Chemistry
The Role of Electrolytes in Stabilizing Colloidal Dispersions
Quick fact
Adding a small amount of electrolyte to a stable colloid can actually cause it to clump and settle, a process called coagulation. This is why sea water (rich in salts) quickly causes river clay to settle at deltas.
Why this is interesting
Have you ever added salt to a dressing and watched it become cloudy or separate? The same electrolyte that flavors your food can also make or break the stability of a colloid.