Copper: Environmental Effects of Copper and How Copper is Processed

Environmental effects of copper
Copper can be released into the environment by both natural sources and human actions. Examples of natural sources are wind-blown dust, decaying vegetation, forest fires and sea spray. Other examples are mining, metal production, wood production and phosphate fertilizer production.
Because copper is released both naturally and through human activity it is very widespread in the environment. Copper is often found near mines, industrial settings, landfills and waste disposals.
When copper ends up in soil it strongly attaches to organic matter and minerals. As…