Resumen

SASAL, M.C et al. Monitoreo de glifosato en agua superficial en Entre Ríos: La investigación acción participativa como metodología de abordaje. RIA. Rev. investig. agropecu. [online]. 2017, vol.43, n.2, pp.195-205. ISSN 1669-2314.

There is concern about glyphosate losses from agroecosystems and its impact on surface water in urban and rural communities of Entre Rios, having a widespread perception of risk in public opinion. Social awareness was exacerbated by lack of information, which requires an adequate approach. The objectives were: i) to set up a network for monitoring the effect of glyphosate use on water quality (RMCA) in the agricultural area of Entre Rios, ii) to estimate glyphosate concentration in surface water as a result of losses from the agroecosystem, and iii) to identify management practices of low environmental impact to be agreed on with members of the agro alimentary sector. The methodological framework applied corresponds to a Participatory Action Research (PAR) approach. An awareness program for professionals, farmers and organizations interested in knowing water quality was carried out. Site selection and water sampling were carried out by RMCA members. A schedule of 3 sampling periods was established: 1º) August 15th - September 15th 2012, 2º) November 15th - December 15th 2012 and 3º) March 15th - April 15th 2013. Concentration of glyphosate in the water samples was determined by the Elisa technique, using as a UPLC-MS/MS verification method. Glyphosate concentrations were classified according to the guide levels defined by the Undersecreatriat of Water Resources of Argentina and the European Union: < 0.1 μg L^-1; 0.1-240 μg L-1 y ˃ 240 μg L^-1. The RMCA network was integrated by 70 members becoming a community-based organization to promote the preservation of surface water. 311 monitoring points and 703 water samples were evaluated. In the first period, 4.7% of the monitoring points overcame the level of 240 μg L^-1 whereas in the second sampling instance all concentrations results were lower, 69% of them showing values below 0.1 μg L^-1. 76% of the March-April samples resulted in concentrations below 0.1 μg L^-1. Results were discussed by RCMA members in a workshop that was replicated at 4 locations. In a second meeting, the members identified on agronomic practices of environmental low impact. The PAR proved to be an adequate methodology to analyze changes in the quality of surface water due to the use of glyphosate in the agricultural area of Entre Rios. The quantification of glyphosate concentration in water allowed to know the risk of pollution, not previously measured, which promoted the search for consensual solutions among stakeholders of the agro alimentary sector to either mitigate or solve environmental impact by the use of agrochemicals.

Palabras clave : Entre Ríos; Surface water; Glyphosate; Participatory action research.