Some Tables for the Ionic Composition of Sea Water

Abstract

There exists a considerable and increasing interest in the ionic composition of the various tissues and body fluids of a wide variety of animals. During the course of such investigations a knowledge of the ionic composition of the natural environment from which the animals were taken is often required. Routine determinations of salinity are usually made in a Marine Biological Laboratory, but the concept of salinity (or chlorinity), of fundamental importance in oceanography, is somewhat artificial and confusion may be felt by those not familiar with the concept.

Vapor Pressure of Sea Water Concentrates.

“…The composition of the original sea water is close to that expected from Barnes' comprehensive tables for the ionic composition of sea water (2). Calculations on the ratio of ions present in the concentrates show that the initial precipitation of calcium sulfate occurs at a density below 1.203 grams per cc.…”

THE APPARENT WATER-PERMEABILITY OF CARCINUS MAENAS (CRUSTACEA, BRACHYURA, PORTUNIDAE) AS A FUNCTION OF SALINITY

“…Since SW in my experiments had an average chloride concentration of 549 mM/\, its chlorosity is close to 19.1 ( / lt (Barnes, 1954) and its freezing point is -1.88 C ( Pantin, 1946), corresponding to an osmolarity of 1.01 osmoles. Rudy's assumption of a 1.0 osmolar concentration of SW is thus reasonable, but to apply the same method to blood is not advisable.…”

OSMOTIC ADJUSTMENT IN AN ESTUARINE POPULATION OFUROSALPINX CINEREA(SAY, 1822) (MURICIDAE, GASTROPODA)

“…Aerated, standing water was used, and the desired salinities were prepared five hours before use by either dilution of Great Bay water with well water or addition of artificial sea salt (Aquarium Systems, Inc.) to Great Bay water. Atomic absorption analysis of the experimental salinities and ambient Great Bay water showed that the relative proportions of the major inorganic ions did not differ significantly (less than 5 f J' c variation) from that of "normal" sea water (see Barnes, 1954). Salinities were checked for accuracy ( O.HiV) by titration with silver nitrate and adjusted if necessary before use.…”