Perchlorate (ClO₄⁻) has been identified as a persistent environmental contaminant of concern. Perchlorate exposure is a potential health concern because it interferes with hormone production by thyroid gland. Food (fruits and vegetables) and drinking water are an important source of human exposure to perchlorate. However, little is known about the occurrence of perchlorate in Chile. The purpose of this study was to determine the occurrence of perchlorate in 145 samples (soil, drinking water, surface water, groundwater, fertilizers, fruits and vegetables) collected across Chile and estimate associated exposure to consumers. Our results show that perchlorate was detected in soil (median: 22.2 ng g⁻¹), drinking water (median: 3.0 ng mL⁻¹), fruits (median: 0.91 ng g⁻¹ fresh weight [FW]), lettuce (median: 5.0 ng g⁻¹ FW) and chard (median: 4.15 ng g⁻¹ FW). Interestingly, perchlorate concentrations detected in drinking water from three regions (Serena, Copiapo and Illapel) exceeded the USEPA interim drinking water health advisory level of 15 ng mL⁻¹. Median concentrations of perchlorate in non-nitrogenous fertilizers (3.1 mg kg⁻¹) were higher than those in nitrogenous fertilizers (1.3 mg kg⁻¹). Estimated daily intake (EDI) of perchlorate via drinking water was lower than the USEPA’s reference dose (7000 ng kg⁻¹ bw day⁻¹). The EDI of perchlorate via vegetables (chard and lettuce) produced in northern Chile was three times higher than those produced in other regions. The results of this study provide information about perchlorate sources in Chile, which will be helpful in modifying current regulations.

高氯酸盐 (ClO ₄ ^- ) 已被确定为令人担忧的持久性环境污染物。高氯酸盐暴露是一个潜在的健康问题，因为它会干扰甲状腺产生激素。食物（水果和蔬菜）和饮用水是人类接触高氯酸盐的重要来源。然而，人们对智利高氯酸盐的发生知之甚少。本研究的目的是确定在智利收集的 145 个样本（土壤、饮用水、地表水、地下水、肥料、水果和蔬菜）中高氯酸盐的发生情况，并估计与消费者相关的接触。我们的结果表明，在土壤（中位数：22.2 ng g ^-1）、饮用水（中位数：3.0 ng mL ^-1)、水果（中位数：0.91 ng g ^-1鲜重 [FW]）、生菜（中位数：5.0 ng g ^-1 FW）和甜菜（中位数：4.15 ng g ^-1 FW）。有趣的是，在三个地区（Serena、Copiapo 和 Illapel）的饮用水中检测到的高氯酸盐浓度超过了 USEPA 临时饮用水健康建议水平 15 ng mL ^-1。非氮肥中高氯酸盐的中值浓度（3.1 mg kg ^-1）高于氮肥（1.3 mg kg ^-1）。通过饮用水估计的高氯酸盐每日摄入量 (EDI) 低于 USEPA 的参考剂量（7000 ng kg ^-1 bw day ^-1）。智利北部生产的蔬菜（甜菜和莴苣）中高氯酸盐的 EDI 是其他地区生产的高氯酸盐的三倍。这项研究的结果提供了有关智利高氯酸盐来源的信息，这将有助于修改现行法规。