What is the difference between sulfates and sulfides

This condition is medically referred to as a sulfite allergy and can involve:. If only trace amounts of sulfates, sulfides, or sulfites are found, there likely won't be any detrimental effects. While heavy amounts of these compounds can affect the smell, color, and taste of water, there's a gray area where their presence isn't noticeable but they still affect the individual who's exposed to them.

A long-term high concentration of these compounds can also cause damage to concrete structures in collection systems and treatment facilities, resulting in further complications.

Want to learn more about the ideal pH level of water? This article has plenty of useful information. Please enter your email address Please enter a valid email address Please enter a password Forgot Password? Create Account. Log In Close. However, the distinguishing factor between sulfide and sulfite is their molecular make ups.

Besides one sulfur atom, sulfites have three oxygen atoms. This addition causes the creation of bonds in the ion, another feature sulfide ions do not have. However, sulfite and sulfide are similar in ways. Sulfite ions, like sulfide, have a negative two charge. Sulfite ions are regularly used as a preservative in wines.

They can be found naturally in acid rain, the result of the interactions between water and sulfur dioxide. Charles Alex Miller began writing professionally in He currently writes for various websites, specializing in the sciences. Snow explains that most people can use products containing sulfates without consequence.

Not just for the phonetics lesson, but to understand what you are eating and using on your body. There are many ingredients you should avoid or limit wherever you can. As Dr. Snow explained, sulfites and sulfates are generally harmless for those without an allergy. Are you curious about other popular ingredients added to items found in your daily life?

Check out these articles to learn more:. By Bobby Boland , Contributing Writer. Feb 10, Teach Me. Published: 6 May, Sulfate noun organic chemistry Any ester of sulfuric acid. Sulfide noun Any compound of sulfur and a metal or other electropositive element or group.

Sulfate noun inorganic chemistry Any salt of sulfuric acid. Sulfide noun a compound of sulphur and some other element that is more electropositive.

Sulfate verb To treat something with sulfuric acid, a sulfate, or with sulfur dioxide. Sulfate verb of a lead-acid battery To accumulate a deposit of lead sulfate. Sulfate noun a salt or ester of sulphuric acid. Popular Comparisons. Adress vs. Comming vs. Label vs. Genius vs. Speech vs.

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