N. Okafor, Environmental Microbiology of Aquatic and Waste Systems, 3
DOI 10.1007/978-94-007-1460-1_1, © Springer Science+Business Media B.V. 2011

Nature, Properties, and

Distribution of Water

1

Liquid water, H 2 O (synonyms: aqua, dihydrogen
monoxide, hydrogen hydroxide), is transparent, odor-
less, tasteless, and ubiquitous. It is colorless in small
amounts but exhibits a bluish tinge in large quantities
(Chaplin 2009a).
As will be seen below, it has unique properties
because of the structure of the water molecule. Water
has influence on human affairs far beyond its apparent
ordinariness. The influence of water on humans and
their existence on planet earth, on account of its
peculiar properties will be discussed below.

1.1 Physical and Chemical Properties

of Water and Their Consequences

1.1.1 Molecular Structure of Water and Its

Strong Surface Tension

Water has a very simple V-shaped atomic structure.

This is because the atoms in the water molecule are

arranged with the two H–O bonds at an angle of about

105° rather than on directly opposite sides of the

oxygen atom. The two hydrogen atoms are bonded to

Abstract

The water molecule is composed of two hydrogen atoms attached to an oxygen

atom with a V-shape formation and an angle of 105° between the hydrogen atoms.

It has a slightly negative charge at the oxygen end and a slight positive charge at

the hydrogen end. This makes the water molecule polar, i.e., having poles like a

magnet. This property makes water molecules attract each other, thus giving it

unique properties such as rising in capillary tubes, plant roots, and blood vessels

against gravity. Water has a high latent heat enabling it to absorb large quantities

of heat before a rise in temperature; this enables the waters of the oceans to affect

the earth’s temperature in a gradual manner. Water is an important solvent. Water

forms about 71% of the earth’s surface, but most of it is saline. Freshwater which

is required for domestic and industrial use, and for agriculture forms only about

2.5%. Water is distributed in the atmosphere as clouds; on the earth’s surface as

oceans, seas, rivers, and lakes; and underground.

Keywords

Water properties • Water influence on environment • Hydrologic cycle • Global

water distribution