The effectiveness of copper sulfate in water treatment is influenced by which factor?

The effectiveness of copper sulfate in water treatment is significantly influenced by alkalinity. Alkalinity refers to the water's capacity to neutralize acids and is typically associated with the presence of bicarbonates, carbonates, and hydroxides in the water. High alkalinity can reduce the solubility of copper sulfate, limiting its effectiveness in controlling algae and other unwanted organisms in water bodies.

When the water is more alkaline, the copper ions released from the copper sulfate may react with carbonate ions, precipitating out of solution as copper carbonate. This reduces the availability of free copper ions that are needed for its intended antimicrobial and algaecidal actions. Therefore, understanding and managing the alkalinity of water is essential for optimizing the use of copper sulfate in treatment applications.