Osmotic Conditions Question

Why can't humans drink seawater?

• We have been told that drinking salt water is bad. Why?

Answer: salty water dehydrates us

Some fun facts

• Human blood has a salinity (salt concentration) of 0.9%
• Seawater has a salinity of 3.5%
• Drinking seawater creates hypertonic conditions for cells
• In hypertonic conditions, cells lose water

What does this all mean?

• Drinking water that is saltier than your blood will make you lose water
• Drinking salt water = dehydration :(

Thank you :)