THE importance of water of the planet is of such proportion, since it is an essential element for the survival of animals and plants on Earth, in addition to being part of countless activities of human beings.
Lack of water is a threat as water is a source of life. We are so used to the presence of water that we only realize its importance when we need it, but that needs to change.
Preserving water resources is preserving our existence. To give you an idea, most of the cells in our body have water, so drinking water is a necessity for the human body.
The importance of water for the planet
Water is related not only to the appearance of life on Earth, but also to its evolution.
When the planet is seen from space, the blue is highlighted by the huge amount of water on the planet, as about 70% of the surface is covered by water.
However, most of the water on the planet is salty. There is only 2.7% of fresh water and, of this percentage, only 0.1% corresponds to fresh water available for use.
water cycle
About two-thirds of the Earth's surface is covered by water, either in a liquid state (oceans, seas, lakes, rivers and groundwater) or in a solid state (glaciers and snow).
A significant portion of these waters are in permanent circulation, under the action of the heat of the sun and the winds. These waters turn into steam, constituting the so-called water cycle or hydrographic cycle. The importance of the hydrographic cycle is vital for the biosphere, all living beings on Earth and their habitats.
Part of the water vapor is also produced by the transpiration of plant and animal organisms. As an example, note that in a single day, a large tree can evaporate up to 300 liters of water.
In the higher parts, the atmosphere is so cold that the vapor condenses into tiny water droplets, snowflakes and ice crystals, which form the clouds. When taken by the wind to colder regions, there is precipitation of rain, snow or hail.
If at the time of precipitation the lower layers of the atmosphere are warmer, the water falls as rain. If the temperature near the surface is below zero, precipitation will be in the form of snow or hail.
To learn more about the subject, see also: water cycle and Physical States of Water.
Importance of water for living beings
Water is the source of life for all living beings. Therefore, on expeditions to other planets, water is one of the first resources sought after, as it can be an indicator of the existence of life.
The importance of water can be demonstrated by:
- Allow living beings to survive
- Balancing and conserving biodiversity
- Regulate the planet's climate
On Earth there are several ecosystems and different forms of life are dependent on water. Water is present in large quantities in the most diverse beings existing in the environment, that is, it is a common good.
Foods are rich in water, such as lettuce that has it in 95% of its composition. Depending on the species, jellyfish have up to 98% water in their body. There are also microscopic beings, such as bacteria that have up to 75% water in their composition.
Read too: Water Summary
Importance of water to humans
Human beings use water not only for drinking, but also for carrying out a wide range of activities. The main ones are:
- Agriculture: most of the water is used in agriculture, irrigation of crops is essential for food production.
- Industries: water is used in industrial processes, incorporated into products and cleaning spaces.
- Consumption: water is essential, for example, for cleaning, hygiene and cooking food.
It is also worth remembering that the distribution of water across the planet is not regular. In many places it is scarce, making it difficult for man to occupy the space and use it.
You may also be interested inWorld Water Day.
Importance of water for the human body
Water is essential for the proper functioning of the body, as it performs several functions.
See below the main functions of water in the body and how they are important to the human body.
- Production of energy: Cells need water to perform their functions. Too little water makes the cells work less.
- Transport: in the body, water acts as a solvent, transporting different substances to the cells, such as minerals, nutrients and vitamins.
- Cleaning: is responsible for detoxifying the body by taking toxic substances to the kidneys and eliminating them through urine, which is 95% water.
- temperature regulation: water regulates our body temperature, as it makes up sweat.
- bowel regulation: water is necessary to prevent food residues, which our bodies do not absorb, from solidifying.
It is estimated that 60% of the human body weight is composed of water and it is recommended that at least 2 liters of water be consumed daily.
Check out thewater properties.
water preservation
Preserving the water's life cycle is preserving nature. In many regions of the earth, the natural cycle has undergone many changes.
The main actions to preserve water are:
- Protect the springs
- Reforest riverbanks
- Avoid waste
- Consciously use
- treat sewage
The intense deforestation means that the water that is precipitated in the form of rain drains more quickly, reducing infiltration into the soil and the support of water courses. This ends up leading to disappearance in the dry period.
The waterproofing of soil in cities, intensified by the use of asphalt, cement and pavement, reduces water infiltration, also failing to supply underground courses. Many cities need this water, removed by drilling wells to meet their needs.
The preservation of rivers is very important, as it preserves much of life. Many cities are formed near rivers. River waters serve for supply, food, domestic use, irrigation, industrial production, energy source, and means of transport.
There are some ways to solve this problem, including the construction of dams, lakes, dams, channels or diversion of river courses, benefiting dry areas. There is also the possibility of transforming salt water into fresh water through the desalination process.
Read about theWater shortageit's theWater treatment.
Water pollution
Pollution poses a real threat to water quality, health and the environment.
Toxic chemicals such as heavy metals, cadmium and mercury, used in industries, produce waste that is dumped directly into rivers, lakes or coastal waters.
This debris can kill living organisms and accumulate in fish and shellfish tissue. These animals are part of the human food chain, and their ingestion can cause serious damage to health.
Nitrates and pesticides used in agriculture contaminate the water table and are associated with the development of various types of diseases.
Thermal pollution, produced by the water used in the cooling system of power plants, also reduces the sustainability of rivers and lakes.
Therefore, preserving watercourses and using them sustainably must be the great concern of a responsible society.
For the quality of life today and for the survival of future generations, it is necessary to protect water sources, recover polluted rivers, encourage environmental education and the conscientious use of water.
To expand your knowledge on the subject, read:
- Water pollution
- polluted rivers
- Water crisis in Brazil
- Exercises on water
