title: [Water and health-related problems, local perception and quality of water sources in a Toba (qom) community in the Impenetrable (Chaco, Argentina)].
abstract: We present a transdisciplinary study centering on aspects of environmental health of the Toba (qom) communities that relate to water and health problems of the Impenetrable Chaco region. Information was obtained through the methods and tools of participatory research, household participant observation, and ethnobotanical documentation of species related to water management and use. Vernacular terms referring to the suitability and taste of the water, as well as representations, attitudes and practices related to water collection and purification were recorded. In addition, a microbiological and physicochemical analysis of the water was performed and compared with the perceptual categories. It was observed that perceptual aspects were in tension with the hygienic quality of water. We documented phreatophyte plants, indicative of the presence of water, as well as plants that store water, act as flocculants, refresh the water or improve taste. The results of this research are discussed from an ecosystem approach and its relationship to the development of proposals for intervention.
authors.affiliation: Instituto de Antropología de Córdoba, Facultad de Filosofía y Humanidades, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Argentina.
authors.forename: Gustavo J
authors.initials: GJ
authors.lastname: Martínez
authors.affiliation: Centro de Química Aplicada, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Argentina.
authors.forename: Ana M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Beccaglia
authors.affiliation: Centro de Química Aplicada, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Argentina.
authors.forename: Analía
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Llinares
mesh_terms: D001118:Argentina / Q000453:epidemiology; D055812:Community-Based Participatory Research; D019448:Ethnobotany; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice / Q000208:ethnology*; D006801:Humans; D007199:Indians, South American; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D012423:Rural Health / Q000208:ethnology*; D018508:Water Purification / Q000379:methods*; D060753:Water Quality; D014881:Water Supply / Q000379:methods*
keywords: Perception; Water Supply; Ethnic Groups; Argentina