Ferrous sulfate can be used to make iron salts, iron oxide pigments, mordants, water purifiers, preservatives, disinfectants, etc.;
1. Water treatment
Ferrous sulfate is used in the flocculation purification of water, and in the removal of phosphates from municipal and industrial wastewater to prevent eutrophication of water bodies.
2. Reducing agent
A large amount of ferrous sulfate is used as a reducing agent, mainly to reduce chromate in cement.
3. Medicinal use
Ferrous sulfate is used to treat iron deficiency anemia; it is also used to add iron to food, and long-term excess use may cause side effects such as abdominal pain and nausea.
In medicine, it can also be used as a local astringent and blood tonic, and can be used for chronic blood loss caused by uterine fibroids.
4. Colorants
a. Ferrous sulfate is required for the production of iron tannate ink and other inks. Mordants for wood stains also contain ferrous sulfate.
b. Ferrous sulfate can be used to dye concrete into a yellow rust color.
c. Woodworking uses ferrous sulfate to dye maple with silver color.
5. Agriculture
Adjust soil pH, promote the formation of chlorophyll (also known as iron fertilizer), and prevent and cure yellowing disease caused by iron deficiency in flowers and trees. It is an indispensable element for acid-loving flowers and trees, especially iron trees. It can also be used as a pesticide in agriculture to prevent and treat wheat smut, scab on apples and pears, and rot of fruit trees; it can also be used as a fertilizer to remove moss and lichen from tree trunks.
6. Analytical Chemistry
Ferrous sulfate can be used as a chromatographic reagent.