Copper sulfate is one of the most important industrial chemicals in use. Its widespread use in agriculture, health care and medicine, as well as in several industries, requires the constant production of this substance. This compound is obtained by chemical reaction of sulfuric acid with various copper or copper (II) compounds, such as copper (II) oxide. Another method of preparation of the substance: the electrolysis of sulfuric acid with copper electrodes.
- agricultural use
Blue crystals, which are commonly found in nature such as copper sulphate pentahydrate, are one of the most important substances widely used in agriculture, due to their fungicidal and pesticidal properties. It is mixed with lime to form a Bordeaux mixture that controls the growth of fungi that can damage several crops. Perhaps one of its most important uses is due to its fungicidal properties.
- Health-related and medical uses
The ability of copper sulfate to kill fungi, bacteria and parasites is limited not only by agriculture. This ability is used to prevent the proliferation of algae in pools and ponds. In tropical countries, you can control athlete’s foot by adding a substance to the floor cleaning mixture. It also destroys the snails that feed the parasites that cause schistosomiasis in humans. In addition, it kills the larvae of mosquitoes that cause malaria. In medicine, it is used in the preparation of various pharmaceutical products.
- industrial use
The blue vitriol is an additive in the tails. It is used to conserve wood and repel wood worms to prevent wood rot. In particular, it serves as a coloring component and as an antiseptic. This prevents the growth of mold in building materials. Prevents the growth of tree roots in sewer systems. It is a dye for glass, cement and ceramics. It has other chemical applications: a catalyst, an electrolyte, an ingredient in preparations of other chemicals, and it is used in precipitation and purification reactions.
