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CupricideCupricide® algicide combines the copper ions with organic complexing/chelating agents known as ethanolamines in order to eliminate the precipitation problem of copper sulphate and to render the copper less toxic to fish. Cupricide®, unlike copper sulphate, is not corrosive to equipment. It also has a long shelf life.
Cupricide® is effective in a wide range of fresh water systems. It works with systemic action by preventing photosynthesis within the chloroplasts of algal cells. The complex copper in Cupricide® is longer lasting than copper sulphate solutions and remains in solution for extended control. It provides economical and effective control of a broad spectrum of filamentous and planktonic algae. |
Benefits of cupricide |
Agmin Chelates Pty Ltd Cupricide® is supplied as a mixed copper alkanolamine complex. In this form, Cupricide® provides maximum algicidal efficiency but with low toxicity to fish. The organic complexing agents used in Cupricide® ensure that the key active ingredient (Copper), remains in solution and does not precipitate out like some other copper algicides, namely copper sulphate. Although copper sulphate has been used extensively throughout Australia as an algicide, it has several drawbacks associated with its use. Firstly, copper sulphate is not algal specific - in fact it can be quite toxic to other aquatic life, e.g. fish when used at high concentrations. Secondly, if the water contains a high concentration of carbonate ions, the copper ions will preferentially combine with the carbonate ions and form an insoluble precipitate of copper carbonate. This precipitate sinks to the bottom of the water body where it forms a toxic slime. The formation of this precipitate also renders the copper essentially unavailable for the control of algae. To compensate, higher levels of copper sulphate are used which as stated above may seriously threaten other aquatic life. Finally, sulphate containing algicides also have the disadvantage that they combine with hydrogen ions in aqueous solution to form sulphuric acid which is highly corrosive. For the reasons stated above Cupricide® is a much more cost effective and efficient product for algae control than copper sulphate.
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The need for cupricide |
In recent years, Australian water supplies have been increasingly threatened by nuisance algae growth caused by excessive amounts of nutrients entering water supplies. These nutrients, originating from agricultural or urban runoff, detergent wastes and/or waste water discharges can enhance the growth of aquatic algae often resulting in unsightly and unmanageable algal blooms. Under serious infestation, algae may accumulate on the surface forming a thick scum. Such algal blooms are not only aesthetically displeasing and detrimental to the intended use of the water but may also present serious health hazards to both humans and animals, e.g., blue green algae. Algae contamination may discolour water, create unpleasant tastes and odours and even impart a distasteful flavour to fish. In addition, once algae die and starts to decompose, the process may deplete dissolved oxygen levels in the water thereby threatening fish populations.
Agmin’s Cupricide® is an economically viable way to control algae. Supplied in an easy to use (liquid) form, Cupricide® effectively controls the blooming of a broad spectrum of planktonic (suspended) and filamentous (mat forming) algae including Chara, Spirogyra, Cladophora, Vaucheria, Ulothrix, Microcystis, Anabaena, Nodularia and Oscillatoria. Cupricide® works by systemic action, penetrating the algal cells and inhibiting photosynthesis. |