Effectiveness of Copper Sulfate Solution in preventing Moss Growth on Concrete Walkways

I. Introduction

Moss can sometimes cause accidents especially for children, and sometimes to elderly, these
accidents can sometimes be severe where they fell on their head. Moss grows on any surfaces, like
concrete walkways, walls, roofs, trees etc. Moss can get slippery when wet, according to the article made
by Ziegler (2018), Heat and drought may cause algae to appear on concrete or any other surfaces. Growth
of algae are required to be inspected by the property owner to take action and remove the algae, and in
addition, of according to Mitchell (n.d.), Moss contributes in beautifying the garden or pond when it
comes to landscaping, but when it started growing on stairs, it can make them slippery and may cause
accident. Moss grows very fast. 

There are several ways to remove moss but, our study focuses on copper sulfate. According to the
National Pesticide Information center (N.D.), Copper sulfate is commonly used as fungicide, algaecide,
root killer, and herbicide in both agriculture and non-agricultural purposes. Furthermore, Copper sulfate is
more likely to work on removing mosses when used properly. The process is, the solution will disrupt the
photosynthesis, it will also harm the plants (“Bryophytes Science”, n.d.). 

1.2 Significance of the Study

The significance of the study is to lessen the numbers of slip and fall accidents due to moss, and
also to find the most effective brand and the cheapest to use. According to PAGASA, there are 2 seasons
in the Philippines: the rainy season that happens during June to November; the dry season during
December to May. The climate in the Philippines is described to have high temperatures, high humidity
and constant rainfall. 

1.3 Statement of the problem

The following questions shall be answered by the experiment:

1. Is there a significant effect of using Copper Sulfate (nutrihydro and kemrad) to the prevention of moss
growth in concrete ways?
2. Is there a significant difference between the effects of the application of Nutrihydo group to the
Kemrad group?
3. Is there a significant difference between the application of the Copper Sulfate solutions compared to
the ones treated with bleach?
4. How will this study be utilized to inform the community?

1.4 Literature Review

What is copper sulfate, according to (Boone, C.; Bond, C.; Buhl, K.; Stone, D. ,2012), Copper
sulfate is an inorganic compound that adds sulfur with copper. It can destroy microorganisms, algae,
roots, plants, snails, and fungi. The rate of toxicity of the copper sulfate depends on the copper content.
Copper sulfate was used for pesticide products in the United States since 1956. It is also used as an
anhydrous drying agent, as a pesticide and food additive, and in a variety of industrial applications,
including textiles, clothing, wood, batteries, dye, gasoline, paint, and metal, among others. Additionally,
an article by Kansole, M. and Lin, T. (2017) states that Copper Sulfate is often used because of high doses
of copper which is not tolerant to cyanobacteria. It is also used to maintain the bloom of algae in lakes,
ponds and water reservoirs, which is the most common technique. Not only is it used as algaecide, it is
also used as bactericide. When copper is in excess, this allows it to destroy the membranes of the bacteria
cells through the interaction of the lipids, thus killing the cells.
 
Copper has been used since the time of the ancient Greeks where it was used for curing
pulmonary diseases but as time passed other ancient civilizations like Hindus and Aztecs used it as a cure
for skin diseases and as a purifying water (Borkow, G. 2012). Borkow also more elaborated on how
copper sulfate affects microorganisms, the parts and processes included are; plasma membrane
permeabilization, membrane lipid peroxidation, alteration of proteins and inhibition of their biological
assembly and activity, and denaturation of nucleic acids. It was described as the copper ions enveloped
the plasma membrane of a cell, the electrostatic force that the copper was emitting caused the membrane
to breakdown while leaving the inner part of the bacteria whole.

Since our research is about the effect of copper sulfate crystals in the prevention of moss growth
in concrete ways, some studies are similar to ours but the difference is in what the copper sulfate is used
to prevent or control growth. One of these studies were conducted by Berthold, D.; Elazar, A.; Lefler, F.;
Marble, C. and Laughinghouse, H. in 2018, whereas they conducted a research about the “Control of algal
growth on greenhouse surfaces using commercial algaecides”. They conducted the research in two
separate locations; one was putting algae in a tarp while the other one was algae on gravel. They
incorporated three processes in conducting the research; In vitro laboratory study, molecular and
morphological analysis and In situ field study, after 28 days of observing the changes in algal growth, the
chemicals that were the most effective in decreasing the range of the growth were sodium hypochlorite
and copper sulfate out of the other five chemicals used.

Copper Sulfate is a highly toxic and dangerous solution. We must exercise caution if we use it on
a public sidewalk and are aware of its environmental effects. Copper has been used successfully in
freshwater and aquatic environments for several years according to the study of Yanong, R. (2010).
Chronic copper usage can harm gills, kidneys, spleens, and other organs and structures. Activated carbon
and water changes can be used to remove copper, once treatment is completed, but ideally, levels should
be checked regularly for several weeks afterward, in case of copper leaching. The amount of copper that
will be naturally active and for how long will be determined by water chemistry. Furthermore, according
to Innova Clean Water Solutions (2016), copper sulfate can create hazards to humans. The chemical can
easily be absorbed through the skin. If contact was made there will be itching and permanent yellow
discoloration of the skin. If the chemical was ingested, it can cause vomiting, dizziness, diarrhea,
headache, shock burning pain, and loss of control to self. (Boone, C. et. Al.) added that, it also puts the
human body at risk because it is a form of chemical, the symptoms include eye Irritation, nausea, damage
to body tissues, blood cells, the liver and kidneys, prolonged exposure may cause death.

Copper sulfate is also dangerous in aquatic life, it can kill the important nutrients and the bacteria
that fish and other aquatic life needed. The chemical weakens the food chain in the ocean, because the
chemical kills off the bacteria that the smallest fish eats, results in weakness. This also makes over-
oxygenated water which can turn plants to decay. Life forms on land that drank from the water that is
chemically applied may cause death or increase risk of injury. The chemical can also turn water to be
hazardous. Water that is applied with chemicals and has contact with crops, animals, and people may
cause harmful effects. (Innova Clean Water Solutions, 2016)

An article that was made by Kokemuller J. (N.D), scheduled a day where there will be no strong
wind and no rainfall. Next is put on protective clothing, which is a long sleeve shirt, long pants, gloves,
face mask, eye protection before using the copper sulfate solution. To make a copper solution all it needs
is mix a 2 tablespoon of copper sulfate powder in a 1 gallon of water. Then mix it, then put the solution in
a sprayer. Spray the area of moss that you wanted to remove. Target the moss and avoid spraying the
nearby plants as if it would get harm, mostly when they're healthy. Wait for moss to decay, and turn
brown, after that brush the decayed moss off the tree.

Decks, patios, walks, and roofs should all be cleaned with chlorine bleach (sodium hypochlorite) if
they are moss-infested. Bleach is non-corrosive to metals and will not stain treated areas when used in
sufficient concentrations. Clothing, on the other hand, should be avoided. In garden centers, brand names
of bleach specifically for mosses can be found in the moss protection section; one brand is 30seconds. To
use chlorine, combine one part water and one part concentrate in a mixing bowl. Use a backpack sprayer
to apply liquid to moss-infested areas that are dry. Allow at least 30 seconds for the soil to become moist.
After completing the application, completely rinse with water. Keep damp for at least 15 minutes if
applying to wood. Using four times the water as an alternative to this concentration. When submitting, the
surface must be kept moist for four times as long. On porous surfaces, this concentration will cover 600
square feet; on non-porous surfaces, it will cover 1800 square feet. (Bryophytes, N.D)

Cleaning algae and moss from a roof with a 50:50 mixture of laundry power liquid chlorine bleach
and water is the most efficient process. Apply with a sprayer and let the solution sit for 15 to 20 minutes
on the roof surface before rinsing thoroughly with low-pressure water. Longer dwell periods may be
required, but don't let the solution dry fully because this will prevent full rinsing. Protect the landscaping
and adjacent areas from the chlorine bleach solution by taking the necessary measures. When dealing
with chlorine bleach, wear the requisite personal protective equipment. Through ensuing floods, the algae
will vanish and wash away. Moss loosens over time and can be blown away with a leaf blower. It can
require more than one bleach solution to remove all of the moss in extreme cases. Never use a pressure
washer to clean an asphalt shingle roof because this can result in granule loss and, as a result, premature
roof collapse. (Asphalt Roofing Manufacturer Association, 2012)
II . Methodology

The researchers will conduct an experiment using a Pre-Experimental Research Design because the
goal is to determine the effectiveness of the treatment, Copper Sulfate, in pathways where moss growth is
common. According to an article written by Kokemuller J. (N.D), a day with no strong wind and no rain
is planned. Before using the copper sulfate solution, put on protective clothing such as a long-sleeved
shirt, long pants, gloves, a face mask, and eye protection. To make a copper solution, combine 2
tablespoons of copper sulfate powder in 1 gallon of water. Then, after mixing, pour the solution into a
sprayer. Spray the moss-infested area with water. Target the moss and avoid spraying nearby plants as if
they would be harmed, especially if they are healthy. Wait for the moss to decay and turn brown before
brushing it off the tree. After using the copper sulfate , the observer will store the copper sulfate because
it might be useful in future experiments .

The experiment will be conducted in an open space where there are no people in the vicinity .
Copper sulfate is a highly toxic and potentially hazardous solution. We must be cautious if we use it on a
public sidewalk and are aware of its environmental consequences. According to the study of Yanong, R.
(2010), copper has been used successfully in freshwater and aquatic environments for several years .

For this experiment , there will be a total of 4 groups ; Group A : Pathway 1 will be applied with
Kemrad copper sulfate ( Experimental Group ) , Group B : Pathway 2 will be applied with nutrihydri
( Experimental Group ) , Group C : Pathway 3 will be applied with bleach ( Experimental Group ) ,
Group D : Pathway 4 will not apply any kind of treatment ( Controlled Group ) . The researchers will
make use of 3.5g of each copper sulfate brand and mix them in 500 ml of water .

The goal of our research is to determine the effectiveness of copper sulfate crystals in removing
moss growth in concrete walkways. We have already conducted the experiment and the variables used
were bleach and 2 different brands of copper sulfate called nutrihydro and kemrad was used to conduct
the experiment. The expected output this experiment is that copper sulfate is effective in the control of
moss growth in concrete.

III. Results

Time Group A Group B Group C Group D

(NutriHydro) (KEMRAD) (Bleach) (None)
May 7 Before Moss is green, Moss is green, Moss is in good Moss is in good
10:00 applying of looks lively looks lively condition. condition
solutions
May 7 During No changes, just No changes, just No changes, just No changes
10:00 application of wet wet wet
solution
May 7 After 2 Hours The moss has The moss became Moss is starting No changes
12:00 of applying started to dark green. to disappear.
the solution become light
green
 May 7 After 5 Hours Some of the Has started to The moss has No changes
15:00 of applying moss are become bluish completely
the solution disappearing on green disappeared
the stone
May 7 After 7 Hours Some of the Some of the moss Completely No changes
17:00 of application moss are are disappearing disappeared
disappearing
slowly.
May 8 After 22 Moss color is Some of the moss No changes No changes
8:00 Hours of turning dark are turning black
application green green and light
green
May 8 After 24 Moss is slowly Some area of the No changes No changes
10:00 Hours of disappearing moss has dried
application Copper sulfate
May 8 After 26 Moss at some No changes, No changes No changes
12:00 Hours of area on the remains the same.
Application stone are
disappearing
May 8 After 28 Moss slowly Color of moss is No changes No changes
14:00 Hours of disappearing becoming light
Application
May 8 After 30 Moss looks Some part of the No changes No changes
16:00 Hours of loose and easy moss is turning
application to be removed white

In addition on both stone that was applied with copper sulfate after 30 hours of being soaked in
copper sulfate they can be removed easily with water.
On the first application of the two brands of copper sulafate on either side of the concrete there
were no changes at all and the moss is still visibily seen. Applying the two brand of copper sulphate again
there are still no changes on either side and the moss is still visibly seen.
The changes on both sides of the concrete is visibly seen as the moss started to become more
lively in color and greener. At this part of the application of the copper sulfates, it is identified that both
side of the concrete’s moss starts to slowly eradicate and starts to shine in colour but yet again still
mosses are visibly seen.
The moss continues to eradicate more and more overtime and the color of the concrete becomes
lighter and lighter also. Even with the different brand of copper sulphate the moss at this point on the
concrete is looking loose where it can be blown and wiped off easily. At this part, it could be said that the
concretes moss is completely eradicated and much richer in color. Comparing the picture before, the moss
was everywhere unlike now it is now moss free.
A second trial for the two copper sulfate brands was made to check if the results are the same as the first
trial .

Date Nutri Hyrdo Kemrad

Application
Every 2 hours

May 26
8:00 Application of No Changes No Changes
the Copper Yet Yet
Sulfate

May 26
10:00 After 2 hours No visible No visible
being soaked changes are changes are
seen. Moss is seen. Moss is
still intact still intact

May 26
12:00 4 Hours of Moss color on Moss color on
being soaked the concrete the concrete
became lively. became lively.
Moss is still Moss is still
visible visible

May 26
14:00 6 Hours of Moss is now Moss is now
being soaked starting to starting to
eradicate. Still eradicate. Still
a large amount a large amount
of moss is still of moss is still
visible. visible.

May 26
16:00 8 Hours of Eradication of Eradication of
being soaked moss is now moss is now
visible and the visible and the
concrete is concrete is
now lighter in now lighter in
color. color.

May 26 10 Hours of
18:00 being soaked The moss is The moss is
now whiter in now whiter in
color and it can color and it can
 be easily blown be easily blown
or wiped off. or wiped off.

May 26
20:00 12 Hours of The concrete is The concrete is
being soaked. now visibly now visibly
cleaner and cleaner and
moss free than moss free than
it was before. it was before.

Q1. Is there a significant effect of using Copper Sulfate (nutrihydro and kemrad) to the prevention of
moss growth in concrete ways?
- There is a significant effect in using copper sulfate to the prevention of moss growth, because copper
sulfate is effective in killing the moss when used properly. Copper sulfate disrupts the method of
photosynthesis, if photosynthesis does not occur in plants then the plants cannot produce their food.

Q2. Is there a significant difference between the effects of the application of Nutrihydo group to the
Kemrad group?
- There is a significant effect in applying the copper sulfate in the moss growth such as in the nutriHydro
when it was applied to the moss it turned to different shades of color green and after a few hours of
application the moss slowly disappeared from the rock. Meanwhile in the Kemrad brand of copper sulfate
similar attributes of its effects was observed with the only difference that after the moss changed color it
never disappeared from the rock.
Q3. Is there a significant difference between the application of the Copper Sulfate solutions compared to
the ones treated with bleach?
- There is a significant difference in the application of the copper sulfate and bleach to the moss. In the
application of the bleach after 5 hours it was applied, the moss has completely disappeared from the rock
while in the copper sulfate solutions the moss changed color first before it was removed and it took at
least a day for it to be completely removed from the rock.
Q4. How will this study be utilized to inform the community?
- By doing this research, the community will benefit from the removal of the moss because it releases
toxic compounds in the air that will be allergic for the community. A community must have proper way
to remove mosses, specifically in communities that are prone to flooding like here in Bulacan. This study
will help communities by producing good and proper way of removing moss in concrete walkways.
References:

Boone, C.; Bond, C.; Buhl, K.; Stone, D. 2012. Copper Sulfate General Fact Sheet; National
Pesticide Information Center, Oregon State University Extension Services.
Retrieved from: http://npic.orst.edu/factsheets/cuso4gen.html

ATS Senior Editor. ( 2016 ). 10 Reasons Why You Should Never Use Plain Old Copper Sulfate
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Kokemuller, J. (2020) How to Remove Moss From Trees With Copper Sulfate. SFGATE
https://homeguides.sfgate.com/remove-moss-trees-copper-sulfate-91804.html

McCune, B. and co. (2000). Chemical Moss Control for Roofs, Decks, and Sidewalks. Oregon
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https://bryophytes.science.oregonstate.edu/page24.htm#bleach

Asphalt. The Roofing Solution (2012). Algae & Moss Prevention and Cleaning for Asphalt
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https://www.asphaltroofing.org/algae-moss-prevention-cleaning-asphalt-roofing-systems/