Brine, in the
scientific sense, is
water that is so
saturated with
salts (and other dissolved minerals), that the salt
concentration exceeds that of
ordinary sea water or
ocean water.
Typically,
sea water has a salt concentration ranging from 35 to 50
parts per thousand (ppt), while brine has a salt concentration
greater than 50 parts per thousand (ppt).
Natural examples of brine include the waters of the
Dead Sea (formerly named Salt Sea),
Mono Lake and
Great Salt Lake. Man-made or
artificial brine would be water that is
salinated until it becomes saturated with salt, exceeding 50 ppt, for
cooking,
cleaning, etc.
Brine
creates an
unsuitable environment for most
organisms, including
fish. Few organisms, however, are
capable of tolerating and surviving the high
salinity of brine. Such organisms, called
halophiles, include certain species of
bacteria and
algae. A few other types of
wildlife, such as certain species of
brine fly,
brine shrimp and
flamingos are also capable of, not only tolerating brine, but thriving on it.