Last edited 15 Mar 2023

Surface water activity

Approved Document F Volume 1, 2021 edition, defines surface water activity as: ‘A measure of the availability of water to micro-organisms. Surface water activity is determined from the ratio of the vapour pressure of the water in the substrate to the vapour pressure of pure water at the same temperature and pressure. This ratio, in steady-state conditions, is numerically equal to the equilibrium relative humidity of the air, except that the latter is commonly expressed as a percentage.’

See also: Surface water.

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