1.2 → Die physikalisch-chemischen Eigenschaften des Wassers und ihre Bedeutung für das Leben
(B. C. Gordalla, M. B. Müller & F. Frimmel)
The physicochemical properties of water and their relevance for life:
As component of both organic and inorganic substances as well as in its function as solvent, reaction and transport medium, water is essential for all abiotic and biotic processes on Earth.
Due to its ability of forming intermolecular hydrogen bonds, water possesses a range of particular physicochemical properties which are of fundamental relevance for the matter and energy budgets of ecosystems. This chapter gives an overview of the most important physicochemical properties of water and their relevance for life on Earth.