ABSTRACT
Aquaphotomics is a new scientific discipline that offers novel methodology and tools for new discoveries and systematic organization of existing knowledge about the use of spectroscopy for water and aqueous systems and better understanding of bio- and aqueous systems investigation. Through multiwavelength light–water interaction, aquaphotomics aims to extract the information hidden in the complex multidimensional spectra and explain water structure–functionality relationship regarding the respective systems. This chapter presents the origin of the idea of aquaphotomics and respective terms and definitions previously introduced to accurately describe water as a multielement system through its absorbance spectral pattern. Specific experimental designs and novel approaches of data analysis are required to find the water absorbance spectral pattern, which captures the structure and dynamics of any aqueous system in an integrative manner. The main contributions of aquaphotomics are presented through examples of applications of aquaphotomics analysis in various fields from quantification of a variety of solutes at very low concentrations, previously thought impossible, through water and food quality monitoring, quantitative and qualitative analyses of biomolecule–water interaction, and lastly to disease diagnostics and biomedical applications. Aquaphotomics analysis of a variety of aqueous and biological systems, by revealing many aspects of water and its roles, is building a more complete understanding of this essential life element.
