Sulfate often exists in drinking water, and its main source is sulfate of stratum minerals, mostly in the form of calcium sulfate and magnesium sulfate; dissolution of gypsum and other sulfate sediments; seawater intrusion, oxidation of sulfite and thiosulfate in fully aerated surface water, and domestic sewage, fertilizer and containing. Sulphur geothermal water, mine wastewater, tannery, industrial wastewater using sulphate or sulphuric acid in paper manufacturing can increase the content of sulphate in drinking water.
Diarrhea, dehydration and gastrointestinal disorders are the main physiological reactions after high intake of sulfate. Water containing more than 600 mg/L of magnesium sulfate is often used as cathartic. When the mass concentration of calcium sulfate and magnesium sulfate in water reached 1000 mg/L and 850 mg/L respectively, 50% of the respondents thought that the taste of water was unpleasant and unacceptable.