Phosphoric acid is a strong mineral acid with many uses, including in agriculture, food, manufacturing, and personal care.

Agriculture 

  • Fertilizer: A major ingredient in fertilizers, providing phosphorus to plants
  • Soil pH: Used to adjust the pH of soil

Food

  • Food additive: Used as a sour agent and yeast nutrition in food
  • Beverages: Used in beverages like Coca-Cola

Manufacturing 

  • Cleaning products: Used in industrial cleaning and rust removal
  • Dyes, paints, and abrasives: Used in the production of these materials
  • Synthetic detergents: Used in the production of synthetic detergents
  • Water treatment: Used in the treatment of water
  • Metal surface treatment: Used to remove rust and corrosion from metal surfaces

Personal care

  • Cosmetics and toiletries: Used in many cosmetics and toiletries
  • pH regulator: Used as a pH regulator in cosmetics

Other uses

  • Electrolyte: Used as an electrolyte in fuel cells or in oxyhydrogen generators 
  • Mineral deposit removal: Used to remove mineral deposits, cement smears, and hard water stains 
  • Phosphorus-containing drugs: Used to prepare phosphorus-containing drugs