IRON SULFATE is a versatile chemical compound with multiple applications across various sectors. Below are its main uses:
1. Agriculture
- Iron deficiency corrector: It is used to treat iron chlorosis, a deficiency that causes yellowing of leaves in sensitive crops such as citrus fruits, vineyards, fruit trees, and vegetables, especially in calcareous soils.
- Soil pH reduction: It helps acidify alkaline soils, improving structure and the mobilization of essential nutrients.
- Fertilizer: Provides the iron necessary for healthy plant growth, boosting agricultural production.
2. Water treatment
- Coagulant: Effective in purifying drinking water and wastewater by removing suspended solids, phosphates, and heavy metals. It also prevents eutrophication in surface water bodies.
- Contaminant control: Helps reduce impurities and particles in treated water.
3. Food industry
- Nutritional additive: Used to fortify foods with iron, helping to prevent nutritional deficiencies.
- Preservative: Protects processed foods against oxidation.
4. Medicine
- Treatment of iron-deficiency anemia: A key supplement to prevent or treat anemia caused by iron deficiency. It is especially useful for pregnant women, children, and people with high nutritional needs.
- Deficiency prevention: Used as a preventive measure in people at risk of developing anemia.
5. Industry
- Pigment: Employed in the production of paints and inks due to its coloring properties.
- Textile: Used as a mordant to fix dyes in fabrics.
Dosage
The dosage varies depending on the application:
- In agriculture: Between 35–50 g/m² or 400–600 kg/ha to correct calcareous soils and provide iron.
- In water treatment: Approximately 3 g/L for monthly flocculation.
Iron sulfate is an affordable and effective product that plays a key role in critical sectors such as agriculture, water treatment, medicine, and the food industry. Its use should be carefully managed to maximize benefits and minimize negative impacts.