Amazonian Waters: from the chemistry of life to the environmental crisis

Abstract

Water (H₂O) is a fundamental element for life on Earth, playing essential roles in physical, chemical, and biological processes that sustain ecosystems. This study aims to discuss the origin of water, its chemical properties, its importance in the hydrological cycle, and the environmental challenges associated with its use, with emphasis on the Amazon region and specifically the Lake Tefé. The research is characterized as bibliographic, based on the analysis of national and international scientific literature. The results indicate that although water is a renewable resource, its quality and availability have been increasingly affected by human activities, especially due to improper waste disposal, highlighting the presence of microplastics in aquatic ecosystems. In the Amazon context, the hydrological dynamics are complex and highly sensitive to environmental interferences, reinforcing the need for local studies. In Lake Tefé, this scenario becomes more critical due to its importance for transportation, subsistence, and regional development. It is concluded that the preservation of water resources depends on collective awareness, environmental education, and sustainable practices, emphasizing that water conservation must be continuous and not limited to commemorative dates.