Copper cycle
Article
The copper cycle is the movement of copper among rocks, soils, water, sediments, the atmosphere, and living organisms. Copper is an essential trace element used in enzymes and electron-transfer proteins, but it can be toxic at high concentrations.
Weathering releases copper from sulfide and oxide minerals. Dissolved copper may bind strongly to organic matter, clays, iron oxides, and sediments, which limits or redirects its movement.
Plants and microorganisms take up copper, and it passes through food webs before returning through waste and decomposition. Changing acidity and oxidation conditions can remobilise copper from soils and sediments.
Mining, smelting, agriculture, antifouling paints, wastewater, and industry can greatly increase local copper inputs. Sediment burial and mineral formation store copper, while uplift and erosion return it to surface cycling.
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- Source / publisher: Wikipedia
- URL type: WWW
- Credits: Wikipedia
- URL: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Copper_cycle