Copper and Aquatic Life
The application of copper in the environment could also be seen in aquaculture. Water is an indispensable and life-sustaining compound for animals and plants alike. A lot has been learned about the physical and chemical properties of copper with the help of microscopes like metallurgical microscopes. People who work in the field of metallurgy rely on metallurgical microscopes in their study findings and laboratory tests. Innovations and techniques pertaining to metallurgy and metallurgical microscopes have made advancements in the previous years.
Copper is a key element in marine life. Aside from its use in purifying and distributing safe drinking water, it also helps prevent the growth of pathogenic microorganisms that foul up and clog the water in intake lines, ship hulls, and aquaculture facilities.
According to Dr. Karl D. Shearer, small quantities of copper are essential to marine life. Dr. Shearer is a research service biologist at the National Marine Fisheries Service in Seattle, Washington.
An oceanographer and professor from Canada, Dr. A. G. Lewis says copper plays a significant role on enzymes. Enzymes are compound that speed up or are catalysts in different chemical reactions. In the article, he was quoted to add that “Because it is an essential metal, an adequate supply is necessary for normal metabolism.” In humans, our body relies on traces of copper in order for bodily functions and biological reactions to take place. Our metabolism needs these traces of copper. Since copper is essential in enzymes and enzymes are critical in the production and development of cells and tissues blood cells and bone tissues, deficiency in copper would mean deficient development of blood cells and bone tissues which could result to anemia.
Dr. Shearer further explains that when there are no mineral traces of copper and other metals, there is no metabolism. And without metabolism, an organism will be lifeless and weak since there is reduction of energy necessary to jumpstart the important bodily process.
In aquatic plants, copper plays an important role in photosynthesis and cellular respiration. Aquatic plants are vital in the aquatic ecosystem. Aquatic plants derive copper from a variety of sources: copper dissolved in water, copper in sand particles, copper found in sediments, and copper found in plant foods.
Almost anywhere in the world, recreational and commercial fishing is practiced. Fish farms feed their supply of fishes with a balanced diet of fish food that also contains traces of copper. There is reduced growth and development in fishes and other aquatic animals if there is copper deficiency. Copper derived from animal health tissue can also be recycled.
Fish farms also need to ensure that ducts, pipes and grates are not blocked so that fishes can develop healthily. Blocked water facilities can greatly reduce the circulating oxygen in the water of the fish farms.
Crustaceans have comparably more traces of copper found in their tissues than other aquatic animals. Crustaceans need copper because copper serves as an oxygen carrier in their blood. Ever wondered why uncooked shrimps appear bluish? It is because blue is the typical color of certain forms of oxidized copper. Here is a link to the article
