Why we do not drink sea water?


Seawater is a complex mixture of many different substances. Some of these substances can be observed when the water in seawater evaporates and leaves behind salt. It consists of 96.5% water, 2.5% salts, and smaller amounts of other substances, including dissolved inorganic and organic materials, particulates, and a few atmospheric gases.

Salt in the ocean is mainly caused by rain washing mineral ions from the land into the water. 

Carbon dioxide in the air dissolves into rainwater, making it slightly acidic. 

When rain falls, it weathers the rocks, releasing mineral salts that separate into ions. These ions are carried away by runoff water wash off into oceans, thus making it salty. Our kidneys can only make urine that is less salty than saltwater. Therefore, to get rid of all the excess salt taken in by drinking seawater, you have to urinate more water than you drank and your thirst will be unquenchable. Eventually, you die of dehydration even as you become thirstier.

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Updated on: 10-Oct-2022

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