Water: Composition, Properties, Contamination and Importance in Life

Water is an essential substance for life and it is important to know its composition and physical and chemical properties. In this article, we will provide you with all the information you need to know about water.

1. Water composition and molecular structure

Water is made up of two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom, and each hydrogen atom is attached to oxygen with a single covalent bond. The length between the two hydrogen nuclei is very small, and the molecule is not linear, but almost shaped like a tetrahedron with an angle of 105° between the H's. This structure makes it polar, that is, it has a lot of accumulated negative charge at one end and little negative charge at the other end or positive pole. It has great heat stability, and only 1% decomposes at temperatures above 1100°C. If it is pure it does not conduct electricity, but if we add an acid or a base it easily conducts electric current.

2. Physical properties of water: boiling and melting points, specific heat capacity

The boiling point of water is 100°C, at a pressure of 760 mm of mercury (sea level). The melting point is 0°C at the same pressure. The specific heat capacity of water is 1 calorie, which means that it takes a specific amount of heat to raise the temperature of one gram of water by one degree Celsius.

3. Chemical properties of water: type of bond, solvent capacity (power) of water

Water consists of two hydrogen atoms, linked to one oxygen by a single covalent bond. Because water is a fairly polar substance, it has great dissolving power on polar substances (such as glucose), but not on nonpolar substances (such as lipids).

4. Acids and bases

An acid is a substance that, in aqueous solution, is capable of donating a proton. A base is a substance that, in aqueous solution, is capable of accepting or receiving a proton.

5. Solutions

A solution is a homogeneous mixture, with uniformly distributed components, composed of solute and solvent. The solute is the component that dissolves within the solvent and generally goes in less quantity. The solvent is the medium in which the solute is dissolved and is generally more abundant in the solution.

6. Water contamination

Water pollution is the introduction of foreign substances or compounds into water, either by human action or due to natural causes, which negatively affect the quality of water and its ability to be used by living beings alive.

The main sources of water pollution are industry, agriculture, livestock, inadequate wastewater treatment and inadequate solid waste disposal. These activities can introduce contaminants such as heavy metals, chemicals, pesticides, herbicides, organic matter, and pathogenic bacteria into bodies of water.

Water pollution can have serious consequences for human health, the economy and the environment. Negative effects include gastrointestinal diseases, respiratory problems, ecosystem disruption aquatic life, loss of biodiversity, decline in fishing and the quality of life of people who depend on water contaminated.

To prevent and control water pollution, it is necessary to implement measures such as the regulation and control of industrial and agricultural activities, the proper treatment of wastewater and the promotion of sustainable practices in the water use. In addition, the education and awareness of the population about the importance of caring for water is essential to achieve proper management of this vital resource.

• Recommended reading: we work in water

7. Importance of water for life

Water is essential for life and most forms of life depend on it to survive. Some of the reasons are:

• It is a key component of cells and helps maintain their structure.
• It participates in important biological processes such as photosynthesis and cellular respiration.
• Helps regulate body temperature through sweat and evaporation.
• It transports nutrients and wastes through the body.
• Helps lubricate joints and protect organs.
• It is a vital resource for agriculture and food production.