In some regions, it is used to control snail populations to prevent the spread of schistosomiasis, a parasitic disease. Safety and Environmental Impact
), is an inorganic salt that stands as one of the most versatile and widely used copper compounds. It is most recognizable in its pentahydrate form ( cupric sulfate
This is its largest market. It is used as a fungicide (notably in "Bordeaux mixture" to protect vineyards) and an herbicide to control invasive aquatic plants and algae in ponds and reservoirs. In some regions, it is used to control
While useful, cupric sulfate is toxic. It is an irritant to human skin and eyes, and if ingested, it can cause severe gastrointestinal distress. Environmentally, it is highly toxic to fish and aquatic invertebrates, meaning its use in open water must be carefully regulated to prevent ecological damage. It is used as a fungicide (notably in
Cupric sulfate is primarily produced by treating copper metal with hot concentrated sulfuric acid or by treating copper oxides with dilute sulfuric acid.