Deuterium in Nature
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the deuterium content of the surface waters in our climate zone is 150 ppm, with a minimum fluctuation; of the rainfall in the equatorial zone of 155 ppm; and of the waters in the northern part of Canada, inland, of 135-140 ppm. The amount of deuterium in the water varies depending on the latitude, but also on the altitude (it has a value of 150 ppm at sea level and of about 130 ppm at a height of 2,000 meters). The amount of deuterium measured in water in a particular geographical area is directly proportional to the concentration of deuterium in the organisms living in that area.
Deuterium concentrationin the body of an adult is about 12-14 mmol/l. Although it does not seem much, comparing this amount with the mass of other vital elements, it is observed that deuterium is present in the blood in an amount six times higher than calcium and ten times higher than magnesium.
Deuterium propertiesDeuterium can have kinetic isotopic effects different than hydrogen, and the physical and chemical properties of deuterium compounds differ from those of hydrogen compounds. For example, D2O (heavy water) is thicker and heavier than H2O (normal water).
Heavy water is about 10% denser than normal water, enough …Continue reading
