From Brook to Ocean - Water: the Challenge of the Future

Somlyody, Laszlo

László Somlyódy, engineer and member of HAS, lectured about water as the element of all that is living, form brook to ocean. As to its structure, water is the simplest and smallest asymmetric molecule, formed of oxygen and hydrogen. Within a narrow temperature range, water is present in three different states, which is very advantageous for life. Hydrogen bonds make water into a powerful solvent, thus making water the primary medium of the emergence of life. Practical applications, such as one of the best innovations of the modern age, the flush toilet, gave way to loads of socio-environmental effects. Today, water science offers analyses to decision-makers concerning water pollution, the problems of Lake Balaton, and prospects for our water reserves. Water is an increasingly limited resource so it is our human and social responsibility to learn to deal with it.

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