Saline water, or saltwater, with a salinity level up to 2% is commonly used for various purposes, from medical treatments to scientific experiments. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to make saline water at home:

Materials Needed:

1. Water: Distilled or boiled water is preferred to ensure purity.
2. Salt: Non-iodized salt is best for making saline solutions.

Steps:

1. Measure the Water: Start with a clean container that can hold the amount of saline water you need. Measure out the appropriate amount of water using a measuring cup or a scale for accuracy.
2. Calculate the Salt Needed: Salinity is typically measured in parts per thousand (ppt) or percentage (%) by weight. For a 2% saline solution, you’ll need to add 20 grams of salt per liter of water. If you’re making a smaller amount, adjust accordingly (e.g., 2 grams of salt for 100 ml of water).
3. Mixing the Solution:
   • Boil and Cool Method: Boil the water to ensure it’s sterile. Allow it to cool to room temperature before adding salt.
   • Room Temperature Method: If using room temperature water, ensure it’s clean and free of contaminants.
4. Add Salt Gradually: Gradually add the measured salt to the water while stirring continuously. Stir until the salt is completely dissolved. It may take a few minutes for the salt to dissolve completely, depending on the water temperature.
5. Check Salinity: Use a salinity refractometer or a hydrometer if you have one to measure the salinity level accurately. For a 2% solution, the specific gravity should be around 1.015.
6. Storage: Store the saline water in a clean, sealed container. Label the container with the date and concentration of the saline solution.

Tips:

• Sterility: If the saline water is intended for medical use, ensure all equipment and containers used are sterile.
• Measurement: Use precise measurements to achieve the desired salinity level.
• Purpose: Understand the intended use of the saline water to determine the appropriate salinity level.

Uses of Saline Water:

• Medical: Used for nasal irrigation, wound cleaning, and as a base for some medications.
• Laboratory: Used in experiments and research where precise salinity levels are required.
• Industrial: Used in certain manufacturing processes and testing environments.

Making saline water at home up to 2% salinity is straightforward and requires minimal materials. By following these steps, you can create saline water suitable for various applications effectively and safely.