Water in Our Biosphere
Water in our biosphere is the lifeblood of the planet, covering 71% of Earth’s surface and existing in oceans, rivers, lakes, glaciers, groundwater, and the atmosphere. It sustains all life, acting as a habitat for countless species, a resource for humans, and a critical component of Earth’s climate and weather systems. Through the water cycle, water continuously moves between land, air, and organisms, maintaining the delicate balance that supports life.
Be Earth Stewards of Our Water
Information
Clean Water Supply
Preventing pollution of rivers, lakes, and oceans to ensure safe drinking water and healthy aquatic ecosystems
Water Resources
Conserving freshwater supplies to prevent shortages and support agricultural and industrial needs sustainably.
Marine and Aquatic Biodiversity
Protecting the habitats of species that depend on oceans, rivers, and wetlands.
Wetlands and Natural Filters
Preserving ecosystems like wetlands and mangroves that filter pollutants and act as buffers against flooding.
Climate Resilience
Managing water systems to adapt to and mitigate the impacts of climate change, such as rising sea levels and droughts
Reduce Pollution
Avoid single-use plastics, properly dispose of hazardous materials, and support efforts to clean up polluted waterways
Conserve Water
Use water wisely by fixing leaks, turning off taps when not in use, and adopting water-efficient technologies in homes and businesses
Protect Wetlands and Ecosystems
Support conservation projects, avoid draining wetlands, and advocate for the protection of natural water systems
Prevent Runoff
Use sustainable farming and gardening practices to reduce chemical runoff into rivers and streams
Chemicals in Water
Ocean Carbon Capture Resources
The chemicals which are part of the natural processes such as the water cycle and nutrient cycling, which support aquatic ecosystems.
Human activities can alter their concentrations, leading to water quality issues such as contamination, eutrophication, or toxicity
1. Common Chemicals in Natural Water
Oxygen (O₂): Dissolved in water, essential for aquatic life.
Hydrogen (H₂): As part of water molecules (H₂O).
Carbon Dioxide (CO₂): Dissolved in water, contributes to acidity and is used by aquatic plants in photosynthesis.
Nitrogen (N₂): Found dissolved in water and important in aquatic ecosystems.
2. Mineral Salts
Sodium (Na⁺) and Chloride (Cl⁻): Found in significant amounts in seawater, making it salty.
Calcium (Ca²⁺) and Magnesium (Mg²⁺): Present in freshwater, responsible for water “hardness.”
Potassium (K⁺): An essential nutrient found in small amounts in natural waters.
Bicarbonate (HCO₃⁻): A buffering agent that stabilises the pH of water.
