Water is classified into different types based on its salinity, which is the concentration of dissolved salts. These categories are defined by the amount of salt present, measured in parts per million (ppm).
Here's a breakdown of the different types of water based on their salinity:
- Freshwater: Contains less than 1,000 ppm of dissolved salts. This type of water is suitable for most human uses and supports diverse ecosystems. Examples include rivers, lakes, and most groundwater.
- Slightly Saline Water: Ranges from 1,000 ppm to 3,000 ppm.
- Moderately Saline Water: Ranges from 3,000 ppm to 10,000 ppm.
- Highly Saline Water: Ranges from 10,000 ppm to 35,000 ppm.
- Seawater: Typically has a salinity of around 35,000 ppm (3.5%). This is the water found in oceans and seas.
- Brine: Contains more than 35,000 ppm of dissolved salts. Brine is often found in salt lakes or produced as a byproduct of desalination processes.
In summary, water is categorized from freshwater to brine based on increasing salt concentration, influencing its suitability for different purposes and the types of life it can support.
