Ferrous sulphate, also known as iron(II) sulphate or green vitriol, is one of the most widely used industrial chemicals in India and globally. From water treatment plants and agriculture to pharmaceuticals and cement manufacturing, ferrous sulphate has a broad range of critical applications.
For procurement teams, the choice of ferrous sulphate manufacturer and supplier directly impacts product quality, cost efficiency, and supply reliability. This blog covers everything you need to know about ferrous sulphate and how to choose the right supplier in India.
What Is Ferrous Sulphate?
Ferrous sulphate is an inorganic salt with the chemical formula FeSO4. It occurs naturally as a byproduct of steel pickling processes and is also synthetically manufactured. The most common commercial form is ferrous sulphate heptahydrate (FeSO4.7H2O), a pale green crystalline solid.
- Chemical Formula: FeSO4 (anhydrous), FeSO4.7H2O (heptahydrate)
- Appearance: Pale green or yellowish-white crystals
- Molecular Weight: 278.02 g/mol (heptahydrate)
- Solubility: Highly soluble in water
- CAS Number: 7782-63-0 (heptahydrate)
Types and Grades of Ferrous Sulphate
Heptahydrate (FeSO4.7H2O)
The most common form, containing seven water molecules. Used in agriculture, water treatment, and chemical synthesis. Also called green vitriol or copperas.
Monohydrate (FeSO4.H2O)
Produced by drying the heptahydrate. Has higher iron content per unit weight and is preferred in animal feed and pharmaceutical applications.
Anhydrous (FeSO4)
Fully dehydrated form with the highest iron concentration. Used in catalysis and specialised industrial applications.
Key Industrial Applications of Ferrous Sulphate
Water and Wastewater Treatment
Ferrous sulphate is widely used in municipal and industrial water treatment as a coagulant and phosphorus removal agent. It helps precipitate heavy metals and reduces chemical oxygen demand (COD) in effluent treatment plants.
Agriculture and Soil Treatment
Ferrous sulphate is an effective micronutrient fertiliser used to correct iron deficiency (chlorosis) in crops and soil. It is also used to lower soil pH, making it suitable for acid-loving plants like blueberries, azaleas, and rhododendrons.
- Corrects iron chlorosis in rice, maize, and soybean
- Used as a lawn iron supplement for greener turf
- Applied as a moss killer on lawns and paths
Cement and Construction
In the cement industry, ferrous sulphate is used to reduce hexavalent chromium (Cr VI) content in cement, protecting construction workers from skin sensitisation and dermatitis. This is mandated by regulations in many countries including those in the European Union.
Pharmaceutical Industry
Ferrous sulphate is one of the most prescribed iron supplements for treating iron-deficiency anaemia. It is available in tablet, capsule, and liquid forms as ferrous sulphate BP/IP grade.
Pigment and Ink Manufacturing
It is used in the manufacture of iron oxide pigments (ochres, umbers, siennas) and as a mordant in the textile dyeing and printing industry.
Animal Feed
Ferrous sulphate monohydrate is added to poultry and livestock feed as an iron supplement to prevent and treat iron deficiency in animals.
Ferrous Sulphate Quality Parameters to Check
When sourcing ferrous sulphate, these specifications are critical to assess:
- 7H2O content: minimum 98% for technical grade
- Iron (Fe) content: typically 19-20% in heptahydrate
- Free acid content: should be within permissible limits
- Heavy metal contaminants: arsenic, lead, mercury levels
- Moisture content and granule size uniformity
- Packaging integrity to prevent oxidation and caking
Meghachem Industries: Chemical Supplier in India
Meghachem Industries, headquartered in GIDC Vatva, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, is a trusted name in industrial chemical supply across India and internationally. With over 20 years of experience and exports to 20+ countries, Meghachem serves industries including agriculture, chemicals, manufacturing, and water treatment.
Meghachem specialises in copper, tin, zinc, and molybdate compounds, and also connects buyers with reliable sourcing options for chemicals like ferrous sulphate, titanium dioxide, and other specialty chemicals.
What Sets Meghachem Apart?
- 20+ years of industry experience
- Serving 15+ industries globally
- Strict quality control at every stage
- On-time delivery with a reliable supply chain
- Technical support and customised solutions
- Flexible packaging and order quantities
How to Get a Quote for Ferrous Sulphate
To request pricing, technical data sheets, or samples, contact Meghachem Industries directly:
Frequently Asked Questions
Ferrous sulphate contains iron in the +2 (Fe2+) oxidation state, while ferric sulphate contains iron in the +3 (Fe3+) state. Both are used in water treatment, but ferrous sulphate is more commonly used in agriculture and pharmaceuticals.
Agricultural grade ferrous sulphate heptahydrate with a minimum 98% purity and defined iron content (minimum 19%) is standard. It should be free from excessive heavy metal contamination and have consistent granule size for uniform application.
Ferrous sulphate is mildly irritating to eyes, skin, and the respiratory tract in dust form. In large doses, ingestion can be harmful. Standard handling precautions such as PPE, enclosed storage, and material safety data sheet compliance are recommended. It is not classified as a highly hazardous chemical for routine industrial handling.
