Water question for scientists...we CAN'T make ocean water...

[postie]

Just watched a show explaining how ocean water is made up of two kinds of water: H20 and HDO. The HDO water has an extra neutron than regular H2O water. I assume the water we use, whether it be distilled or RO or tap, depending on the hobbyist is regular H2O.

This show did not go into detail about percentages of each kind of water found in the ocean, but I was wondering how the lack of HDO, with the extra neutron, might affect our fish/reef keeping systems. The HDO water is the same water that makes up comets in space, but this water also makes up some percentage of our oceans.

Are there any scientists out there who might have an opinion???

Thanks as always...I found this an interesting topic because we all work so hard to keep our water perfect!

 

[tinyreef]

disclaimer: not a chemist guy

i think you're talking about deuterium (D). a heavy isoptope of hydrogen (H) that occurs naturally. the difference between D and H is that D has one proton, one neutron, and one electron whereas H has one proton and one electron only.

i don't think it has any/much influence or application to us. you needn't think about it unless you're into heavy-water nukes (i.e. iranian) or you're an egghead nuclear physicist trying to create nuclear fusion.

but it does gives spring water that extra sparkling kick. mmmhhmmm!



ok, ok, i made up that last one.

 

[Anonymous]

What he said. It's such a small component of natural sea water it's inconsequential.

Also, I don't know for sure that tap water (or RO/DI water) isn't partly composed of heavy water. I'm sure seven ephors can fill us in here....

 

[Anonymous]

I had read that Heavy water comprises about 1ppb of all water sources on the planet. I had thought this included fresh water since heavy water evaporates just like normal water.

 

[Anonymous]

The HDO is everywhere, and there is no easy way to separate it out from H2O. It is in RO/DI and every cup of water you drink.

It is interesting to know that heavy water affects our metabolism. Experiment with heavy water and goldfish shows that it will kill the fish in high concentration. Some of the essential enzyme just don't work in anything other than H2O.

If our ocean is pure D2O, it will be clear instead of blue due to different spectral absorption.

Worked with D2O and other deuterated compounds (CH2DOH, etc.) in my lab. Need to recycle it because it is so expensive.

 

[Anonymous]

ya learn something new everyday around here!

 

[Sugar Magnolia]

ya learn something new everyday around here!

Yep, and what isn't surprising, is that the bouncing Snoopy knew this. Never ceases to amaze, that one.

 

[Anonymous]

ya learn something new everyday around here!

Yep, and what isn't surprising, is that the bouncing Snoopy knew this. Never ceases to amaze, that one.

Never underestimate a dog's capabilities my dear...:lol:

 

[tinyreef]

Yep, and what isn't surprising, is that the bouncing Snoopy knew this. Never ceases to amaze, that one.

actually, i consulted the magic eight ball first.

 

[Anonymous]

I learned the other day that whatever ever "warning" is given on poisons dictates how strong it is.

When it says "Caution" it's not too bad, "Warning" it's better, "Danger" means its some really good sh*t!

 

[Anonymous]

Eh, you're all wet! :lol:


Pretty cool stuff in this thread! I agree with Lawdawg! 8)

~wings~

 

[postie]

Thanks for all the replies. I am no scientist by any stretch, so I found it fascinating that there was different "water" by such a scientific degree. It just got me to thinking that we could never actually duplicate nature, although if the heavier water is in ALL water....maybe we can, huh? Interesting...and great replies...keep 'em coming