Magnesium (Mg)has several important metabolic functions in the production and transport of energy.It is also important for the contraction and relaxation of muscles. Magnesium is involved in the synthesis of protein, and it assists in the functioning of some enzymes.
Magnesium Sulphate Heptahydrate is an inorganic compound made of magnesium, sulphur and oxygen. Also known as Epsom salt, this powdered substance is widely used in Agriculture and Horticulture (technicalgrade) fields to improve the soil fertility levels. Moreover, it is use in the chemical and animal sector.
Chemically is also used to make pain relieving lotions, creams and oils. This chemical is mildly soluble in alcoholic substances and available in bulk quantity in the seawater.(technicalgrade)
For animal, it is important in the metabolism of carbohydrates, lipids(fats) and protein. Also used for nerve activity and muscle contraction.(feedgrade)
Magnesium and sulfur, two naturally occurring minerals that are major components of Epsom salt, may help plants grow greener with higher yields and more blooms. Magnesium creates an environment conducive to growth by helping seeds to germinate, increasing chlorophll production and improving phosphorus and nitrogen uptake. Sulfur is also a key element in plant growth, helping produce vitamins. (feed grade)
Agriculture
In agriculture, magnesium sulfate is used to increase magnesium or sulfur content in soil. It is most commonly applied to potted plants, or to magnesium-hungry crops, such as potatoes, tomatoes, carrots, peppers, lemon trees, and roses. The advantage of magnesium sulfate over other magnesium soil amendments (suchas dolomitic lime)is its high solubility, which also allows the option of foliar feeding. Solutions of magnesium sulfate are also nearly pH neutral, compared with alkaline salts of magnesium as found in limestone; therefore, the use of magnesium sulfate as a magnesium source for soil does not significantly change the soil pH.
Food preparation
Magnesium sulfate is used as abrewing salt in making beer. It may also be used as a coagulant for making tofu.
Chemistry
Anhydrous magnesium sulfateiscommonlyusedasa desiccant inorganic synthesis due to its affinity for water and compatibility with most organic compounds. During work-up , an organic phase is treated with an hydrous magnesium sulfate. The hydrated solid is then removed with filtration, decantation or distillation (if the boiling point is low enough). Other inorganic sulfate salts such as sodium sulfate and calcium sulfate may be used in the same way.
Niche uses
Magnesium sulfate heptahydrate is also used to maintain the magnesium concentration in marine aquaria which contain large amounts of stony corals, as it is slowly depleted in their calcification process. In a magnesium-deficient marine aquarium, calcium and alkalinity concentrations are very difficult to control because not enough magnesium is present to stabilize these ions in the salt water and prevent their
spontaneous precipitation into calcium carbonate.