Copper Sulfate… It’s not just for ponds
Copper Sulfate can be used as a fungicide. However, some fungi are capable of adjusting to high levels of copper. Mixed with lime it is known as Bordeaux mixture and used to control fungus on grapes, melons, and other berries. The Bordeaux mixture is also great for treating fungus and infestations on many types of fruit trees. Another application is Cheshunt compound, a mixture of copper sulfate and ammonium carbonate used in gardening to prevent damping off in seedlings.
A diluted solution of copper sulfate is used to treat aquarium fish for parasitic infections, and is also used to remove snails from aquariums. Copper is highly toxic to certain fish, so be sure to read the label closely to ensure that the fish will not be harmed. In ponds and lakes most types of algae can be controlled with low applications of copper sulfate. Copper sulfate inhibits growth of bacteria such as escherichia coli which is one of the most frequent causes of many common bacterial infections.
Where copper deficiency has been confirmed by soil analysis, whether in plants or animals, it can be corrected very simply either by applying 110 lbs copper sulfate per 2 ½ acres in the form of a fertilizer before sowing or by spraying the foliage of the young plants, when they are about 6 inches high, with 26 ½ ounces of copper sulfate (dissolved in about 500 gallons of water) per 2 ½ acres. The soil application has the advantage that it may have a residual effect for more than ten years. The foliar application has to be given annually to each crop.
Copper sulfate is used as an additive to adhesives for book binding and an additive to animal and silicate glues to provide water resistance.
The medical community use copper sulfate to control and prevent disease such as Bilharzias, malaria and the spread of athlete's foot by incorporating the material into a mixture of other compounds. Copper sulfate is also used as a germicide and antiseptic.
You may remember Copper sulfate as a chemical commonly included in children's chemistry sets, often used to grow crystals in schools and in copper plating experiments to etch designs for printmaking.
As you can see, Copper Sulfate does more than just get rid of
pond algae. So whether you have an orchard full of infested fruit trees or are working on a science experiment, Copper Sulfate is a convenient chemical to have on hand.