Ferrous Sulphate

Ferrous Sulphate (iron(II) sulphate, FeSO₄) is an inorganic iron compound produced primarily as a by-product of titanium dioxide manufacture and as a co-product of steel pickling operations. It is commercially available in two principal hydrated forms: the heptahydrate (FeSO₄·7H₂O), a pale green crystalline solid, and the monohydrate (FeSO₄·H₂O), a more concentrated off-white to yellowish powder produced by partial dehydration of the heptahydrate. A dried or granular form is also available where improved flowability and reduced caking are required.

In the European cement industry, Ferrous Sulphate serves a critical regulatory function as a reducing agent for hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) in Portland cement. EU Directive 2003/53/EC restricts water-soluble Cr(VI) in cement to a maximum of 2 mg/kg. Ferrous Sulphate achieves compliance by chemically reducing soluble Cr(VI) to the less soluble trivalent form Cr(III) during cement hydration. This is a mandatory requirement for cement producers supplying European markets.

Beyond cement, Ferrous Sulphate is used in water and wastewater treatment as a coagulant and flocculant to remove phosphates and suspended solids. In agriculture, it corrects iron deficiency in alkaline soils and acts as a moss suppressant on turf and hard surfaces.

ROCC Global supplies Ferrous Sulphate in heptahydrate, monohydrate, and dried grades, sourced from verified producers in Europe and Asia Pacific, with REACH compliance documentation and safety data sheets provided as standard.

The principal application of Ferrous Sulphate in construction is as a chromate-reducing additive in Portland cement manufacture, dosed at the grinding stage to ensure compliance with EU restrictions on water-soluble hexavalent chromium. This is a regulatory requirement for cement producers supplying European markets and is critical to protecting workers from chromate-induced contact dermatitis. In water and wastewater treatment, Ferrous Sulphate functions as a coagulant to precipitate phosphates and assist in the removal of suspended solids, supporting effluent quality compliance in municipal and industrial treatment plants. In agricultural applications, it is used to correct iron chlorosis in high-pH soils and as a selective moss suppressant on amenity turf. The monohydrate grade is preferred in cement applications for its higher iron content and improved handling characteristics; the heptahydrate is more commonly used in water treatment and agricultural contexts.