What is Saline Water?
Saline water, also known as saltwater, is water containing a high concentration of dissolved salts, primarily sodium chloride (common table salt). This contrasts with freshwater, which has a low salt concentration. The salinity, or saltiness, varies greatly depending on the source.
The amount of salt dissolved in water is measured as salinity, often expressed in parts per thousand (ppt) or parts per million (ppm). Seawater, for example, has a salinity of roughly 35,000 ppm (or 35 ppt), meaning 35 grams of salt per liter of water. Wikipedia
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) notes that "Water that is saline contains significant amounts (referred to as 'concentrations') of dissolved salts..." These salts aren't just sodium chloride; other minerals contribute to salinity.
Uses of Saline Water and Saline Solutions
Saline solutions, created by dissolving salt in water, have many applications:
- Medical uses: Saline solutions are widely used in medicine for cleaning wounds, rinsing sinuses (Cleveland Clinic, WebMD), and administering intravenous fluids. Normal saline, a specific concentration (0.9% sodium chloride), is a common crystalloid fluid used in hospitals. (NCBI) It can also be used in nasal sprays for congestion relief. (AAAI)
- Homemade saline solutions: Simple saline solutions can be made at home using distilled or boiled water and non-iodized salt (Medical News Today). However, careful measurement is crucial to avoid harming sensitive tissues.
- Industrial applications: Saline water is relevant in industrial processes, including lithium extraction from brines (Nature).
Important Note on Saline Solutions
While homemade saline solutions can be helpful, always follow precise instructions and use sterile water for medical applications. Incorrectly made solutions can be harmful. The FDA issues recalls on medical products when necessary, including saline and sterile water products (FDA).
