Water: Definition, Structure, Chemical Formula, Water Cycle
Water is a prerequisite for biology. It is a colourless, without flavour, and unscented natural fluid that forms a portion of every organism. Water is a topic of the chapter Biomolecules in Biology.
What is Water?- H2O
The physical characteristics of water include high heat capacity, solvent properties, and cohesion are used in biological functions. In ecosystems, it plays such roles as nutrient cycling and providing habitats.
Therefore, it is vital for living organisms as essential for the functions of cells, regulation of temperature, and as a facilitator of metabolic reactions. The chemical formula for water is H₂O it is a molecular compound compounded by one oxygen and two hydrogen atoms covalently bonded and asymmetrically oriented so that the water molecule has a population of two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom; the polarity and the bent shape of the water molecule is conceptually significant.
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Water Resources
Water can be derived from water resources like surface water like rivers, lakes, and seas; groundwater like aquifers; and atmospheric water like raindrops, sleet, snow, and mist. Another is through desalinated seawater and reclaimed wastewater especially in the arid zones as this is the fastest growing source of water supply.
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Uses of Water
- Water is used in industries, automobiles and textile production.
- Water is used in agriculture, irrigation and gardening.
- Water is used to generate hydroelectricity, a renewable type of energy.
Chemical and Physical Properties of Water
The chemical and physical properties of water are discussed below:
Chemical Properties of water
Water is a chemical composed of two atoms of hydrogen covalently bonded to an atom of oxygen.
The oxygen atom carries a partial negative while the two hydrogen atoms bear a partial positive charge making it a polar molecule.
Physical Properties of water - H2O
Water exists in three states: the solid state as in ice, the liquid state as water and the gaseous state as steam or vapour.
Water can hold a lot of heat before it can force its temperature to rise considerably.
Steam is obtained from water which is a liquid hence it will cost a lot of energy to convert water into steam.
Water molecules also have cohesive properties meaning they stick together and have adhesive properties which means they stick to other substances.
It is therefore for the coherent forces at the surface of water to have a strong surface layer.
Solvent Properties
Water also displays polarity which, in addition to dissolving a lot of materials, is a great solvent.
Water is capable of ‘mixing’ or ‘dispersing’ with what is referred to as hydrophilic substances that are water-borne but unable to ‘mix’ or ‘disperse’ with hydrophobic or water-repellent substances.
It is also noteworthy that water most importantly is a solvent of nutrients and their transport and other processes within the cell.
Biological Significance of Water
The biological significance of water is discussed below:
Water in Cells
The cytoplasm mainly consists of water and it holds the salts, proteins, and other molecules that are involved in the different processes of a cell.
Water is one of the reagents in such biochemical transformations as hydrophysis and dehydration synthesis, which are vital for the human body.
It maintains the volume of cells and the transport of the substances by osmosis and diffusion through the cell membranes.
Water Cycle
Water cycle:
It includes a change of states such as evaporation in which water transforms into vapour, condensation in which vapour forms clouds, and precipitation in which water in any of its forms falls back on the surface of the earth.
Freshwater and marine ecosystems:
It also preserves the intensity and frequency of water bodies like rivers and lakes and marine ecosystems by managing salinity and water levels.
Role in plant life
Of course, water plays a very crucial role in plants, enabling them to synthesize nutrients, grow, and even produce oxygen.
Importance of Water:
- Water helps with digestion, circulation and regulation of body temperature.
- Water plays a vital role in the formation and regulation of weather and climate.
- Water is also utilised in transportation of goods across rivers, canals, etc.
Water Quality and Human Health
Read about water quality and human health:
Common Diseases:
These diseases are cholera, typhoid, and dysentery which are diseases which are caused by waterborne pathogens and affect the human body through water.
Prevention And Treatment:
Measures aimed at controlling waterborne diseases include water and sanitation and promotion of correct hygienic practices while treatment includes administration of fluids and antibiotics.
Environmental and Conservation Issues
The environmental issues related to water are listed below
Water Scarcity
Causes:
The common reasons for water shortage include shortages of rainfall, extraction of water from wells, increased population, and water pollution.
Impact on agriculture, industry, and daily life:
This is because scarcity impacts crop production and many industrial processes. The non-availability of clean water for human needs causes economic and social problems.
Water Pollution
Sources:
Water pollution comes from industrial effluents, agricultural drainage, and sewage disposal classified as waterborne pollution sources.
Effects on Ecosystems and Human Health
Contaminated water damages the flow of living organisms in water sources. These pose serious health effects on human beings including waterborne ailments, contact sicknesses, and diseases.
Conservation Strategies
Sustainable usage practices:
Proper and suitable water usage should therefore be initiated, so that these water sources can be made more readily available in the long run.
Water conservation techniques:
Thus methods like harvesting rainwater and usage of drip irrigation aid in preserving water and can bring in more effectiveness in farming.
International efforts and policies:
As a result, global attempts and measures focus on fighting and regulating water scarcity and pollution through cooperation.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
High specific heat: It refers to the properties of water that make it retain heat within it, this makes water control temperatures inside organisms and the physical vicinity.
Cohesion and adhesion: The water molecules have a tendency to coagulate or ‘stick together’ (cohesion) and with other materials/adhering to them (adhesion) which assists in the transport of nutrients and wastes in the organisms.
Solvent abilities: Water is a good solvent, it dissolves and carries off various substances that are vital to organelle functions.
Existence in different states: Water is in three states; solid, liquid, and gaseous, or ice, liquid water, and water vapor which has an extremely significant function in the promotion of heat balance and sustenance of life of structures in various forms.
Medium for biochemical reactions: It is used in the form of water which forms the solvent in which metabolism can occur within the cells.
Nutrient transport: The research concerning the delivery of dissolved nutrients and molecules is transported through Water.
Maintains cell structure: Water is also involved in making turgor and rigidity for bodily movements and cell construction and basic shape of cells as well
Osmosis: Drinking water is connected to osmosis which can be defined as the uptake of solutes and water in and nearby cells.
Diseases: Some of these are cholera, typhoid, dysentery, and giardiasis the manifestations of which include vomiting and diarrhea.
Prevention: Sanitation since sewage impacts water sources and famous usage of clean water and bathing coupled with washing of hands.
Ecosystems: Contamination impacts and changes the water bodies and the HAB, eliminates the species’ habitats, and impacts the formation of HAB.
Human health: Consumption of water that has been contaminated leads to waterborne diseases like gastrointestinal diseases and also subjects the body to toxic elements like heavy metals and ailments that are longterm and caused by pollutants.
Water-saving fixtures flow faucets shower heads and toilets shall be installed to minimize water usage.
Rainwater harvesting: Conduct rainwater harvesting and storing for other water uses in the household such as watering the garden.
Efficient irrigation: Water should be watered through dripping systems, through irrigation systems in rather a smaller proportion.
Awareness and education: Inform local communities and other users of water about the necessity to save water and encourage them to modify their behaviors to decrease water consumption in households, industries, and agriculture.
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