Seawater, while not potable without treatment, offers various applications across diverse fields. Its high mineral content makes it a valuable resource, though proper treatment is crucial for many uses.
Uses of Seawater
Seawater finds applications in several industries and practices:
1. Food Production:
- Brining: Seawater can be used for brining foods like kimchi, contributing to a unique flavor profile. This method is mentioned in Sandor Katz's work and has been confirmed by Reddit users.
- Cooking: Some culinary traditions utilize small amounts of seawater in cooking, adding natural saltiness to dishes like pasta, rice, and vegetables. Experienced sailors even attest to the flavor enhancement in boiled foods when using seawater. It can even replace added salt in some bread recipes. A blog post describes a “Jones Beach Bread” recipe using seawater.
- Beadmaking: Seawater can substitute for salt in certain bead-making processes.
2. Industrial Applications:
- Aquaculture: Seawater is the foundation for many aquaculture operations, providing a natural environment for marine life cultivation.
- Cosmetics and Pharmaceuticals: Minerals in seawater are utilized in some cosmetics and pharmaceutical products.
3. Other Uses:
- Agriculture (with proper treatment): Research explores using treated seawater in agriculture, leveraging its mineral content.
Important Considerations:
- Desalination: For drinking, seawater requires desalination to remove salt and other impurities. A filtration system similar to municipal water treatment is necessary. This is a point noted in a StackExchange discussion.
- Safety: Never use untreated seawater for drinking or purposes requiring purity (e.g., contact with electronic devices like iPhones). Using seawater with electronics is strongly discouraged.
Conclusion
Seawater, while undrinkable in its natural state, has several practical applications in food preparation, industrial processes, and potentially agriculture after proper treatment.