This substitute ocean water may be used for laboratory testing where a reproducible solution simulating sea water is required. Examples are for tests on oil contamination, detergency evaluation, and corrosion testing.

Note 2—The lack of organic matter, suspended matter, and marine life in this solution does not permit unqualified acceptance of test results as representing performance in actual ocean water. Where corrosion is involved, the results obtained from laboratory tests may not approximate those secured under natural testing conditions that differ greatly from those of the laboratory, and especially where effects of velocity, salt atmospheres, or organic constituents are involved. Also the rapid depletion of reacting elements present in low concentrations suggests caution in direct application of results.

1.1 This practice covers the preparation of solutions containing inorganic salts in proportions and concentrations representative of ocean water.

Note 1—Since the concentrations of ocean water varies with sampling location, the gross concentration employed herein is an average of many reliable individual analyses. Trace elements, occurring naturally in concentrations below 0.005 mg/L, are not included.

1.2 This practice provides three stock solutions, each relatively concentrated but stable in storage. For preparation of substitute ocean water, aliquots of the first two stock solutions with added salt are combined in larger volume. An added refinement in adjustment of heavy metal concentration is provided by the addition of a small aliquot of the third stock solution to the previous solution.

1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.