Uses
Sulfates are important in both the chemical industry and biological systems:
- The lead–acid battery typically uses sulfuric acid, and lead sulfate is therefore a component of this system.
- Some anaerobic microorganisms, such as those living in sediment or near deep sea thermal vents, use the reduction of sulfates coupled with the oxidation of organic compounds or hydrogen as an energy source for chemosynthesis. These are known as sulfate-reducing bacteria.
- Copper sulfate is a common algaecide.
- Iron sulfate is a common form of iron in mineral supplements for humans, animals, and soil for plants.
- Magnesium sulfate, commonly known as Epsom salts, is used in therapeutic baths.
- Gypsum, the natural mineral form of hydrated calcium sulfate, is used to produce plaster.
- The sulfate ion is used as counter ion for some cationic drugs.
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