Laboratory study on the molluscicidal effect of Earth Tec: an environmentally responsible copper sulfate product

Studies were carried out, under laboratory conditions to evaluate the molluscicidal activity of Earth Tec on Biomphalaria alexandrina snails, the intermediate host of Schistosoma mansoni. Earth Tec is an environmentally responsible copper sulfate product manufactured and marketed as an algicide/bactericide with an active ingredient form of copper ion (Cu++). A single application, of 1 ppm of copper equivalent, for 24 hours caused 100% mortality rate of the snails. Exposure for 48 hours to 1 ppm and 2 weeks to 0.25 ppm caused mortality rates of 84% and 100% respectively. It was concluded that this chemical compound is a promising molluscicide. Field studies are ongoing and will be published in due time.