Copper Sulphate

Copper Sulphate is also widely known as Copper Sulfate (with a letter 'f'), particularly in the USA. It has a chemical formulation of CuSO4. It is bright blue in colour in its most common pentahydrate form but pale green or whitish grey in its anhydrous form. In ancient times Copper Sulphate was known as 'Blue Vitriol' or 'Bluestone' due to its intense blue colour.

Copper Sulphate has a number of uses as a fungicide in horticulture. For example, a mixture of Copper Sulphate and lime is applied to berries, grapes and melons to help control the development of fungus. This mixture is known as the 'Bordeaux Mixture' because of the prevalence of its use in this well-known wine-producing area of France.

Aquarium fish suffering from parasitic infections can be treated with a very dilute solution of Copper Sulphate but great care must be taken to ensure the dosage is correct as Copper is classified as highly Toxic to aquatic organisms and fish.

In the laboratory, Copper Sulphate is used in Fehling's Solution and Benedict's Solution. Copper Sulphate is also used to test for anaemia in the blood. Copper Sulphate is often used as a catalyst with a number of chemical applications.

Copper Sulphate is very Toxic to aquatic organisms and must not be flushed to drain as it can have a severe adverse effect on the environment. Spills of Copper Sulphate must be collected and disposed of in an appropriate manner.

Persons working with Copper Sulphate should familiarise themselves thoroughly with its potential hazards. Personal Protective Equipment should be worn including approved eye protection. Contact with the eyes can cause irritation, conjunctivitis and can cause permanent damage to the membranes of the cornea. Protective clothing should be worn as accidental contact with skin can cause skin irritation and redness.

Copper Sulphate dust should not be inhaled and the material should be handled in a well-ventilated area otherwise use with fume extraction or personal respirator. Inhalation of Copper Sulphate dust causes severe damage to the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract, resulting in ulceration. Never eat or drink while handling Copper Sulphate. Ingestion of Copper Sulphate will result in an unpleasant metallic taste, with irritation of the gastrointestinal tract and burning in the stomach.

Always refer to the MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) for thorough, up-to-date information on measures to be taken in the event of accidental contact with Copper Sulphate. Keep material away from children and animals.