What makes up the ‘salt’ in salt water?

I am writing this as a very long overdue expansion to a post that I wrote November 25, 2008,  “What happens if I swallow salt water?“. The pertinent information lacking was the composition of the salt in salt water (my sincerest apologies).

The salt in salt water is:

• 77.6% table salt;
• 10.88% magnesium chloride;
• 4.74% epson salts;
• 3.60% calcium sulfates;
• 2.47% potassium sulfates;
• 0.34% lime; and
• 0.51% trace minerals.

(Did you know that a lot of cities are now using a form of magnesium chloride on roadways instead of rock salt during icy conditions? It is not as toxic to nearby plants and waters.)

Do you have another great question? Email info@beachchairscientist.com and share your thoughts!