ALUMINIUM SULFATE Meaning and
Definition
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Aluminium sulfate, also known as ammonium alum or aluminum salt, is a chemical compound with the formula Al2(SO4)3. It belongs to the family of inorganic salts and is most commonly available as a white crystalline powder or solid. It is highly soluble in water and has a wide range of industrial and household uses.
Aluminium sulfate is commonly used as a coagulating agent in water treatment facilities, particularly in the purification of drinking water and wastewater treatment. It has properties that allow it to bind with impurities and suspended particles, which enables their removal from water, thus improving its clarity and quality.
In addition to its applications in water treatment, aluminium sulfate finds use in the paper and pulp industry, where it is utilized as a sizing agent, as well as in the production of fire extinguisher foams to enhance their effectiveness. It can also be found in the manufacturing of dyes, pigments, and paints, acting as a flocculating agent.
Moreover, aluminum sulfate is employed in various gardening and horticultural practices, specifically for acidifying soil, as it promotes the growth of acid-loving plants like azaleas and blueberries. It can also be used as a molluscicide to control snails and slugs in gardens and agricultural fields.
While aluminium sulfate has numerous applications, it should be handled with caution as it may cause skin and eye irritation. Inhalation or ingestion should be avoided, as it can cause respiratory and digestive tract irritation.
Etymology of ALUMINIUM SULFATE
The word "aluminium sulfate" has a straightforward etymology based on the constituent elements of the compound.
- "Aluminium" refers to the chemical element aluminum (syllabic stress on "min"), which was derived from the Latin word "alumen" meaning "bitter salt" or "alum".
- "Sulfate" comes from the Latin word "sulfatum", which was derived from the ancient Greek word "sulphur" meaning "sulfur" combined with the Latin suffix "-atum", indicating a derived form.
When combined, "aluminium sulfate" simply refers to the compound composed of aluminum and sulfate ions, commonly used in various industrial applications.
