Perspective Chapter: Boiling Point, Melting Point, Freezing Point – Water Is the Essence of Life, and What we Need to Do to Avert Calamity

Abstract

It is becoming increasingly clear that human activities lead to rapid changes in the environment which bring about ecosystem impairments that have direct health impacts involving water such as floods, water shortage, drought, and increased exposure to pollution. Although water constitutes 70% of the earth and we cannot add to the world’s water, many natural water sources have become sinks for contaminants. In many developing nations, these waterbodies are a vital source of water for drinking, household, and other purposes but have become a thriving habitat for waterborne pathogens causing diseases in animals and humans. Proper water quality monitoring strategies are required to protect ecosystem services, preserve biodiversity, and improve the sustainability of water resources.