Can water be created or destroyed
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Can Water Be Created or Destroyed?
Natural Processes and Water Creation
Volcanic Activity and Water Formation
Water on Earth has a long history tied to volcanic activity. In ancient times, water vapor primarily originated from volcanic eruptions, which then condensed to form liquid water bodies due to favorable temperature conditions on Earth. Even today, volcanoes continue to produce new water, although the amount generated is negligible compared to the vast existing reservoirs of water on the planet.
Water in Star-Forming Environments
In star-forming environments, water can be both created and destroyed under specific conditions. X-rays and far ultraviolet (FUV) radiation from young stellar objects (YSOs) can influence water chemistry. For instance, at temperatures below 100 K, water abundance can be slightly altered by X-rays. However, at higher temperatures (250 K and above), water can persist even under high X-ray fluxes. Despite this, water is often destroyed in the envelopes of Class 0 and I YSOs on relatively short timescales due to X-ray exposure.
Human Influence and Water Destruction
Plasma Activated Water (PAW)
Human technology can also influence water properties. For example, plasma activated water (PAW) is created using a cold plasma microjet. This process can alter the physicochemical characteristics of water, enhancing its disinfection efficiency. PAW can destroy cell membranes and increase intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), demonstrating a form of water transformation and utilization for sterilization purposes.
Destruction of Pollutants in Water
Water can also be involved in the destruction of pollutants. The combination of ozone and ultraviolet (UV) radiation is highly effective in breaking down trihalomethane (THM) precursors in water. This process involves the destruction of initial precursors and the formation and subsequent destruction of secondary precursors, showcasing how water can be a medium for chemical transformations.
Water's Role in Biomolecular Structures
Disruption of Amyloid Fibrils
Water molecules play a crucial role in the formation and destruction of biomolecular structures. For instance, in the destruction of amyloid fibrils via infrared free-electron laser (IR-FEL) irradiation, water molecules can inhibit the re-formation of hydrogen bonds between protein aggregates. This disruption leads to the breakdown of the fibril structure, highlighting water's unique role in biological processes.
Conclusion
In summary, while water itself is generally neither created nor destroyed in significant amounts through natural environmental processes, it can undergo various transformations. Volcanic activity and stellar environments can produce and destroy water under specific conditions. Human technologies, such as plasma activation and ozone/UV treatment, can alter water properties and use it to destroy pollutants. Additionally, water molecules play a vital role in the structural integrity of biomolecules, further demonstrating its dynamic nature.
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