Determination of Sulfate in Water

Determination of Sulfate in Water

Sulfate is widely found in nature, especially in natural waters, in different concentrations. There is a high amount of sulfate in mine drainage wastes. At the same time, it is undesirable for sodium and magnesium sulfate amounts to be high in drinking water due to their cathartic effects.

Many different methods can be used for the determination of sulfate in water samples. The important thing for the analysis is to store the water samples under suitable conditions so that the sulfate is not reduced to sulfur. The gravimetric method can be used for the determination of sulfate in the water sample. The following comments can be made according to the test results.

• If the result is high: Suspended solids, silicon, barium chloride, nitrate and sulfite can be mentioned.
• In case of low result: The presence of alkali metal sulfate, chromium and iron can be mentioned.