There is disclosed herein a solution for removing a sulphur compound or carbon dioxide from a fluid and methods for its use, said solution comprising sulphuric acid, a metal at between about 0.05 to 10 percent by weight, an amine at between about 10 to 80 percent by volume and water. In one aspect, the sulphuric acid is in the form of a chelating agent and in another it is in the form of a derivative of a sulphur-based acidic compound. The sulphur compound may be hydrogen sulphide, carbonyl sulphide or a mercaptan. In one aspect, the method is practiced at temperatures significantly below zero. In another aspect, this invention is an acid/amine solution comprising sulphuric acid, sulphuric acid in the form of a chelating agent, or a derivative of a sulphur-based acidic compound and monoethanolamine. This solution may be used as a source of monoethanolamine.