Overview
Ferrous sulfate heptahydrate (FeSO₄·7H₂O), commonly called green vitriol, is an inorganic salt primarily used as a cost-effective coagulant in water and wastewater treatment. As one of the oldest known iron compounds, it has been utilized since medieval times for various industrial applications. In modern B2B contexts, coagulant-grade ferrous sulfate is manufactured through the reaction of sulfuric acid with iron or as a byproduct of titanium dioxide production. Its effectiveness as a flocculant stems from the formation of ferric hydroxide when oxidized, which removes phosphates and colloidal particles from water.
Physical and Chemical Properties
The heptahydrate form appears as blue-green monoclinic crystals that gradually effloresce in dry air. When heated above 60°C, it begins losing water molecules, converting to the white monohydrate and eventually anhydrous form at 300°C. Chemically, ferrous sulfate acts as a reducing agent and shows acidic properties in aqueous solutions (pH ~3.5 for 1% solution). It readily oxidizes to ferric sulfate when exposed to air, particularly in moist conditions. This oxidation is accelerated at higher pH levels, making stabilization important for certain applications.
Main Applications
In water treatment, ferrous sulfate serves three key functions: phosphate removal through precipitation, colloidal particle aggregation, and odor control in anaerobic conditions. Municipal plants commonly use it to meet stringent phosphorus discharge limits. Beyond coagulation, major applications include agricultural use as an iron supplement for chlorosis correction in crops, raw material for iron oxide pigments, and as a reducing agent in chemical processes. The textile industry employs it as a mordant, while construction sectors use it in cement to reduce chromium(VI) content.
Safety and Storage
As a Category III irritant, ferrous sulfate requires proper PPE including gloves and eye protection during handling. Dust inhalation should be prevented through adequate ventilation or respirators in enclosed spaces. For storage, maintain containers tightly sealed in cool (<30°C), dry conditions away from oxidizers. Bulk storage in moisture-resistant silos is preferred for large quantities. Shelf life typically ranges 6-12 months, with product quality declining as oxidation progresses. Spills should be contained with inert absorbents and disposed as hazardous waste in many jurisdictions.
B2B Procurement Guide
Industrial buyers should specify technical grade (minimum 90% purity) with heavy metal content below 50 ppm for water treatment applications. The heptahydrate form is most common, though some processes may require anhydrous or monohydrate variants. Key purchasing considerations include: batch consistency testing for active Fe²⁺ content (typically 19-20% for heptahydrate), packaging integrity to prevent oxidation (vacuum-packed 25kg bags or bulk supersacks with liners), and logistics planning to minimize storage time. Asian suppliers often offer competitive pricing but may have longer lead times compared to regional producers.
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