Natural Water

What is Natural Water?

Water in rivers, lakes, reservoirs and groundwater, which is never only water. It may contain dissolved oxygen, metal compounds, plastics, sewage, harmful microbes, nitrates from fertilisers and phosphates from fertilisers and detergents. Dissolved oxygen is essential for aquatic life and some metal compounds supply essential minerals; the remaining substances, and metal compounds that are toxic, are harmful.

This definition is part of the Chemistry of the Environment chapter in Cambridge O Level Chemistry.

Concepts related to Natural Water

• dissolved oxygen
• nitrates and phosphates
• Domestic Water Treatment