What does the term 'aqueous' indicate?

The term 'aqueous' specifically refers to the presence of water in a solution. In chemistry, when a substance is dissolved in water, the resulting solution is termed 'aqueous.' This indicates that water is the solvent, and it is an essential aspect of many chemical reactions and processes, especially in environments such as aquatic systems where the dynamics between organisms and their habitat are influenced by the properties of water. Understanding this term is crucial for anyone working in aquatic applications, as it relates to how various substances interact in water, impacting water quality and ecosystem health.