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Uses of Copper (II) Sulfate Pentahydrate

Copper sulfate is the common name of cupric sulfate, an inorganic, crystalline salt that is odorless and appears blue in color. Copper sulfate is naturally occurring and is a widely used source of elemental copper, where copper has valence of +2. Copper sulfate emits moisture when exposed to air, and crystallizes as Copper Sulfate Pentahydrate, which contains five molecules of water (CuSO4.5H2O). Copper Sulfate Pentahydrate has a range of commercial uses, and is also known as blue vitriol.

  1. Agriculture

    • Copper Sulfate Pentahydrate is mainly used in agriculture as a fungicide. The Bordeaux mixture was a fungicide developed by French Botanist Millardet in the 19th century, containing copper sulfate pentahydrate, hydrated lime and water, and is still used when treating plan leaves and seeds. The copper sulfate pentahydrate fungicide is used in the management of bacteria and fungi that infect fruits, vegetables and other field crops. Examples of microbes include leaf spots, blights, apple scab and mildew.

    Copper Plating

    • Copper plating has a wide application in a range of products including thermoplastics and printed circuit boards, and has broad industrial usage in informatics, automotive, electronics and communication. The most commonly used copper-plating electrolyte is acidified Copper Sulfate Pentahydrate, as it remains stable, non-toxic, inexpensive and readily available. Copper Sulphate Pentahydrate provides the copper ion necessary for plating.

    Animal Feed

    • Copper ion is a key dietary supplement used in animal feeds. For example, copper plays a role in reducing cholesterol in egg plasma and breast muscle of poultry. It also lowers fat content, increases meat protein and improves egg production and feed efficiency. Similar to its agricultural use, copper sulphate pentahydrate is also used as antifungal agent in poultry during summer periods when tropical infections are prevalent.

    Other Uses

    • Copper Sulfate Pentahydrate deters algae growth in water supplies. In the mining industry, it acts as a floatation reagent during zinc and lead recovery. In flooded rice fields, it limits the spread of tadpole shrimp, and is also effective in sewer treatment.

    Caution

    • Copper Sulfate pentahydrate is a hazardous chemical and should be handled with safety spectacles and rubber gloves. Copper sulfate pentahydrate is acidic and irritates eyes and the respiratory tract upon contact. It is absorbed through the skin, causing severe itching and eczema. If swallowed, it causes nausea, vomiting, headaches and burning chest pains.

      In cases of eye contact, eyes should immediately be washed thoroughly with water. Although not considered toxic as it induces vomiting if ingested, it can damage internal organs such as liver, kidney and gastrointestinal tract. Large amounts of milk or water should be consumed and medical personnel notified immediately.

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