Water Treatment Class 3-A Practice Test

At what temperature do algae not respond to copper sulfate treatment?

Below 50 F / 10 C Between 60 and 70 F Above 80 F Temperature has no effect

Correct Answer:

Below 50 F / 10 C

Explanation:

Temperature strongly influences how well copper sulfate kills algae. Copper ions disrupt algae by interfering with their photosynthesis and metabolic processes, but this works best when the algae are actively growing. In water that’s very cold (below about 50 F / 10 C), algae slow down or enter a dormant state, so their cells take up copper more slowly and their metabolism is less affected by the treatment. That’s why copper sulfate tends to be ineffective at these lower temperatures. In warmer water, algae are actively growing, copper ions are taken up more readily, and the treatment works as intended. So, the reason this option is correct is that at temperatures below 50 F / 10 C, algae don’t respond well to copper sulfate.

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