Coppering - Import export

Copper sulfate is used in swimming pools as an algaecide. It is also used for the control of invasive plants in the pools and controls roots that may have punctured the piping system. Fish farmers use it to kill off the invasive types of snails in aquariums. However, its use in the aquarium is highly controlled, as it is toxic to fish in high quantities.

Copper sulfate monohydrate is usually greyish white in color. This is its state without any water molecules in it. When it absorbs some water, it turns to blue pentahydrate crystals or granules. Both types of copper sulphate have same chemical characteristics although they differ in color and their mass. The white powder does not have any odor but is toxic when ingested.

The chemical is highly stable in neutral media and average room temperature. However, it is highly reactive with alkaline media where it decomposes and warms the alkaline material instead. The main use if the compound is a fungicidal spray on grapes, tea, coffee, cotton and cardamom. In rubber, it is sprayed from the above to control attack on the leaves.

Copper sulfate is made by treating copper with hot concentrated sulfuric acid. The crystal combines with other elements for the preparation of different compounds. In its pure nature, it is used as fungicide. It is also mixed with sodium hydroxide to control fungus in melons and grapes.