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DESIGNATIONS
CAS No.: 7440-50-8
Registry name: Copper
Chemical name: Copper
Synonyms, Trade names: Copper, cuprum
Chemical name (German): Kupfer
Chemical name (French): Cuivre
Appearance: ductile, soft metal with distinctive reddish colour
BASIC CHEMICAL AND PHYSICAL DATA
Chemical symbol: Cu
Rel. atomic mass: 63.55 g
Density: 8.9 g/cm3 at 20°C
Boiling point: 2580°C
Melting point: 1083°C
Vapour pressure: 0 mbar at 20°C, 0.073 Pa at 1083°C, 0.133 Pa at 1870°C
Solvolysis/solubility: the metal is only directly attacked by oxidising acids (nitric acid, hot concentrated sulphuric acid).
BASIC DATA OF SELECTED COMPOUNDS
| CAS No: | 7758-99-8 | 1317-39-1 | |
| Chemical name: | Copper(II) sulphate pentahydrate | Copper(I) oxide | |
| Synonyms, Trade names: | Bluestone, blue vitriol | Copper oxide | |
| Chemical name (German): | Kupfersulfat - Pentahydrat | Kupfer(I)-oxid, Kupferoxid | |
| Chemical name (French): | Sulfate de cuivre | Oxyde de cuivre(I) | |
| Appearance: | light blue crystalline powder | yellow to red crystalline powder depending on preparation and particle size | |
| Empirical formula: | CuSO4 · 5H2O | Cu2O | |
| Rel. molecular mass: | 249.61 g | 143.09 g | |
| Density: | 2.285 g/cm3 | 5.8-6.2 g/cm3 | |
| Boiling point: | not distillable | above 1800°C decomposition | |
| Melting point: | decomposition (above 88°C: subsequent elimination of water) | 1235°C | |
| Vapour pressure: | 0 Pa | 0 Pa | |
| Solvolysis/solubility: | in water: | 148 g/l at 0°C | in water: virtually insoluble; |
| 231 g/l at 25°C | in dilute sulphuric/nitric acid dispro-portion into soluble copper(II) salts; | ||
| 335 g/l at 50°C | insoluble in most organic solvents | ||
| in methanol: 156 g/l | |||
| in ethanol: insoluble | |||
ORIGIN AND USE
Usage:
Copper is used as a conductor in the electrical industry; for
heating and cooling pipes, as container material and as an
alloying metal; in the form of Cu2O as antifouling
paint (for ships' hulls); in the form of CuSO4 as a
fungicide and algicide as well as to combat types of mildew; as
whitewash to ward off vine pest and as a fertiliser in the form
of CuSO4·5 H2O or Cu2O.
Origin/derivation:
Copper is found in elementary form and in ores such as
chalcopyrite (CuFeS2), chalcocite (Cu2S)
and cuprite (Cu2O). Copper is usually purified today
using electrolytic refining methods. Fused-salt processes only
account for roughly 10%. The copper in sulphide ores is generally
separated by means of floatation.
Production figures:
In 1986: 513 million t (worldwide) [FISCHER, 1989]
Toxicity
| Humans: | 700-2100 mg/g dry liver tissue = lethal | acc. SORBE, 1986 |
| Mammals: | ||
| Rat | LD50 159 mg/kg , oral, (Cu carbonate) | acc. DVGW, 1988 |
| Rat | LD50 140 mg/kg , oral, (Cu chloride) | acc. DVGW, 1988 |
| Rat | LD50 470 mg/kg , oral, (Cu oxide) | acc. DVGW, 1988 |
| Rat | LD50 300 mg/kg , oral, (Cu sulphate) | acc. DVGW, 1988 |
| Aquatic organisms | ||
| Daphnia | LD 0.8 mg/l (18 h), (Cu sulphate) | acc. DVGW, 1988 |
| Trout | LD 0.8 mg/l (2-3 d), (Cu sulphate) | acc. DVGW, 1988 |
| Blue algae | 0.03 mg/l Cu2+ = damage, (Cu sulphate) | acc. DVGW, 1988 |
| Green algae | 1.1 mg/l Cu2+ = damage, (Cu sulphate) | acc. DVGW, 1988 |
Cu is a powerful fish poison, the active concentration of which depends on the make-up of the water. The toxic effect is enhanced still further by cadmium, zinc and mercury.
Characteristic effects:
Humans/mammals: As a constituent part of numerous enzymes, Cu is an essential trace element. Poisoning mainly results from the inhalation of Cu dusts and Cu fumes. Poisoning caused by oral intake is rare since it causes nausea. The toxic effect is due to the bonding of free Cu ions with certain proteins and the resulting impairment of their physiological functions. Inhalation of fumes and dust displaces the blood in the nasal and mucous membranes and can cause perforation of the nasal septum. Infants are at a higher risk (possible mortality) where there is a high copper content in the drinking water. Death may be caused by cirrhosis of the liver.
Plants: Damage to roots which attacks the plasmalemma and destroys the normal membrane structure; inhibited root growth and formation of numerous short, brownish secondary roots. Cu becomes accumulated in the skin of the roots and in the cell walls. Chlorosis is produced by Cu displacing Fe from centres of metabolic physiology. In the same ecosystem aquatic plants absorb three times more Cu than plants on dry land.
ENVIRONMENTAL BEHAVIOUR
Water:
Cu is precipitated in saltwater thus explaining its low content
compared to freshwater. Acid rain increases the solubility of
copper ores. A high copper level in drinking water with low pH
can usually be attributed to pipe corrosion. High copper levels
can discolour the water and cause greenish deposits.
Air:
Cu is assigned to emission class 3 in the TA-Luft (ROTH, 1989). A
greenish patina forms when Cu is exposed to damp air thus
protecting the metal against further chemical action (corrosion).
Soil:
There is considerable retention of Cu by inorganic
exchangers. Complex formation takes place with increasing pH. The
solubility of Cu in soil is at its lowest at pH 5-6. Cu is
subject to extreme accumulation in clay mineral layers. The Cu
content in soil decreases with increasing depth of soil. Exchange
reactions and the nitrogen content in the soil are important
factors in the passive transport of immobile copper.
Degradation, decomposition products, half-life:
Cu(II) salts are the most stable Cu compounds.
Food chain:
Mammals and humans absorb 30% of copper in food via the stomach
with 5% actually being resorbed and the rest being excreted again
by way of the gallbladder. There is accumulation in the liver,
brain and kidneys.
ENVIRONMENTAL STANDARDS
| Medium/ acceptor | Sector | Country/organ. | Status | Value | Cat. | Remarks | Source |
| Water: | Drinkw | CH | (L) |
1.5 mg/l | acc. LAU-BW, 1989 | ||
| Drinkw | EC | G |
0.1 mg/l | 1) | acc. DVGW, 1988 | ||
| Drinkw | EC | G |
3 mg/l | acc. LAU-BW, 1989 | |||
| Drinkw | SU | (L) |
0.1 mg/l | acc. LAU-BW, 1989 | |||
| Drinkw | USA | (L) |
1 mg/l | acc. LAU-BW, 1989 | |||
| Drinkw | WHO | G |
1 mg/l | acc. LAU-BW, 1989 | |||
| Groundw | D(HH) | G |
0.05 mg/l | Investigation | acc. LAU-BW, 1989 | ||
| Groundw | D(HH) | G |
0.2 mg/l | Rehabilitation | acc. LAU-BW, 1989 | ||
| Groundw | NL | G |
15 m g/l | Reference | acc. TERRA TECH, 6/94 | ||
| Groundw | NL | L |
75 m g/l | Intervention | acc. TERRA TECH, 6/94 | ||
| Surface | D | G |
0.05 mg/l | 2) B | acc. DVGW, 1988 | ||
| Surface | D | G |
0.30 mg/l | 3) A | acc. DVGW, 1988 | ||
| Surface | EC | G |
0.02 mg/l | 4) A1 | acc. LAU-BW, 1989 | ||
| Surface | EC | G |
0.05 mg/l | 4) A1 | acc. LAU-BW, 1989 | ||
| Surface | EC | G |
0.05 mg/l | 5) A2 | acc. LAU-BW, 1989 | ||
| Surface | EC | G |
1 mg/l | 6) A3 | acc. LAU-BW, 1989 | ||
| Surface | EC | G |
0.04 mg/l | Salmonoid waters | acc. LAU-BW, 1989 | ||
| Waste water | CH | G |
0.01 mg/l | Quality goal | acc. LAU-BW, 1989 | ||
| Waste water | CH | (L) |
0.5 mg/l | Direct/indirect introduction | acc. LAU-BW, 1989 | ||
| Waste water | D | G |
2 mg/l | acc. LAU-BW, 1989 | |||
| Irrigation | D | G |
0.2 mg/l | Field cultivation | acc. LAU-BW, 1989 | ||
| Irrigation | D | G |
0.05 mg/l | Cultivation under glass | acc. LAU-BW, 1989 | ||
| Irrigation | GB | G |
0.5 mg/l | acc. LAU-BW, 1989 | |||
| Irrigation | USA | (L) |
0.2 mg/l | acc. LAU-BW, 1989 | |||
| Irrigation | USA | (L) |
5 mg/l | 7) | acc. LAU-BW, 1989 | ||
| Troughw | D | G |
0.01 mg/l | acc. LAU-BW, 1989 | |||
| Troughw | GB | G |
0.2 mg/l | acc. LAU-BW, 1989 | |||
| Troughw | USA | (L) |
1 mg/l | Cattle breeding | acc. LAU-BW, 1989 | ||
| Soil: | CH | G |
50 mg/kg | Total content | acc. LAU-BW, 1989 | ||
| CH | G |
0.7 mg/kg | Soluble content | acc. LAU-BW, 1989 | |||
| D(HH) | (G) |
300 mg/kg | Investigation | acc. LAU-BW, 1989 | |||
| NL | G |
36 mg/kg AD | Reference | acc. TERRA TECH, 6/94 | |||
| NL | L |
190 mg/kg AD | Intervention | acc. TERRA TECH, 6/94 | |||
| Sewage sludge | CH | L |
1000 mg/kg DM | acc. LAU-BW, 1989 | |||
| Sewage sludge | D | L |
100 mg/kg AD | acc. LAU-BW, 1989 | |||
| Sewage sludge | D | L |
1200 mg/kg DM | acc. LAU-BW, 1989 | |||
| Sewage sludge | EC | L |
50-140 mg/kg DM | Soil | acc. LAU-BW, 1989 | ||
| Sewage sludge | EC | L |
1000-1750 mg/kg DM | acc. LAU-BW, 1989 | |||
| Fertiliser | D | L |
200 mg/kg | 8) | acc. LAU-BW, 1989 | ||
| Compost | A | G |
100-1000 ppm DM | acc. LAU-BW, 1989 | |||
| Compost | CH | L |
150 mg/kg DM | acc. LAU-BW, 1989 | |||
| Compost | D | G |
100 mg/kg AD | Soil | acc. LAU-BW, 1989 | ||
| Compost | D | G |
2000 g/(ha·a) | acc. LAU-BW, 1989 | |||
| Air: | Emiss. | D | L |
20 mg/m3 | Smoke, 9) | acc. LAU-BW, 1989 | |
| Emiss. | D | L |
75 mg/m3 | Smoke, 10) | acc. LAU-BW, 1989 | ||
| Workp | AUS | L |
1 mg/m3 | Dust | acc. MERIAN, 1984 | ||
| Workp | AUS | L |
0.1 mg/m3 | Smoke | acc. MERIAN, 1984 | ||
| Workp | B | L |
1 mg/m3 | Dust | acc. MERIAN, 1984 | ||
| Workp | B | L |
0.2 mg/m3 | Smoke | acc. MERIAN, 1984 | ||
| Workp | D | L |
0.1 mg/m3 | MAK | Smoke | DFG, 1989 | |
| Workp | D | L |
1 mg/m3 | MAK | Dust | DFG, 1989 | |
| Workp | DDR | L |
0.2 mg/m3 | Smoke, mean value | acc. MERIAN, 1984 | ||
| Workp | DDR | L |
0.4 mg/m3 | Smoke, short-time value | acc. MERIAN, 1984 | ||
| Workp | CH | L |
1 mg/m3 | Dust | acc. MERIAN, 1984 | ||
| Workp | CH | L |
0.1 mg/m3 | Smoke | acc. MERIAN, 1984 | ||
| Workp | I | L |
1 mg/m3 | Dust | acc. MERIAN, 1984 | ||
| Workp | I | L |
0.2 mg/m3 | Smoke | acc. MERIAN, 1984 | ||
| Workp | NL | L |
1 mg/m3 | Dust | acc. MERIAN, 1984 | ||
| Workp | NL | L |
0.2 mg/m3 | Smoke | acc. MERIAN, 1984 | ||
| Workp | PL | L |
1 mg/m3 | Dust | acc. MERIAN, 1984 | ||
| Workp | PL | L |
0.1 mg/m3 | Smoke | acc. MERIAN, 1984 | ||
| Workp | RO | L |
0.5 mg/m3 | Dust, mean value | acc. MERIAN, 1984 | ||
| Workp | RO | L |
1.5 mg/m3 | Dust, short-time value | acc. MERIAN, 1984 | ||
| Workp | RO | L |
0.05 mg/m3 | Smoke, mean value | acc. MERIAN, 1984 | ||
| Workp | RO | L |
0.15 mg/m3 | Smoke, short-time value | acc. MERIAN, 1984 | ||
| Workp | S | L |
1 mg/m3 | Dust | acc. MERIAN, 1984 | ||
| Workp | SF | L |
1 mg/m3 | Dust | acc. MERIAN, 1984 | ||
| Workp | SF | L |
0.1 mg/m3 | Smoke | acc. MERIAN, 1984 | ||
| Workp | SU | (L) |
0.5 mg/m3 | acc. LAU-BW, 1989 | |||
| Workp | USA | (L) |
0.2 mg/m3 | TWA | Smoke | acc. LAU-BW, 1989 | |
| Workp | USA | (L) |
1 mg/m3 | TWA | Dust | acc. MERIAN, 1984 | |
| Workp | YU | L |
1 mg/m3 | Dust | acc. MERIAN, 1984 | ||
| Workp | YU | L |
0.1 mg/m3 | Smoke | acc. MERIAN, 1984 | ||
| Foodstuffs: | Pectin | CH | (L) |
400 ppm | acc. DVGW, 1988 | ||
| Tinned spinach | CH | (L) |
100 ppm | acc. DVGW, 1988 | |||
| Margarine | CH | (L) |
100 ppm | acc. DVGW, 1988 | |||
| Fruit juice | CH | (L) |
5-30 ppm | acc. DVGW, 1988 | |||
| Milk | CH | (L) |
0.05 ppm | acc. DVGW, 1988 | |||
| Beer | CH | (L) |
0.2 ppm | acc. DVGW, 1988 |
Notes:
1) On leaving pumping system
2) For drinking water treatment in each case: B = signifies impact limits up to which drinking water can be produced with the aid of currently tried and tested chemophysical methods
3) For drinking water treatment in each case: A = signifies impact limits up to which drinking water may be produced solely by natural methods
4) For drinking water treatment in each case: A1 = simple physical treatment and sterilisation
5) For drinking water treatment in each case: A2 = normal physical and chemical treatment/sterilisation
6) For drinking water treatment in each case: A3 = physical and refined chemical treatment, oxidation, adsorption and sterilisation
7) Only for short-term irrigation of certain soils
8) In organic, mineral mixed fertilisers
9) With mass flow ³ 0.1 kg/h
10) With mass flow ³ 3 kg/h
Comparison/reference values
| Medium/origin | Country | Value | Source |
| Water: | |||
| Lake Constance | D | 0.75-1.1 mg/l | acc. DVGW, 1988 |
| Rhine (Cologne): | D | 5-17 mg/l | acc. DVGW, 1988 |
| Rhine (Duisburg): | D | 2.9-24.6 mg/l | acc. DVGW, 1988 |
| Ruhr (Essen): | D | 14-26 mg/l | acc. DVGW, 1988 |
| Ruhr (Duisburg): | D | 6-11 mg/l | acc. DVGW, 1988 |
| Seawater | 0.0005-0.03 mg/l | acc. HOCK, 1988 | |
| Sediment: | |||
| Rhine | D | 250 mg/kg | acc. DVGW, 1988 |
| Ruhr | D | 900 mg/kg | acc. DVGW, 1988 |
| Fly ash, coal | USA | 45-616 mg/kg | acc. HOCK, 1988 |
| Sewage-sludge refuse compost | D | 50-5000 mg/kg | acc. HOCK, 1988 |
| Plants | 2-12 mg/kg | acc. HOCK, 1988 | |
Assessment/comments
Copper is an important trace element for all living organisms. Humans require approx. 2 mg/day. Poisoning is rare since large quantities cause nausea. However, certain compounds are highly toxic to aquatic organisms.