Heinle

is there any common to find mixture or liquid that can be used to substitute sulfuric acid? im trying to find something not as dangerous as this acid so i can preform some acid scarifcation on some seed(smooth sumac) i have and need to be able to have them germinate for one of my science classes to show how some acids effects on plants.n if there is any possible substitutes, how long would i leave the seeds in the substitutes if im soposed to leave the seeds in a misture of consitraded(sorry forgot how to spell for a second) and water?