Most Microbes Need an Environment That Has a Water Activity

Question

Most microbes need an environment that has a water activity of at least 0.90.

Accepted Answer

This statement is true. Most microbes need a water activity of at least 0.90, which means that they require a minimum level of moisture to grow and reproduce. Water activity is a measure of the amount of available water in a substance, and it ranges from 0 (completely dry) to 1 (pure water). Most bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms require a water activity of at least 0.90 to grow and thrive. Below this level, their metabolism slows down or stops altogether, and they become dormant or die.