Table 14.

Copper uses and properties [39, 41,55,56].

Properties	•Density: 8.96 g/cm3, •26th most abundant metal, •Reddish-gold colour, •Found in minerals such as chalcopyrite containing copper, iron and sulphur; bornite also containing copper, iron and sulphur and known as the peacock ore, •Easily worked, •Good conductor of heat and electricity •Essential element
Uses	•Copper alloys such as bronze and brass, •Copper wires, •Plating, •Coins, •Pipes, •Fertiliser, •Preservation of wood, •Preservation of fabric, •Barrier cream, •Chemical tests for sugar detection in Fehling's solution, •Copper sulphate used as an algicide in water purification, •Copper sulphate to cure mildew in agriculture,
Effects on humans	• Metal fever presenting itself with: ◦ flu-like symptoms, ◦ diarrhoea, ◦ vomiting, ◦ irritation of the eyes, ◦ dizziness, ◦ irritation caused in the mouth cavity, •An acute dose of copper salts causes acute gastroenteritis due to necrosis, • In excess: ◦ Hepatocellular degeneration, ◦ Necrosis, ◦ Cytotoxic to erythrocytes leading to haemolysis, •Oral intake will cause hepatic and kidney disease, •Insomnia, •Anxiety, •Agitation, •Restlessness • Wilson's disease (copper accumulated in organs instead of being excreted by bile): ◦ Lack of appetite, ◦ Fatigue, ◦ Jaundice, ◦ Kayser-Fleisher rings, ◦ Speech impairment, ◦ Difficulty in swallowing, ◦ Uncontrolled poisoning ◦ Brain damage, ◦ Demyelination ◦ Hepatic cirrhosis, •Death
Food source	•Liver, •Oyster, •Spirulina •Shiitake mushrooms, •Nuts and seeds, •Lobster, •Leafy greens, •Dark chocolate