Waterprocent

Waterprocent is a term used to describe the proportion of water contained in a substance, expressed as a percentage of its total mass or, less commonly, its volume. It serves as a general indicator of moisture content and is distinct from water activity, which measures the availability of water for chemical reactions and microbial growth.

In practice, waterprocent is determined by quantifying the water in a sample and comparing it to the sample’s total mass. Common methods include drying the sample to a constant weight (gravimetric moisture content) and calculating the water fraction, or using chemical techniques such as Karl Fischer titration for precise water content. Other approaches include thermogravimetric analysis and various spectroscopic methods. Values can be reported on a wet basis (percentage of total mass that is water) or on a dry basis (percentage of the dry matter that is water).

Applications of waterprocent span many fields. In food and agriculture, it helps assess freshness, texture, and shelf life. In pharmaceuticals and cosmetics, it informs stability and formulation. In construction materials, textiles, and other industries, watercontent affects drying, strength, weight, and handling. Researchers use waterprocent to study hydration processes and material behavior under different conditions.

In a human context, body water percentage refers to the fraction of body mass that is water and varies with age, sex, and body composition. Adults typically have about 50–65% water by weight, with higher values in infants and lower values in older adults.

Waterprocent should not be confused with water activity, which relates to the availability of water for reactions or microbial growth.