Popis: |
This chapter provides information on the fundamental concepts needed to understand water and water pollution, enabling better comprehension of the subsequent material. Examining the molecular structure of water provides context for understanding its most important properties. The reader explores the various types of natural waters and learns how they are tied together in the global water cycle. An examination of the contents of natural waters reveals the presence of dissolved solids, liquids and gases and the intimate relationship between these substances and the community of life that dwells in aquatic systems. The chapter introduces basic concepts of the chemistry of water and discusses the action and distribution of pollutants. Readers also learn about the basic interaction between various pollutants and the aquatic food chain. |