The Overview onof the Applicationsuses of Copper Sulfide

(Hsia Yung Hur, June 15, 2010)

A. Description of Copper Sulfides

Copper Sulfides describe is a family of chemical compounds and minerals with the formula Cu xSy ,
Both minerals and synthetic materials comprise these compounds. (???) Some copper sulfides are
economically important ores. Prominent copper sulfide minerals include Cu2S (chalcocite) and CuS
(covellite). In the mining industry, the minerals bornite or chalcopyrite, which consist of mixed copper-
iron sulfides, are often referred to as "copper sulfides". In chemistry, a "binary copper sulfide" is any
binary chemical compound of the elements copper and sulfur. Whatever their source, copper sulfides
vary widely in composition with 0.5 ≤ Cu/S ≤ 2, including numerous non-stoichiometric compounds.
There are probably more yet to be discovered, for example investigations of "blaubleibender covellite"
(blue remaining covellite) formed by natural leaching of covellite (CuS) indicate that there are other
metastable Cu-S phases still have to be fully characterised.[1] . The naturally occurring mineral binary
compounds of copper and sulfur are listed below.:

• CuS2, villamaninite or (Cu,Ni,Co,Fe)S2

• CuS, covellite
• Cu9S8 (Cu1.12S), yarrowite
• Cu39S28 (Cu1.39S) spionkopite
• Cu8S5 (Cu1.6S), geerite
• Cu7S4 (Cu1.75S), anilite
• Cu9S5 (Cu1.8S), digenite
• Cu31S16 (Cu1.96S), djurleite
• Cu2S, chalcocite

B. Classes of cCopper sSulfides:

Copper sulfides can be classified into the following three groups.:

1. Monosulfides, (1.6 ≤ Cu/S ≤ 2).: tTheir crystal structures consist of isolated sulfide anions that are
closely related to either hcp or fcc lattices, without any direct S-S bonds. The copper ions are
distributed in a complicated manner over interstitial sites with both trigonal as well as distorted
tetrahedral coordination and are rather mobile. Therefore, this group of copper sulfides shows ionic
conductivity at slightly elevated temperatures. In addition, the majority of its members are
semiconductors. A blank colloidal precipitate of CuS is formed when hydrogen sulfide, H2S, is
bubbled through solutions of Cu (II) salts.

2. Mixed monosulfide and disulfide. They are the compounds of copper contain both monosulfide
(S2−) as well as disulfide (S2)n− anions. Their crystal structures usually consist of alternating hexagonal
layers of monosulfide and disulfide anions with Cu cations in trigonal and tetrahedral interstices. CuS,
for example, can be written as Cu3(S2)S. Several nonstoichiometric compounds with Cu:S ratios
between 1.0 and 1.4 also contain both monosulfide as well as disulfide ions. Depending on their
composition, these copper sulfides are either semiconductors or metallic conductors2.

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3. At very high pressures, a cCopper disulfide, (CuS2). , It is can be synthesized at very high pressure.
Its crystal structure is analogous to that of pyrite, with all sulfur atoms occurring as S-S units. Copper
disulfide is a metallic conductor due to the incomplete occupancy of the sulfur p band1.

There are two copper sulfides, ， copper sulfide (cupric sulfide, CuS) ） and cuprous sulfide,
(（Cu2S)）which are describedseeing below description respectively below.

(1). Copper sulfide (Cupric sulfide, CuS)., It is a kind of blank powder, Sstable in air when dry, and
oxidized. to copper sulfate by moist air. Of monoclinic or hexagonal crystals, and break down at 220
ºC; Practically insoluble in water, ethanol, dilute acids and alkaline solutions, but soluble in alkali
cyanides and in aqueous ammonia solution with complex ion formation; and decomposed by hot nitric
acid3&4.

Use as antimicrobial:

The antimicrobial properties of copper sulfide: the ability of various electroplated coating to inhibit the
growth of pathogenic bacteria (Gram-positive bacteria and Gram-negative bacteria)5, an antimicrobial
coating system, a film-forming composition, and an antimicrobial film. In some embodiment, the
antimicrobial coating system can include a film-forming composition comprising a polymer having an
effective molecular weight, and an effective amount of an antimicrobial agent dispersed within the
polymer. The film-forming composition can form a water-insoluble, biocidal antimicrobial film when
applied to surface6. The antimicrobial agent is a composition comprising an inert inorganic core
particle including a first coating comprising a metal having antimicrobial properties, such as copper
sulfide and second coating having protective properties7,8&9. The first fabric layer of a synthetic yarn
material, it has rendered hydrophllic, polyester, acrylic, and nylon or a second fabric layer of a material
selected from the group consisting of a moisture-absorbent yam, cotton, rayon, and wool10&11; the metal
coating compositions are generally based on polymers, such as aminoalkyd resins, aminoacrylic resins,
epoxy resins, and polyurethane resins; an antimicrobial coating system, a film-forming composition,
and an antimicrobial film; In the present invention, exotic metal-containing antimicrobial surface
materials provide broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity through the controlled release of metal ions.
Zeolites are porous crystal-structured aluminosilicate particles as well as the organic polymeric
materials used for forming antibiotic-containing film may be any synthetic, natural or semi-synthetic
organic polymers with more so far as they can be formed into films12.It is known to add a materials
possessing an antibacterial property using metallic layers or alloy layers of metals formed on their
surface by sputtering13. These revolutionary technologies are also used regularly in medical devices,
hospital and school building products, and in water filters to prevent bacteria propagation and fouling
of the filter. It used the antifouling agent in paints3,5&14; Binds copper ion to textile fibers from which
woven and non-woved fabrics can be reduced the for the healthcare-associated nosocomial infections
by bacterial, viral, fungal, or even parasitic5. Therefore, use of self-sterilizing fabrics in pajamas,
sheets, pillow cover, and robes, and use of groves with antibacterial and anti-viral properties by
hospital personnel may also aid in reducing transmission of infectious microbes and virues. An
additional potential use of copper-impregnated fabrics is related to foot ulcerations. Several
manufactures provide these kind brand of fabrics15,16,17,&18 Agion silver/copper ion technology offers
patented, long-lasting antimicrobial protection that minimizes the impact of destructive bacteria, mold,
mildew, fungal contaminants and other microorganisms on the protected surface of fabric. Globally
registered, including FDA and EPA, Agion technology is used in health care applications as well as by
the food industry for food wrap and antimicrobial preservative effectiveness; and in homes and offices
for floor coverings, such as carpet backing. Agion is widely recognized as a leading ingredient brand
and can already be found in a wide range of products consumers know and trust and use every day,
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including personal care products, house wares and sports and fitness products such as wound dressings
and garments gowns and masks as well as sports and fitness products such as intimate apparel, shoe
linings, socks, undergarments and the like and coatings19. Water filters for purifying or sterilizing
aqueous to prevent bacteria propagation and fouling of the filter or suitable devices for storing,
transporting or dispensing sterile solutions. Medical implants are generally described in “The
Orthopedic Implants and Allied Products Markets Outside the U.S” Frost & Sullivan, Inc., dental
devices.

Recent years, a lot of researches for biofilm are going on. It referred that the elucidation of the biofilm
formation mechanism on the iron and steel material surface and development of the control technology.
The productivity of hydrogen sulfide of the WW strain was also recognized, and the copper sulfide
produced from copper corroded. Biofilms were used to produced gramicidin S (a cyclic decapeptide)
to inhibit corrosion-causing, sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB). It is problematic for the nuclear power,
paper-making, and oil industries. MIC can cause considerable damage to cooling water system, sewage
treatment facilities, underground pipies, and ships at low tide. Black FeS films on stainless steel or
mild steel are generally indicative of SEB attack 20&21. In the wastewater system, the problem of
Microbial Induced Corrosion (M.I.C.) in sewer systems is caused under reduced the condition, that
hydrogen sulfide gas (H2S) and sulfuric acid is formed and sulfur is also formed due to the oxidation
of hydrogen sulfide. The corrosion of concrete or steel is caused by hydrogen ion from both of H2SO4
and H2S. Concrete with antimicrobial properties to inhibit a certain numerous method are available to
control the generation of sulfide in wastewater22. Another promising application of biofilms is in heavy
metal and radionuclide remediation. Heavy metal bioremediation can be achived by immobilization,
concentration and partitioning to an environmental compartment, thereby minimizing the anticipated
hazards. In a study by White and Gadd, sulphate-reducing bacterial biofilms grown in continous
culture and exposed to a medium that contained 20-200μM copper were found to accumulate it in the
form of copper sulfide23. Using heavy metals cations or in combination with antimicrobials to treating
biofilms has using in medical devices and medication24, and a decisive feature for potential biosensor
and power source applications25.

Other uses:

The majority of the classification of monosulfides are semiconductors. Mixed monosulfide and
disulfide compounds are able to be used as metallic conductors of semi conductors. Monosulfide show
ionic conductivity at slightly elevated temperatures26; Copper sulfides and selenides in different
stoichiometries are widely used as p-type semiconductors in solar cells, as optical filters, and as
superionic materials. Due to their unique optical and electrical properties, they are also widely applied
in thin films and composite materials. Developing new technology for copper sulfide, which are good
of the optical and electrical, had been widely studied27,28,29,30,31&,32. The copper sulfide used as a
nanocrystals and as a light absorber in wet-chemical synthesized thin absorber (ETA) solar cells33. in
development of a Lithium-Cupric Sulfide Cell, which makes max use of the shape of a pacemaker’s
battery compartment with high power copper sulfide cathodes for thin-film microbatteries34&35.
Coductive copper sulfide thin films coated on polyimide foils might also be used as conductive
substrates for electrolytic deposition on metals and semiconductors and optoelectronic device
structure36. The copper sulfide layer was deposited effectively by the electroless plating reaction with a
chelating agent of triethanolamine and its EMI shielding effectiveness37. Copper sulfide –coated nylon
yarms for electrostatic dissipation (ESD), antimicrobial, and RFID application38. It used in ever-
shrinking applications such as smart cards, miniature remove sensors, RFID tags, and medical implants
are creating an ever-growing need for smaller and thinner batteries to power the devices39.
Potentiometric response of silver (I) sulfide/copper (II) sulfide membranes to chelons and applications
3
is for end-point detection in chelometric titrations 40. The most effective means to control H2S is by
using copper which removes the H2S as cooper sulfide (CuS) which can then be removed from the
final product to the beer41. as mordants (fixatives) in dyeing; and in electroplating1.and applied. As in
preparation of mixed catalysts3; as well as in development of aniline black dye in textile printing 3;
Pigment for linseed oil varnishes.

(2). Cuprous Sulfide (Cu2S) is a copper sulfide, a chemical compound of copper and sulfer. It has
chemical compound Cu2S. It is found in nature as the mineral chalcocite. It has a narrow range of
stoichiometry range from Cu1.997S to Cu2.000S42. Blue to grayish-blank lustrous powder, granules, or
ortho-rhombic crystals; Mp about 1100º. D420 5.6. On heating in the absence of air it forms Cu and
CuS; in the present of air it forms CuO, CuSO4 and SO2. Practically insoluble water, acetic acid; very
sparingly soluble in HCl; decompose by HNO3, and concentrated H2SO4; partially soluble in NH4OH;
readily in cyanide solution due to complex ion formation43.

Use:

Chalcocite (Cu2S) is a p-type semiconductor with a bulk band gap of 1.2 eV and has wide applications
in solar cells, cold cathodes, and nanoscale switches etc44. Their semiconductor nanostructures, which
is synthesis, are promising building blocks for future-generation photovoltaic devices, such as dye-
sensitized solar cell, all-inorganic nanoparticle solar cell, and hybrid nanocrystal-polner composite
solar cells45&46. Growth of core/shell type nonparticles on baseis Cd-Cu2S in polymer matrices,
optimize the processes of technology and to provide an opportunity for increased open circuit voltages
and short circuit currents in solar cells47,48,49,50,51,52&53, and also provide a large scale terrestrial
applications economically53,54,55&56. Also Cu2S is used in luminous paints; in electrodes for
thermolements; in preparation of CuSO4; in solid-lubricant compositions; as catalyst1 and as
antifoulants for ship bottom protection57.

Besides copper sulfides,(3). Cuprous diSulfide (CuS2): Aat very high pressures, a copper disulfide,
CuS2, can be synthesized, which is called Cuprous diSulfide. Its crystal structure is analogous to that
of pyrite, with all sulfur atoms occurring as S-S units. Copper disulfide is a metallic conductor due to
the incomplete occupancy of the sulfur p band.

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 The Overview of the uses of Copper Sulfate
(Hsia Yung Hur, June 15, 2010)

(Where is the following #3 coming from?)

(3). Cupric Sulfate is the chemical compound with formula CuSO4. The salt exists as a series of
compounds that differ in their degree of hydration. The anhydrous form is a pale green or grey-white
rhombic crystals or amorphous powder, soluble in water; practically insoluble in alcohol. Whereas the
pentahydrate (CuSO4·H2O), the most commonly encountered salt, is bright blue. It is Vvery soluble in
water; soluble in methanol and, glycerol; slightly in ethanol. On heating decompose about 560°. It may
also refer to cuprous sulfate (Cu2SO4), in which copper has valence +1. It is soluble in water but
insoluble in alcohol. It is prepared by the treatment of copper oxides with sulfuric acid. The anhydrous
form occurs as a rare mineral known as chalcocyanite. The hydrated copper sulfate occurs in nature as
chalcanthite , and two more rare ones: bonattite (trihydrate) and boothite (heptahydrate). Cupric
sulfate is the most important salt of copper1, 2, 3, 4&5.

Use: The active form of copper ion Cu+2, which is a unique, chelate-like carrier known as
“hydrotrope”. Copper’s effectiveness in water treatment is based on the principle that organic
contaminants will die soon after contact with elemental copper’s cupric ion. Its principal employment
is in agriculture. Seeing below6:

A. Agriculture:

Major uses: It is used in agriculture as a treatment for corps and water system, as it is a fungicide,
bactericide, herbicide, pesticide, insecticide mixtures, nutritional animal feed additive, and soil
additive. This compound is commonly sprayed on grapes in the form of a water solution to reduce the
risk of fungal infestations. Bordeaux is used to control fungus dieases that prepared when the cupric
sulfate mixed with lime and Burgundy mixtures for use as fungicides and used to control fungus
diseases on grapes, melons, and other berries. Manufacture of other copper fungicides such as copper-
lime dust, tribasic copper sulphate, copper carbonate and cuprous oxide; Manufacture of insecticides
such as copper arsenite and Paris green; Correction of copper deficiency in soils; Correction of copper
8
deficiency in animals; Growth stimulant for fattening pigs and broiler chickens; and molluscicide for
the destruction of slugs and snails, particularly the snail host of the liver fluke. Copper sulfate or its
chelated copper sulfate product used in drip, micro and tape irrigation, lakes ponds, reservoirs,
municipal drinking and wastewater systems, irrigation cannals, animal confinement pits, fish tanks,
treatment lagoons and other water systems to control green algae growth and also controls E. coli
bacteria in irrigation water. It is an algaecide also helps control the blue-green algae which cause an
off-flavor in fish. It controls bacteria odors and enhances biological decomposition of waste. When the
copper ion as an algicide/bactericide, it attacks the algal cell membrane to inhibit grown and interferes
with the photosynthesis process resulting in starvation of the algae. Copper also causes deactivation of
the microorganism through interference in metabolic pathways. Different species of algae and bacteria
have different sensities to the cupric ion6&7. It kills roots because the root absorbing a lot of copper (II)
ions which in excess are toxic and kill the roots.

Other uses:

Seed dressing; soil sterilizer, e.g. Cheshunt compound, a mixture of copper sulfate with ammonium
carbonate is used in horticulture to prevent “damping off” disease tomato, etc; Control and prevention
of foot rot in sheep and cattle; Bacteriastat for addition to sheep dips; The control of digital dermatitis
drives footbath disinfectants use on U.S. dairy farms in prevention of the spread of swine erysipelas
and white scours in calves8; Control of scum in farm ponds; Plant nutrient in rice fields; Preservative
for wooden posts, wooden buildings, etc.; Preservative for wooden fruit boxes, planting baskets and
other containers; Ingredient of vermin repellents, e.g. for application to bark of trees against rabbits;
Stimulant of latex yield on rubber plantations; Protection against algal growths on flower pots6.

Used in public health and medicine:

Destruction of algal blooms in reservoirs and swimming pools9; Prevention of the spreed of athletes
foot in warm climates, by incorporation in the flooring mixture of swimming baths; Control of
biharzia in tropical countries, as a molluscicide; prevention of malaria, in the preparation of Paris
green for use against osquito larvae; antiseptic and germicide against fungus infections, etc 6 . Copper
sulfate is used for help to control infection in hospitals and other healthcare facilities10.

B. Used in Industry:

Copper sulfate is a very versatile chemical with as extensive a range of uses in industry. Up to a
generation or so ago its only uses in industry were as a mordant for dying and for electroplating, but
today it is being emplpyed in many industrial processes. The synthetic fiber industry has found an
application for it in the production of their raw material. The metal industry uses large quantities of
copper sulfate as an electrolyte in copper refining, for copper coating steel wire prior to wire drawing
and in various copper plating processes. The mining industry employs it as an activator in the
concentration by froth flotation of lead, zinc, conalt, and gold ores. The printing trade takes it as an
electrolyte in the production of electrotype and as an etching agent for process engraving. The paint
industry uses it in anti-fouling paints and it play \s a part in the colouring of glass. Indeed, today there
is hardly an industry which does not have some small use of for copper sulfate. Seeing some of the
many uses of copper sulfate below:

Catalyst or raw material for the preparation of copper catalysts used in the manufacture of
pharmaceutical products; Used in adhesives industry to preservative in casein and other glues, additive
to book binding pastes and glues, for insecticidal purposes, and additive to animal and silicate glues to
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give water resistance; Used in building construction for timber preservative and in the preparation of
other wood and preservatives, e.g, oil based copper naphthenates and water bases
copper/chrome/arsenic for the prevention of woodworms and wood rods; preservative for wood pulp.
Ingredient of plaster to prevent fungus infection, e.g, to prevent the spread of dry rod, ingredient of
concrete, both as a colouring matter and as an antiseptic, e.g, for use in and around swimming pools;
modification of the setting of concrete; Protection against lichens, moulds and similar growths on
asbestos cement roofing and other building materials; Control of the growth of tree roots in sewers;
Used in chemical fields as prepartion of catalysts for use in many industries; Purification of gases, e.g,
removal of hydrogen chloride and hydrogen sulphide; Pecipitation promoter in purifying zinc sulphate
solutions; Pecipitation of alkaloids as double salts from crude extracts; Source of other copper
compounds such as copper carbonate silicate/arsenite/aceto-arsenite/resinate/stearate/tartrate/oleate
naphthenate/chromate/chlorate/alginate/fluoride/hydroxide, cuprous oxide/chloride/cyanide and
cuprammonium compounds, preparation of the catalysts in synthetic rubber for used in cracking
certain gaseous and liquid petroleum5. Decorative Trades: it plays a part of colouring glass, cement,
plaster, and ceramic wares; alteration of metal colours, e.g. darkening of zinc, colouring aluminium.
Paint industry uses as raw material for the manufacture of copper naphthenate and other copper
compounds for use in anti-fouling paints; preparation of certain varnish or paint dryers, e.g. copper
oleate, copper stearate; preparation of certain pigments e.g. copper chromate, copper ferrocyanide,
copper phthalocyanine6. In nature patination the mojor coloring agent in the film is basic copper
sulfate11. The printing trade takes it as an electrolyte in the production of electrotype, ingredient of
printing inks, and as an etching agent for process engraving.

Metal and electrical industry: Electrolyte in copper refining; Electrolytic manufacture of cuprous
compounds, e.g. cuprous oxide; Constituent of the electrodes and electrolytes in batteries; Electrolyte
in the manufacture of copper powder; Electrolyte in aluminium plating and anodizing; Copper coating
steel wire, prior to wire drawing; Pickling copper wire, etc,. prior to enamelling; Providing a suitable
surface for marking iron and steel. Obtaining a blue-back finish brushes6. Mining: Flotation reagent in
the concentration of ores., e.g. zinc blende6.

Synthetic rubber and petroleum: Preparation of catalysis used in cracking certain gassous and liquid
petroleum fractions; preparation of cuprous chloride, used in the purification of butadiene and in the
separation of acetylene derivatives; preparation of catalysis used in chlorinating rubber latex
purification of petroleum oils6.

Textiles, dyestuffs and leather industry: Preparation of copper compounds for rot-proofing canvas and
other fabrics, rot-proofing sandbags, mordant, especially in calico printing, cuprammonium process for
the production of rayon, production of aniline black and diazo colours for dyeing, “After coppering” to
increase the fastness of dyes, catalyst in the manufacture of cellulose ethers and in cellulose
acetylation. Reagent in the preparation of dyestuffs intermediates; Catalyst or raw material for the
preparation of copper catalysts, e.g. preparation of phenols from diazo compounds, preparation of
phthalocyanine dyes. Mordant in dyeing; reagent in tanning processes.

C. Miscellaneous

Laboratory analytic work, reagent in analytical chemistry; medicine; Addition of bacteria to the
system could suppress the algae. Metal sulfides and their oxidation; Improving the burning qualities of
coke, a ingredient of laundry marking ink, ingredient of hair dyes of the phenylene diamine or
pyrogallol type, dyeing of hair and horn, as a colouring material for preparating the chlorophyll for
food stuffs, imparting a green colour in fireworks, ingredient of the solution used for preserving plant
10
specimens in their natural colours, preservation of fishing nets and hides on trawls. Activator in the
preparation of active carbons. Treatment of carbon brushes. Impregnation in fruit wrapping papers to
prevent storage rots. flotation agent, photography, pyrotechnics, water resistant adhesive for wood,
metal coloring, anti-rusting for radiator and heating system. Also used as antidote to phosphorus,
tinting baths, synthetic rubber; corrosion inhibitors; flame proofing, fuel additives; in medicine as
locally applied fungicide for control of downy mildew, blights, leaf spots, apple scab, bitter rot, and
peach leaf curl, and pollution control catalyst, bactericide, and astringent. Copper is an essential trace
nutrient which performs a number of diverse functions in protein biochemistry. Some copper
compounds such as copper sulfate are used as a supplement for livestock.

D. As bacteriostatic substances, a herbicide, fungicide, pesticide and wood preservatives12-18: It is

use as a herbicide is not agricultural, but instead for control of invasive aquatic plants and the roots of
plants near pipes and sewer lines containing water or wastwater19. It is used in swimming pools as an
algaecide. A dilute solution of copper sulfate is used to treat aquarium fish for parasitic infections, and
is also used to remove snail from aquariums. Copper ions are highly toxic to fish, care must be taken
with the do20&21. Copper sulfate inhibits growth of bacteria such as Escherichia coli. It is used in the
correction of copper deficiency in soils, correction of copper deficiency in animals, stimulation of
growth for fattening pigs and broiler checkenschickens, a molluscicide for the destruction of sludge
and snails (particularly the snail host of the liver fluke). Agri TecTM is a water treatment product and
use in agricultural, aquacultural, wastewater treatment facilities, and industrial facilities22.

Reference

1. The MERCK INDEX, tenth edition. Page 379.

2. Copper (II) Sulfate – Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Copper(II)_sulfate.
3. Cupric Sulfate. Information from Answers.com. http://www.answers.com/topic/copper-ii-sulfate.
4. Copper & compounds: Overview, National Pollutant Inventory, Substances. Australian
Government Department of the Environment Water Heritage and the act.
http://www.npi.gov.au/substances/copper/index.html.
5. Rapidox 500 WP. Proprietary information of Ivorychem Pte Ltd. http://ivorychem.com (See
copper sulfide’s list).
6. Uses of Copper Compounds: Copper Sulfate. Copper.org: Applications: Copper Compounds –
Copper Sulphate. http://www.copper.org/applications/compounds/copper_sulfate01.html.
7. Comparative Study on the Susceptibility of Freshwater Species to Copper-Based Pesticides.
EEduado Cyrine et al. Chemosphere. Volume 56. Issue 4. July 2004. Pages 369-374.
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob=ArticleURL&_udi=B6V74-4CJC9YR-1&_use.
8. Copper Sulfate for Foothbaths – Issue and Alternative. Bill Epperson and Lowell Midia.
Departmet of Veterinary Preventive Medicine. The Ohio State University. April 24 and 25, 2007.
9. PristinBlue: Pool & SPA Product.
10. Copper Helps Control Infection in Health Facilities.
11. Green Ptina Finishes. Copper.org: Corresion Potection & Resistance.
http://www.copper.org/resources/properties/protection/green.html
12. Antimicrobial Growth Promoter Use inLivestock-Implication for Human Health.
13. Antimicrobials Divison 2007 Workplan. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. December 5,
2006.
14. Antimicribail Food Additive and Treatment for Cooked Food, Water and Wastwater.
11
15. Control of Microbial Growth
16. Investigation of Antimicrobial Properties of Silver and Copper Nanoparticles Encspsulated in
Chitosan.
17. Frequently asked Questions.
18. Susceptibility of Different Bacterial Species Isolated from Food Animas to Copper Sulphate, Zinc,
Chloride and Antimicrobial Substances Used for Disinfection.
19. How to Use Copper Sulfate to Treat Sewer Lines.
20. Pesticides and Aquatic Animals: A Guide Reduceing Impacts on Aquatic Systems.
21. Use of Copper Compounds in Aquatic Systems.
22. Agri TecTM information. AG Water Chemical. – Fresno, CA.
http://www.agwaterchemical.com/agri-tec.html.
23. What is Copper Sulfate? http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-copper-sulfate.htm.

24. Copper sulfate. www.ams .usda.gov/AMSv1.0/getfile?dDocName.

25. Utilizing Transition Metal Ionzation for poultry Water Disinfection. Steve McCune. 1997.
http://ezinearticles.com/?Utilizing-ransition-Metal-Ionzation-For-Pou;try-Water-Disinfection.
26. ECOsmarte™ Science Summary
Copyright 1994 - 1999, ECOsmarte Planet Friendly, Inc.
http://www.poolguy.com/sciencesummary.html
27. Copper Helps Control Deadly Prion Protein Infection. Copper Applications in Health and
Environment Area.
www.copper.org/publications/.../innovations/.../copper_helps_control_deadly_prion_protein_infectio
n.htm

What is the followings????????

(4). Antimicrobial Properties of Copper Alloy Surfaces, With a Focus on Hospital-Acquired

Infections

20083100
Journal: International Journal of Metalcasting, Vol. 2, Issue 3, Summer 2008, P47-56
Author: Michels, H., Moran, W., Michel, J.

Recent laboratory studies show that several bacteria, known to be human pathogens, die when they
come in contact with dry copper and copper alloy surfaces at room temperature. The amount of live
bacteria drops by several orders of magnitude, to zero, on copper alloys in one to two hours. In
contrast, almost no reduction is seen in the concentration of live organisms on stainless steel after
several hours and even days. Aluminum, painted and coated surfaces and plastics would also exhibit
behavior similar to stainless steel and show no effect. In addition, coatings and other surfaces claiming
to be antimicrobial also showed little to no effect. These results suggest the selection of copper alloys
for surfaces exposed to human touch can materially assist in reducing bacterial contamination, which
should lead to a reduction in the transmission of infectious organisms. In order to make antimicrobial
claims in the United States, the approval of the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is
required. The EPA-required efficacy testing is described and the test results are summarized. EPA
registration of 275 cast and wrought copper alloys was received on February 29, 2008. It is anticipated
that registration will facilitate the introduction of antimicrobial copper alloys in hospitals, nursing
homes and other healthcare facilities, as well as schools, and public buildings. Some of the barriers to
entry into the healthcare markets are mentioned.
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In the United States and abroad, transition metal ionization (TMI) has been used for years as an
alternative to chlorine for disinfection in many applications. Copper-silver ionization has been proven
to be very effective against some of the most resistant organisms, such as Legionella, in hot water
systems and has proven long lasting residual disinfection capabilities. Copper ions, in the form of
copper salts, have been utilized for years in livestock feed to kill and prohibit the growth of
Salmonella, E. coli, and Campylobacter. Research on copper surfaces in processing facilities has
shown its ability to control Salmonella enterica and Campylobacter jejuni (Faundez, et al., 2004).
Even though the hazards associated with chlorine are known, it is still the most common disinfection
method. There is sufficient evidence that TMI can offer superior disinfection capabilities over
currently utilized methods without changing the water chemistry or producing harmful disinfection
byproducts. It is further believed that the proposed disinfection method will provide required
nutritional trace elements to broilers that can help build immunity against common avian pathogens.
The USEPA is spending millions of dollars to research disinfection alternatives that do not produce
DPBs. The industry focus does not need to be on the reduction of DBPs such as TTHM, but on
eliminating them altogether.
Copper-silver ionization is becoming more widely accepted as a disinfection method, especially in
hospital hot water systems. The biocidal effect of copper and silver stems from a combination of
mechanisms. Positively charged metallic ions attach to the negatively charged bacteria cell membrane
and cause cell lysis and death (Britton, et al., 1978; Freedman, et al., 1968; Slawson, et al., 1990). The
copper ions disrupt the enzyme structures of the cell allowing the silver ions to penetrate inside where
they rapidly kill the cell’s life support system. This is because the positively charged silver and copper
ions have an affinity for electrons and when introduced into the interior of a bacterial cell, they
interfere with electron transport in cellular respiration systems. Metal ions will bind to the sulfhydryl,
amino and carboxyl groups of amino acids, thereby denaturing the proteins they compose. This
renders enzymes and other proteins ineffective, compromising the biochemical processes they control.
Cell surface proteins necessary for transport of materials across cell membranes also are inactivated as
they are denatured.
When copper binds with the phosphate groups that are part of the structural backbone of DNA
molecules, the result is the unraveling of the double helix and consequent destruction of the molecule
(Meyer, 2001). Copper concentrations of 0.2 to 0.4 mg/liter and silver concentrations of 0.02 to 0.04
mg/liter are recommended for sufficient disinfection levels according to in vitro and field studies (Lin,
et al., 1996; Liu, et al., 1994; Liu, et al., 1998)11.

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