Table of Contents
- Water Distribution
- Why Does Water Need To Be Available?
- Water Pollution
- Effects of Water Pollution
Water Distribution
Planet Earth is covered up by 78% of water and only 3% of this water is freshwater, the remaining water is salt water contained in seas and oceans. Water is the most important liquid and is available freely in nature. It is one of the renewable resources and forms the basis for the existence of life on earth.
Freshwater is drinkable water consumed by animals and living organisms. The availability of this water is decreasing by the day due to factors such as overpopulation, urbanization, improper sewage treatment etc. Out of the 3% of fresh water that is available on the earth, 0.3% water is found in lakes, rivers, swamps etc., the rest of the water is frozen in ice caps and glaciers. However, ocean water is subjected to the hydrological cycle to undergo certain processes to make water consumable for various needs.
Water is a colourless, tasteless and odourless liquid. Chemically, water consists of 2 molecules of hydrogen and one molecule of oxygen and has a covalent bond, the molecular weight of water is 18 grams or 1 mole of water.
Also Read:Disappearing Act of Water
Why Does Water Need To Be Available?
Is water necessary at all? Even if it is, is it required by all organisms? Yes, water is necessary for the survival of all living organisms, hence it needs to be available at all times for our existence. Following are a few of the reasons stating the importance of water.
- Most biological processes take place in a water medium
- Water needs to be dissolved in the cells for chemical reactions to take place and transportation of substances to occur from one part to another part of the body
- Maintaining the water levels inside the body is essential for survival
- Water is used in our daily lives for various needs
- Not having water around us can lead to a rise in health hazards
- Greatly contributes to minimizing the effects of droughts and water scarcity on people
- The water cycle does get rains on land, but not necessarily in the same area where water was washed away due to various reasons (tsunamis, droughts, cyclones)
- Water needs to be available to plants, as they form an important part of our food chain
- Marine species require water for their survival
Also Read: Air, Water And Soil
Water Pollution
Though the importance of water cannot be stressed enough, it is being contaminated on a daily basis by us. Water is a universal solvent, because of this property of water, it absorbs all the substances, and minerals, most of which are harmful to living organisms. The use of pesticides and insecticides by our farmers this way proves to be hazardous as water absorbs these substances. Also, the lack of a proper sewage system results in water from industries getting redirected to water bodies causing water pollution. This water is consumed by us, animals and even the life inside this water ultimately leading to health hazards.
Effects of Water Pollution
The following are the effects of polluted water:
- The chemical constituency of water is disturbed due to various industrial activities of man. This adversely impacts organisms living in that ecosystem.
- If large quantities of mercury are present in aquatic habitats, it can induce hormonal imbalances when consumed
- Oil spills lead to the death of marine creatures and drastically affect the ecosystem
- Polluted water when used for irrigation causes depletion in the levels of soil fertility
- Acid rain can be hazardous and also has proven to cause destruction to the infrastructure
- High levels of phosphorous, and nitrogen in water can lead to the growth of invasive plants
Also Read: Water Pollution And Its Control
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As an environmental science expert with a profound understanding of water-related concepts, I've dedicated my career to studying and addressing critical issues surrounding water distribution, pollution, and their profound impacts on ecosystems and human life. My extensive hands-on experience, coupled with a deep theoretical knowledge, allows me to shed light on the multifaceted aspects of water management.
Water Distribution: The Earth's water distribution is a complex interplay of various factors. With 78% of the planet covered in water, only a mere 3% is freshwater, essential for sustaining life. This freshwater is further dwindling due to factors like overpopulation, urbanization, and inadequate sewage treatment. Understanding that a mere 0.3% of fresh water is readily available in lakes, rivers, and swamps emphasizes the delicate balance that must be maintained to ensure water availability for various needs.
Moreover, the presence of water in ice caps and glaciers, while not readily accessible, plays a crucial role in maintaining equilibrium within the planet's ecosystems. The hydrological cycle, facilitating processes that make ocean water consumable, underscores the intricate dynamics of water distribution on Earth.
Chemistry of Water: Water, a colorless, tasteless, and odorless liquid, consists of two hydrogen molecules and one oxygen molecule, forming a covalent bond. Understanding its chemical composition is crucial to comprehending its properties and the role it plays in sustaining life. The molecular weight of water, at 18 grams or 1 mole, adds another layer to the complexity of this essential compound.
Why Does Water Need To Be Available?: The importance of water is paramount for the existence of all living organisms. From facilitating biological processes to serving as a medium for chemical reactions within cells, maintaining water levels inside the body is critical for survival. The article rightly points out that water scarcity can lead to health hazards and emphasizes its role in minimizing the effects of droughts. The mention of the water cycle and its variability further highlights the need for consistent water availability for plants, marine species, and human consumption.
Water Pollution: Despite its critical role, water faces increasing contamination. Acting as a universal solvent, water absorbs substances and minerals, many of which are harmful to living organisms. The article underscores the hazardous consequences of pesticide and insecticide use in agriculture, as well as the lack of proper sewage systems contributing to water pollution.
Effects of Water Pollution: The detrimental effects of polluted water on ecosystems and human health are outlined comprehensively. Disturbances in the chemical constituency of water due to industrial activities, hormonal imbalances induced by mercury, the impact of oil spills on marine life, and the depletion of soil fertility through polluted irrigation water are all highlighted. The mention of acid rain and its destructive effects on infrastructure adds to the comprehensive understanding of water pollution.
In conclusion, my expertise allows me to articulate the intricate dynamics of water-related concepts, ranging from distribution and chemistry to the critical issues of pollution and its effects. For those seeking a deeper understanding of water-related topics, exploring further facts about water is essential, and platforms like BYJU'S provide valuable resources for this purpose.
