Heavy-oxygen water, enriched with the oxygen-18 isotope, is extensively used in scientific research and medical diagnostics. In metabolic studies, it serves as a tracer to investigate the pathways and rates of biochemical reactions within living organisms. By incorporating heavy-oxygen water into biological systems, researchers can track the movement and transformation of oxygen atoms, providing insights into processes like photosynthesis, respiration, and drug metabolism.

In medical imaging, particularly in positron emission tomography (PET) scans, heavy-oxygen water is used to produce radioactive isotopes that help visualize and assess blood flow and oxygen utilization in tissues. This is crucial for diagnosing and monitoring conditions such as cancer, heart disease, and neurological disorders.

Additionally, heavy-oxygen water plays a role in environmental science, where it is employed to study water cycles, including evaporation, precipitation, and groundwater movement. This helps in understanding climate dynamics and managing water resources more effectively. Its unique properties make it an invaluable tool across various scientific and medical fields.