Determination of sulfuric acid (H2SO4)

Sulfuric acid (H₂SO₄) is one of the most manufactured and used chemicals in the world. Its production is considered an indicator of a country's level of industrialization. Used as a catalyst, reagent, dehydrating agent, or processing component, it plays a role in a wide range of industries: surface treatment, oil refining, fertilizer manufacturing, specialty chemicals, batteries, pharmaceuticals, textiles, food processing, etc.

Its strong corrosive and oxidizing power, coupled with its toxicity at high doses, justifies strict controls in industrial formulations, finished chemical products, residues, process waters or working environments.

Why measure sulfuric acid?

Sulfuric acid dosing is essential in many industrial and environmental contexts:

• Quality control of chemical formulations (electroplating baths, regenerated acids, catalysts, etc.);
• Verification of concentration in surface treatment or descaling products;
• Monitoring of industrial discharges into wastewater, in accordance with environmental standards;
• Safety analysis in facilities for the storage or transport of corrosive products;
• Regulatory studies on occupational exposures or transfers to finished products.

The analysis helps to ensure regulatory compliance, operator safety, and the performance of industrial processes.

Proposed analytical methods

Sulfuric acid can be determined using several methods, chosen according to the type of matrix, the expected concentration, and the sensitivity requirements:

• Acid-base titration: classic method for pure or weakly complex solutions, allowing for rapid quantitative determination.
• Conductimetry: useful for the rapid monitoring of treatment baths.
• Ion exchange chromatography (IC): recommended for complex matrices, allows separation and fine quantification of sulfate ions (SO₄²⁻).
• ICP-OES (or ICP-AES): inductive plasma atomic emission spectroscopy, ideal for multi-element analyses, suitable for industrial waters or corrosive matrices.
• ICP-MS: mass spectrometry for ultra-sensitive detection of sulfates in very dilute matrices.

All methods are implemented in specialized laboratories, respecting validated procedures, with detection limits adapted to regulatory or technical thresholds.

Commonly analyzed matrices

YesWeLab offers sulfuric acid analysis in a wide variety of matrices:

• Concentrated or diluted industrial solutions (chemicals, formulations, technical solvents);
• Electroplating or acid pickling baths;
• Industrial waters (process waters, rinsing waters, wastewater);
• Environmental residues, sludge, complex effluents;
• Agri-food or nutraceutical samples in the context of specific regulatory controls (particularly on cross-contamination or processing agents).

Recommended related analyses

For a complete diagnosis or regulatory compliance, it is advisable to combine this analysis with other services from the YesWeLab catalogue:

• Determination of sulfates (SO₄²⁻) by ion chromatography : essential for tracing sulfuric acid residues in aqueous matrices;
• Heavy metal analysis (Pb, Cd, Cr, Ni);

These services can be integrated into a comprehensive analysis plan in the context of quality control, process validation or regulatory audit.

Why choose YesWeLab for sulfuric acid analysis?

YesWeLab centralizes requests for technical and chemical analyses for industrial clients, leveraging a network of over 200 partner laboratories certified to ISO 17025 and/or accredited by COFRAC. Our intuitive digital platform allows you to benefit from increased responsiveness, traceability, and efficiency.

Our strengths:

• Technical expertise in managing complex matrices;
• Adaptation to regulatory and normative requirements (REACH, ICPE, environment);
• Tailor-made service with scientific support;
• Optimized lead times for your production checks or batch validations.

Request a quote

Do you need to determine the concentration of sulfuric acid in a formulation, effluent, or technical sample?
Send us your request via our online form or contact our scientific team directly to discuss your specifications.

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