What is the difference between major constituents, minor constituents, and trace elements? What are some examples of each?
· The ocean contains all the elements that are found in the Earth's crust. These elements are in different concentrations in the ocean.
· Major constituents are the most abundant elements in the ocean. These are the majority of dissolved inorganic solids which make up the salinity of the ocean. The most abundant ions in the ocean include chlorine, sodium, sulfate, magnesium, calcium, potassium and bicarbonate.
· Minor constituents are those that have a higher concentration than 1 part per million, but are not considered abundant. Examples of minor constituents are: bromine, strontium, boron, silicon, and fluorine.
· Trace elements are those that are in less than 1 part per million concentrations in the ocean. There are 14 important trace elements that are essential for the processes of life. These trace elements include nitrogen, lithium, iodine, phosphorus, zinc, iron, aluminum, manganese, lead, mercury and gold.
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