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| This image shows two man applying copper pesticides/fungicides to a canal. |
This past week I have spent many hours reading information of the effects of copper in the water on the ecosystem and humans. Most of what I read was about humans, I have learned this week that we need very small amounts of copper for our body's to function. But that anything above 1.3mg/L is consider toxic and can has harmful effects on our bodies. There are natural and human sources of copper but the most common source is copper pesticides. The main way copper pesticides are used in Florida is when they are applied to Florida's waterways to control aquatic plants and algae growth. I am very eager to get out there and test my samples to see what the copper levels are. I am hoping that they are low and there is little to action needed to take place.
Questions to think about while doing your research: Are high levels harmful when coming in contact with skin by e.g. swimming in such a canal or is it toxic when ingested by drinking the water? Does the copper accumulate in the tissue of fish? Is it easily removed in water treatment facilities that supply water to our house?
ReplyDeleteExcellent questions, Angela. I'd also like to know if there are any natural ways to rid our waterways of copper or does it just continue to accumulate into higher concentrations--especially in ponds and lakes that may not have a chance to enter into larger waterways.
DeleteThis is very interesting! Do you know of any local waterways that have levels of copper to be known as toxic and if so which ones are they? Also what effects have they shown from this high concentration of copper?
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