Benefits and Risks of Solutions and Colloids

Solution and Colloids

     Both Solutions and Colloids are homogeneous. What does homogeneous mean? How can we know if a mixture can be classified as homogeneous? A substance can only be classified as a homogeneous when this substance contains only one kind of compound or one element. Homogeneous mixture is a kind of mixture that has a uniform composition and properties throughout.

     What are solutions? Solutions are mixtures made by combining two substances called solute and solvent. Solute is the minor component of a solution. It is also the substance that dissolves in a solvent. If solute is the minor and dissolving substance in a solution, solvent is the opposite of it. Solvent is the major component of a solution. When the solute dissolves, its molecules starts to diffuse between the molecules of the solvent.

      Gaseous mixtures are usually homogeneous and all gases mixtures are gas-gas solutions. For quantitative treatment of this type, of solutions, we will devote a unit to gases. The air is a natural gas solution, but its water and carbon dioxide contents may vary depends on the temperature and places. Liquid solutions are made when molecules of gas, solid or liquid are dispersed and mixed with those of liquid in a homogeneous state. Solid, liquid and gas dissolve in liquid to form liquid solutions. In general, the terms solution and liquid solution are synonymous. Solid solutions are the alloys, ceramics, and polymer blends in our industry. Within certain range, copper and zinc dissolve in each other and harden to give solid solutions called brass. Silver, gold, and copper form many different alloys with unique colors and appearances. Alloys and solid solutions are important in the world of material.
Materials exists in three state: Solid, liquid and gas. Solutions exist in all of these three states.
     What are colloids? Colloids are substances in a dispersed phase. A substance can be considered as a colloid when its size was larger than the size of a molecule but smaller than what can be seen by the naked eye. An easy way of determining if a mixture is a colloid is through Tyndall Effect.
     Tyndall Effect is the effect of light scattering in many directions in colloidal dispersion. During a Tyndall effect, when the light passed through a colloidal solution, the substance in the dispersed phases scatters the light in all directions making it readily seen.
     A common method of classifying colloids is based on the phase of the dispersed substance and what phase it is dispersed in. Colloids have three types: Sol, emulsion, foam and aerosol. Sol is a colloidal suspension with solid particles in the liquid. An example of this are ruby glasses, paints and cell fluids. Emulsion is a dispersion between two liquids. An example of this are pearl, cheese, milk and oil in water. Foam is formed when many gas particles are trapped in a liquid or solid. Soap suds and whipped cream are an example. Aerosol contains small particles of liquid or solid dispersed in gas. Smoke, fog and mist are an example.

What are the benefits and risks of both solutions and colloids to humans and the environment?

     Solutions and colloids have both benefits and risks to us, humans, and the environment. For example, solution and colloids used for medication. If we are talking about medication, the benefits of solutions are:

•      The drug is available to be immediately absorbed after dosage
•      Flexible dosing
•      Can be designed for any route of administration
•      No need to be shaken before dosage
•      Facilitates swallowing in difficult cases

     For colloids:

•      Better than crystalloids at expanding the circulatory volume
•      Increases osmotic pressure

     Even if these two have benefits to our industry of medication it still also have some risks. For solutions:

•      The drug's stability was often reduced in solution
•      Difficult to mask unpleasant tastes
•      Bulky and is difficult to transport
•      Prone to container breakages
•      Some of the drugs are poorly soluble

     For colloids:

•      Can precipitate cardiac failure and pulmonary and peripheral oedema
•      Can also cause anaphylactic shock
•      Can lead to a small increase in the rate of death

     Some solutions and colloids can be harmful to the environment. Some of these mixtures might cause pollution. For some colloids, it releases some CFC's that contributes to the ozone layer's depletion.