Sea Minerals Research Articles

The International Seabed Authority and the Push for Exploitation of Deep Seabed Minerals: Does the Doctrine of Legitimate Expectations Apply?

Abstract The International Seabed Authority (or ISA) is nearing a world-first decision: whether to approve, on behalf of humankind, potentially in the absence of regulations, an application for exploitation rights over deep sea minerals. We assess whether an operator, who invested in exploration activities but whose application to mine was refused by the ISA, may successfully take legal action against the ISA based on their ‘legitimate expectations’ to be granted exploitation rights. We find significant obstacles for such a claim. Firstly, the ISA has with contractors a legal relationship that differs from that between sovereign states and foreign investors. Furthermore, exploration contractors assumed the risk of carrying exploration despite knowing that, due to its complex institutional structures, and need to adapt to evolving international norms and new scientific information, the ISA could ultimately decide to proceed in a different direction. Finally, there are sizeable procedural challenges for any prospective claimant against the ISA relying on ‘legitimate expectations’, both in accessing the relevant forum and in identifying an enforceable remedy.

WITHDRAWN: An Investigation of a Hybrid Solar-Mineral Disinfection Technique Using Zeolite and Dead Sea Clay

Effluents from water treatment plants (WTP) can often contain a complex mixture of residual micro-contaminants and organisms, not removed during wastewater treatment. A combined trickling filter, activated sludge treatment, ozonation, membrane filtration, and suspended biofilm reactors have been shown to reduce these contaminants in waste effluent but at high capita cost. This study examined an inexpensive method of purifying water, which combines solar water disinfection with natural mineral clays (SOMIN-DIS). The study involved the addition of two types of mineral clays, Zeolite and Dead Sea minerals, to containers of polluted wastewater, at varying concentrations. The containers were then subjected to different durations of sunlight exposure. Then, samples were taken from all of the containers to quantify the overall numbers of Total Coliform, Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P.aeruginosa), and Escherichia coli (E.coli), utilizing the IDEXX system. The findings indicated that incorporating Dead Sea clay and Zeolite into SODIS-treated wastewater decreased the overall number of harmful microorganisms and shortened the disinfection duration, as compared to using natural minerals and solar water disinfection (SODIS) independently. Additionally, the study determined that the most effective concentration of Dead Sea minerals, resulting in the least amounts of harmful microorganisms and shortest purification duration, was 0.001g/ml. In contrast, the optimum concentration of Zeolite was 0.002g/ml. In general, the addition of Dead Sea and Zeolite minerals to the wastewater increased the inactivation of bacteria under SODIS from 40% to 65%.

Assessment of the feed additive consisting of Levilactobacillus brevisDSM 21982 for all animal species for the renewal of its authorisation (Marigot Ltd T/A Celtic Sea Minerals).

Following a request from the European Commission, EFSA was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the assessment of the application for renewal of Levilactobacillus brevis DSM 21982 as a technological feed additive, silage additive, for all animal species. The applicant has provided evidence that the additive currently on the market complies with the existing conditions of authorisation. The Panel concluded that the additive remains safe for all animal species, consumers and the environment. Regarding user safety, the additive should be considered as a skin and respiratory sensitiser. No conclusions can be drawn on the eye irritancy potential of the additive. There is no need for assessing the efficacy of the additive in the context of the renewal of the authorisation.

An investigation of a hybrid solar-mineral disinfection technique using Zeolite and Dead Sea clay

Effluents from water treatment plants (WTP) can often contain a complex mixture of residual micro-contaminants and organisms, not removed during wastewater treatment. A combined trickling filter, activated sludge treatment, ozonation, membrane filtration, and suspended biofilm reactors have been shown to reduce these contaminants in waste effluent but at high capita cost. This study examined an inexpensive method of purifying water, which combines solar water disinfection with natural mineral clays (SOMIN-DIS). The study involved the addition of two types of mineral clays, Zeolite and Dead Sea minerals, to containers of polluted wastewater, at varying concentrations. The containers were then subjected to different durations of sunlight exposure. Then, samples were taken from all of the containers to quantify the overall numbers of Total Coliform, Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P.aeruginosa), and Escherichia coli (E.coli), utilizing the IDEXX system. The findings indicated that incorporating Dead Sea clay and Zeolite into SODIS-treated wastewater decreased the overall number of harmful microorganisms and shortened the disinfection duration, as compared to using natural minerals and solar water disinfection (SODIS) independently. Additionally, the study determined that the most effective concentration of Dead Sea minerals, resulting in the least amounts of harmful microorganisms and shortest purification duration, was 0.001 g/ml. In contrast, the optimum concentration of Zeolite was 0.002 g/ml. In general, the addition of Dead Sea and Zeolite minerals to the wastewater increased the inactivation of bacteria under SODIS from 40% to 65%.

Legitimate Interest of Coastal States in Seabed Mining: Indonesia’s Practice

This paper focuses on the utilization of sea mineral resources in areas within national jurisdiction and in the international seabed area (hereafter known as the Area). It discusses Indonesian laws relevant to seabed mining and the need for such laws to take into consideration the maritime zones and activities in the Area, as stipulated by UNCLOS 1982. This paper begins with the identification of potential sea minerals both within national jurisdiction and in the Area. Next, it analyzes the international legal framework on seabed mining, including a discussion on the meaning of "legitimate interests of coastal States" and on the participation of developing states in the Area, as stipulated in Article 142 and 148 of UNCLOS 1982. Then, the national legal framework relating to seabed mining is discussed. Using the juridical-normative method, this paper finds that Indonesia does not currently have comprehensive national regulations covering seabed mining within its jurisdiction and in the Area. Although there is a presidential decree on the exploitation of sea sand, it is limited to institutional arrangements and only focuses on sea sand. Thus, this paper recommends the formulation of national regulations regarding the use of the seabed, both within and beyond national jurisdiction.

Sea minerals and marine recycled water use obtained through an innovative extraction process for the cultivation of Impatiens glandulifera and Helianthus annuus

Research objective: The aim of this research was to evaluate the stimulating potential of (FertilTomix: product based on minerals and organic molecules from the sea) obtained from an innovative extraction process and to determine the possible use of the recycled sea water obtained from this process for the cultivation of Impatiens glandulifera and Helianthus annuus. Materials and Methods: The experiments, which started in September 2022, were conducted in the CREA-OF greenhouses in Pescia, Italy. Two experiments were carried out for each species in cultivation. One test was performed to evaluate the biostimulant activity of FertilTomix compared with an algae-based biostimulant and a fertilised control. A second experiment was carried out to evaluate the possible use of water obtained from the extraction process of sea minerals as possible irrigation water for plants. On February 15, 2023, plant height, leaves number, leaves surface area, vegetative weight, roots weight and length, the number of germinated seeds, average germination time, the number of microorganisms in the substrate, plants dead number were determined. In addition, the SPAD index was measured on three leaves pinched from the bottom to the apex of the canopy of each plant (for a total of 90 measurements per treatment). Results and Discussion: The first experiment showed that the use of FertilTomix, irrespective of the extraction process, was able to significantly increase seed germination, vegetative and root growth (Figures 2-3), root length and reduce mortality of Impatiens glandulifera plants (Tables 1-2). As found in the first experiment in the treated theses, a significant increase in microbial biomass was noted, which definitely influenced seed germination, vegetative and root development and significantly reduced plant mortality. With regard to the second part of the experiment carried out to test whether recycled water, obtained from the extraction process of sea minerals, was valid for plant irrigation, the data showed that it can indeed be used successfully on Helianthus annuus. There are as yet no cost-effective technologies and processes in the world capable of extracting minerals from seawater that are useful for fertilising plants and recycling process water that can be used for irrigation. The technology of the FertilTomix product itself could be regarded as innovations in this respect, which deserve great consideration and expanded knowledge. Conclusions: The test demonstrated a significant effect on plant growth after the application of certain extracts obtained by an innovative mineral extraction process from seawater. Furthermore, the possibility of being able to use recycled seawater from this process to irrigate plants, which is very interesting and applicable in countries where this resource is scarce. New experiments are currently underway to test the product on new plant species in and out of soil and to assess whether the application of FertilTomix can increase the organoleptic and nutraceutical quality of treated fruits and vegetables.

Sea minerals and marine recycled water use obtained through an innovative extraction process for the cultivation of Impatiens glandulifera and Helianthus annuus

Sea minerals and marine recycled water use obtained through an innovative extraction process for the cultivation of Impatiens glandulifera and Helianthus annuus

Urgent assessment needed to evaluate potential impacts on cetaceans from deep seabed mining

Deep seabed mining operations, if permitted, could present significant risks to ocean ecosystems. Disturbance on any scale is likely to be long lasting and irreversible. Scant research to date has examined the impact that deep sea minerals extraction would have on cetaceans. The Clarion-Clipperton Zone (CCZ) is of particular interest to mining companies aiming to exploit polymetallic nodules. The CCZ, with an average depth of 5,500 m and an area of approximately 11,650,000 km2, is a habitat for cetaceans including baleen (mysticetes) and toothed whales (odontocetes). Of particular concern is anthropogenic noise. If permitted, commercial-scale mining is expected to operate 24-hours a day, at varying depths. The sounds produced from mining operations, including from remotely operated vehicles on the seafloor, overlap with the frequencies at which cetaceans communicate, which can cause auditory masking and behavior change in marine mammals. Cetaceans are already facing numerous stressors, including climate change, and many species are still recovering from centuries of exploitation. We argue the need for urgent research to assess more fully the potential impact of deep seabed mining on cetaceans.

Sea Minerals Reduce Dysbiosis, Improve Pasture Productivity and Plant Morphometrics in Pasture Dieback Affected Soils

Pasture dieback (PD) is a grassland deteriorating syndrome resulting in grass loss and weed expansion in Australian pastures, with current estimates indicating that over four million hectares are affected. PD creates financial losses to the industry by reducing animal carrying capacity and producing poor-quality feed, resulting in diminished productivity. After more than a decade since PD first appeared in Australia, the causes and effective treatments are still unknown. Suggested causes include soil microbiota dysbiosis, pathogens, insects, climate change and overuse of chemical fertilisers. Sea minerals have been suggested as capable of improving plants’ yield, quality, taste, and nutritional value, but were never brought into conventional practice as an alternative to chemical fertilisers. Here, we investigated the capacity of sea minerals to improve grass health and yield of PD-affected soil. The replicate plots were treated with water or with 4 mL/m2 of commercially available sea mineral product to investigate the soil chemistry profile, plant morphometrics, pasture productivity, soil microbiota profile, and microbiota-nutrient interactions. Sea mineral application significantly increased total dry matter 20 weeks after a single application, translating to an additional 967 kg/ha; this benefit was still present at 498 kg/ha eleven months post a single application. Sea mineral application improved soil microbiota by boosting beneficial taxa while reducing genera associated with arid and toxic soils. Additionally, sea mineral application increased the number of grassroots up to eleven months post a single application. Our data suggest the benefits of sea mineral application to damaged, unproductive or exhausted soils could be further explored as a natural, affordable, and non-toxic alternative to chemical fertilisers.

Effects of calcareous marine algae on milk production, feed intake, energy balance, mineral status, and inflammatory markers in transition dairy cows

The objective of this experiment was to compare the effects of calcareous marine algae (CMA; Acid Buf, Celtic Sea Minerals) with a limestone-based control on feed intake, milk production, energy balance, serum mineral metabolites, and inflammatory markers in transition dairy cows. Twenty-two multiparous and 10 primiparous cows were assigned to 2 treatments from 25 d before expected parturition until 42 d postpartum. Cows were assigned to treatment according to a randomized complete block design based on parity, pre-experimental body condition score, previous 305-d milk yield, and either fat + protein yield (for multiparous cows) or predicted transmitting ability for milk yield and fat + protein yield (for primiparous cows). Cows were fed a negative dietary cation-anion difference [-50 mEq/kg] total mixed ration (TMR) based on corn silage, grass silage, and straw during the prepartum period and a 50:50 forage:concentrate TMR based on grass silage, corn silage, and concentrate during the postpartum period. The 2 dietary treatments consisted of a control (CON), which contained limestone as the primary calcium source, and CMA, in which limestone was replaced by CMA at 0.42% and 0.47% of dry matter for the pre- and postpartum periods, respectively. The dietary treatments were fed as 2 different concentrate pellets added to the TMR. Cows fed the CMA diet had higher dry matter intake in both the prepartum (+1.08 kg) and postpartum (+0.94 kg) periods compared with cows fed the CON diet. Fat yield (+0.11 kg), fat concentration (+0.43%), and 4% fat-corrected milk (+1.56 kg) were higher in cows fed CMA than in cows fed CON. The concentration of plasma serum amyloid A was reduced and that of serum P was increased on the CMA treatment compared with the CON treatment. These findings demonstrate the benefits of supplementing CMA to dairy cows during the transition period compared with a CON treatment containing limestone as the primary Ca source.

Safety and efficacy of a feed additive consisting of Pediococcus pentosaceusDSM 32292 for all animal species (Marigot Ltd t/a Celtic Sea Minerals).

Following a request from the European Commission, the Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed (FEEDAP) was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the safety and efficacy of Pediococcus pentosaceus DSM 32292 as a technological additive for all animal species. The additive is intended to improve the production of silage at a proposed application rate of 5 × 107 colony forming units (CFU)/kg forage. The bacterial species P. pentosaceus is considered by EFSA to be suitable for the qualified presumption of safety (QPS) approach. As the identity of the strain has been established and no antimicrobial resistance determinants of concern were detected, the use of the strain as a silage additive is considered safe for livestock species, for consumers and for the environment. In the absence of data, the FEEDAP Panel cannot conclude on the potential of the additive to be a skin/eye irritant or a skin sensitiser. Given the proteinaceous nature of the active agent, the additive should be considered a respiratory sensitiser. The additive at the proposed application rate of 5 × 107 CFU/kg forage has the potential to improve the production of silages from moderately difficult to ensile forages.

Injecting Innovation to Traditional, Natural Cosmetic Ingredients: The Case of Dead Sea Minerals

Innovation had become a key factor in the growing competition among cosmetic brands, aiming to answer dynamic changes in customers' perception. Ingredients' importance is growing, due to the elevation of consumers' awareness to products' composition. Yet, the traditional well-known ingredients continue to have a major impact of cosmetic formulae. Consequently, the need to consistently deliver innovation is raised, including improvement of special conservative ingredients. To answer this challenge, we propose a two steps systematic innovation process, based on AHAVA cosmetic brand's experience. A tool kit of alternative ways to inject innovation into a natural traditional ingredient is described, comprising the categories of new combination; a new mode of application; improved definition; enhanced concentration; and new service/marketing concept. In this article all suggested innovation tools are described and demonstrated via the case of Dead Sea minerals.

Detection and Identification of Sediment Layer to Discover the Marine Mineral Resources Potential in Aruah Islands

<p>Aruah Islands is located on an international shipping line adjacent to Malaysia. The important aspect in borderline management is the maritime resource potential, one of which is sea minerals. In order to dig the information about marine mineral resources in Aruah Islands, a high-resolution seismic reflection with low frequency was applied, which capable to detect the depth and identify the sedimentary layers clearly and accurately. The depth of water and sediment layers were detected using an echosounder, reason Navi sound type 210 with a tow fish 100 kHz and shallow seismic boomer with a single channel type and wave energy 200 Joules. Gravity core and grab sampler were used to collect the sediment sample. There were three stages on seismic interpretation: sequence analysis, facies analysis, and reflection character identification. Furthermore, sediments containing coarse sand-sized minerals were observed using a microscope. The measurement result of Aruah Islands water depth was ranging from 0-80 m, the deepest part is on the Northern of Batu Mandi island which was 80 m depth. Seismic profiles indicated that the upper layer of tertiary sedimentary as the youngest rocks. Based on sediment thickness, the thickest area was found on the Western (approx. 50 m) and the Northern (approx. 32 m). In line with the island’s Southern part condition, which was plain or shallow sea exposure, the Southeastern island sediment thickness ranged only about 10-18 m. Generally, based on the analyzed sediment sample, quartz was the main mineral found, which was 60-80% of the composition. Other minerals were zircon, tin, hematite, magnetite, limonite, biotite, and dolomite.</p>

The Effect of a Seaweed-Derived Calcium Supplement on Gastric Juice pH in the Horse

Low gastric pH for extended periods of time can increase the risk of gastric ulceration in horses. Therefore, nutritional interventions that buffer stomach acid may be helpful to decrease ulcer risk. The objective of this trial was to evaluate whether the incorporation of calcified Lithothamnion corallioides and Phymatolithon calcareum (Calmin; Celtic Sea Minerals, Cork, Ireland) into an equine ration would buffer equine gastric juice. Nine mature, Thoroughbred-cross horses, including 6 geldings and 3 mares (524 ± 49 kg) were housed in stalls and fed 2 kg/day of a texturized concentrate (Purina Omolene 100) and 1.5% BW grass hay/day. On testing days 0, 7, and 14, the horses received one of three pelleted dietary treatments (CON, MIN1 ×, MIN2 ×) in a randomized, crossover design. CON contained no added Calmin, MIN1 × provided Calmin at a 1 × concentration, and MIN2 × provided a 2 × dose. All horses underwent gastroscopy (Karl Storz, El Segundo, CA) prior to feeding the treatments, and at 2 and 4 hours postfeeding. Gastric juice was aspirated and pH measured using a benchtop pH meter (ThermoOrion pH Meter Model 410A). Overall, there was a significant time effect (P < .0001) with an increase in gastric juice pH from time 0 (2.31 ± 0.58) to 2 hours (5.52 ± 0.48) and 4 hours (3.59 ± 0.48). Gastric juice pH at 2 hours was higher (P = .0122) in MIN1 × (5.92 ± 0.58) and MIN2 × (5.92 ± 0.57) than CON (5.08 ± 0.58). These results demonstrate that adding Calmin to a meal increases buffering capacity at 2 hours postfeeding.

UNCLOS and Investor Claims for Deep Seabed Mining in the Area: An Investment Law of the Sea?

Foreign capital has increasingly become involved in the exploration for deep sea minerals in the Area. Foreign-owned companies have received the sponsorship of their state of incorporation, as required by UNCLOS to be granted an exploration contract by the International Seabed Authority. Sponsoring states’ policies toward such foreign-owned entities may go further than the mere implementation of UNCLOS obligations by pursuing national objectives such as better environmental protection or greater financial benefits for the local population. However, international law confers certain protections to foreign investment by binding states to respect an international minimum standard of treatment. Various UNCLOS provisions incorporate those guarantees, which could consequently be litigated through the dispute settlement system in Part XI of the convention. Yet, only the contractors’ state of nationality and the Authority have, under the convention, the required standing to do so.

Effects of dietary supplementation of calcified seaweed extract with different levels of salt on performance, acid–base balance, and meat quality of growing lambs

Sixty 4-month-old male Awassi lambs were used in a 70-day trial to evaluate the effects of supplemental AcidBuf (calcified seaweed extract; Celtic Sea Minerals, Carrigaline, County Cork, Ireland) with different levels of salt on the productive performance, acid–base status, and meat quality of growing lambs. Animals were randomly divided into six groups of 10 lambs each. The dietary treatments were (1) no added supplemental AcidBuf or salt (control group), (2) 0.4% added AcidBuf (A+S0.0), (3) 0.4% added AcidBuf + 0.4% added salt (A+S0.4), (4) 0.4% added AcidBuf + 0.8% added salt (A+S0.8), (5) 0.4% added AcidBuf + 0.1.2% added salt (A+S1.2), and (6) 0.4% added AcidBuf + 1.6% added salt (A+S1.6). Feed intake was measured weekly, and all lambs were weighed every week for evaluation of the productive parameters. Blood samples were collected from all lambs for measurement of biochemical and acid–base variables. At the end of experiment, eight lambs from each treatment were slaughtered for evaluation of carcass characteristics and meat quality. Lambs fed the AcidBuf-0.4% and 0.8% salt diet had greatest ADG (P = 0.03) and G:F (P = 0.02) respectively. The addition of AcidBuf to the diets increased (P &amp;lt; 0.05) the serum K concentration and reduced urea N and total CO2 concentrations in serum compared with the control group. The addition of AcidBuf and salt at level of 0.4% resulted in increases in hot (P = 0.03) and cold carcass weights (P = 0.04) compared with the control group. Overall, these data indicate that AcidBuf and salt supplementation improved weight gain and carcass weight in lambs.

Biological control of Meloidogyne spp. in glasshouse-grown chrysanthemum.

Root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne spp.) are a major problem in soil-based glasshouse-grown chrysanthemums. To combat root-knot nematodes in the glasshouse, the soil is typically steamed every 5–6 production cycles. However, this method is expensive, environmentally unfriendly and reduces resistance and resilience of the soil against pathogens and pests. Here, we added biological pesticides/a basic substance and biostimulants both individually and in combination to determine individual or interactive effects against damage by root-knot nematodes in chrysanthemums. We found that the application of biological nematicides derived from garlic extract, the basic substance chitosan HCl and biostimulants comprised of sea minerals and plant oils correlated with reduced root-knot nematode damage. These effects may have been due to direct effects against the nematodes or through indirect effects such as increased resistance and resilience of the plants. Overall, the biostimulants increased the total number of free-living nematodes in the soil, which could lead to a beneficial increase in nutrient cycling in the soils. Our results demonstrate that biological reagents show promise in reducing root-knot nematode damage in glasshouse-grown chrysanthemum and may lead to more resistance and resilient soils.

Deep sea minerals ameliorate diabetic-induced inflammation via inhibition of TNFα signaling pathways.

It has been well-documented that the consumption of deep sea water (DSW) has beneficial effects on myocardial hypertrophy and cardiac apoptosis induced by hypercholesterolemia. However, the molecular mechanisms for the anti-inflammatory effects of DSW on diabetic cardiomyopathy are still largely unclear. The main purpose of this present study was to test the hypothesis that DSW exerts anti-inflammatory effects through the suppression of the TNF-α-mediated signaling pathways. IP injection of streptozotocin (STZ) at the dose of 65 mg/kg was used to establish a diabetes rat model. DSW mineral extracts that diluted in desalinated water were prepared in three different dosages and administered to the rats through gavages for 4 weeks. These dosages are DSW-1X (equivalent to 37 mg Mg2+ /kg/day), 2X (equivalent to 74 mg Mg2+ /kg/day) and 3X (equivalent to 111 mg Mg2+ mg/kg/day). Immunofluorescence staining and Western blot showed that the protein expression level of TNF-α was markedly higher in the STZ-induced diabetic rat hearts than in the control group. Consequently, the phosphorylation levels of the TNF-α-modulated downstream signaling molecules and P38 mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) were notably elevated in heart tissues of STZ-induced diabetes. These higher phosphorylation levels subsequently upregulated NF-κB-modulated inflammatory mediators, such as cyclooxygenase (COX)-II and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS). However, treatment with DSW as well as MgSO4 , the main mineral in DSW, significantly reversed all the alterations. These findings suggest that DSW has potential as a therapeutic agent for preventing diabetes-related cardiovascular diseases.

Achievement for Pilot Test of Excavating and Ore Lifting Conducted for Seafloor Polymetallic Sulphides

Seafloor Polymetallic Sulphides (PMS) is deep sea mineral that is confirmed to exist within Japanese exclusive economic zones and expected to develop as a new supply source for Japan. However, deep sea minerals including PMS have not been commercially developed so far, although various countries are eagerly working it. Japan Oil, Gas and Metals National Corporation (JOGMEC) has been commissioned by Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) to conduct practical study on PMS for commercialization. As part of the efforts, JOGMEC implemented “Excavating and Ore-lifting Pilot Test” from the middle of August to end of September 2017. In the test, JOGMEC succeeded in consecutive lifting of ore and sea water in a state of solid-liquid flow from a depth of approximately 1,600m for the first time in the world. Through the test, it became clear that there are still many technical challenges left to be resolved for development of PMS such as improvement in durability of equipment, system optimization, adjustability of ore grain size and slurry concentration and so on. JOGMEC will continue efforts aimed at commercialization of PMS from a long-term perspective.

Dead Sea minerals: New findings on skin and the biology beyond.

Therapeutic effects of Dead Sea (DS) minerals are well established, and their unique combination is analysed and reported. DS water (DSW) is a key source for DS minerals, and various studies report the capability of DSW to alleviate symptoms of different skin disorders and to contribute to skin maintenance. However, the biological mechanisms beyond reported effects are not fully understood yet. To elucidate the effect of topically applied DSW via the expression of different skin biomarkers related to barrier function, homeostasis, inflammation and irritation. In vitro skin equivalents and ex vivo human skin organ culture were used to assess the biological effects of DSW. Epidermal barrier protein expression and DSW ions transdermal penetration were analysed on skin equivalents. β-endorphin secretion was tested on human skin organ culture. The capability of DSW to protect against skin inflammation and irritation was tested on ex vivo human skin organ culture by lipopolysaccharides and sodium dodecyl sulphate addition, respectively. Topical application of DSW encouraged the expression of the barrier-related proteins: filaggrin, involucrin and transglutaminase, while transdermal penetration of calcium ions was not detected. Additionally, DSW application had increased skin secretion of β-endorphin and attenuated the expression of inflammatory and irritation-related cytokines. This study reports new findings of DSW effects on skin. Signalling pathway activation is proposed as a key step that may result in a vast range of proven biological activities following skin exposure to DS minerals, and specifically DSW.