: regulatory Standards (strict limits on the permissible levels of contaminants may be resisted by companies as they could potentially increase their operational costs); Economic Interests (water contamination may result in negative consequences for industries relying on clean water, such as agriculture or tourism. In such cases, commercial interests might prioritize maintaining economic activities over addressing the contamination issue, potentially conflicting with the public´s interest in having clean and safe water); Liability and Responsibility (Delays in assigning responsibilities can hinder the resolution of the contamination problem and create conflicts between commercial and public interests); Access to Information (Governmental bodies and regulatory agencies may have access to scientific studies, testing results, and industry data, but they may be reluctant to disclose certain information due to potential legal consequences); Remediation Costs (its funding can create conflicts between companies that may have contaminated or should provide clean water and governments that must guarantee access to clean water). In addition, the absence of long term state policies and its concomitant sustained political support and funding as well as ineffective communication and personal egos (particular issue among scientists) contribute to a difficult journey.