Located in the Middle East, the Dead Sea, also known as the Salt Sea, is the lowest point on earth at 1,300 feet below sea level according to the Jewish Virtual Library. The sea is fed by the Jordan River and because opf its high rate of evaporation, is a concentrated source of raw chemicals, or salts. The Dead Sea is more salty and dense than any other body of water on earth, having eight times more salt concentration than any ocean or sea. These concentrated salts are exported throughout the world for use in medicine, agriculture and industry.
Potassium
Found in the form of Potassium Chloride, the potassium content of the Dead Sea is estimated to be 1.9 billion tons says WysInfo, a web documentary. A company called Dead Sea Works processes the potassium chloride to create a product called potash. Potash, an impure form of potassium carbonate, is used as fertilizer and for manufacturing of glass and soap. The by-products of this process also produces kitchen salt, calcium chloride and magnesium chloride, which are further processed and used at home and industry.
Phosphoric Acid
Made from the brine of the Dead Sea Works and the sediment from the western region of the Dead Sea, Israel Quarries have produced a high-quality phosphoric acid. WysInfo reports the phosphoric acid is used as a base for high-quality fertilizers.
Bromine
The Dead Sea is an abundant source of Bromine, containing 1 billion tons according to the Mineral Information Institute. Bromine is a liquid nonmetallic reactive and poisonous chemical. Bromine is used in fumigants, flame-proofing agents, water purification compounds, dyes, some medicines, and sanitizers.
Magnesium
The concentration of magnesium in the Dead Sea is over 13 percent, translating into over 17 billion tons WysInfo reports. They go on to say the amount of magnesium present in the Dead Sea is enough to support needs for several centuries. Magnesium is used in the auto and aviation industries.
Curative Factors of the Dead Sea
The salt and mineral content of the Dead Sea plays a role in its curative appeal says WysInfo. The concentration of the salts influences blood circulation and breathing, while the mineral content affects the absorption and discharge of ions through the skin. The medically supervised spas along the Dead Sea use the waters to treat allergic skin reactions, the nervous system, rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis.
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