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Steffi Simmi Maxim and Jeyabalan Sangeetha*
Department of Environmental Science, Central University of Kerala,
Kasaragod 671325, Kerala, India
Email: drjsangeetha.cuk@gmail.com
Received-02.11.2025, Revised-14.11.2025, Accepted-29.11.2025
Abstract: Copper oxychloride (COC) is extensively utilized in agriculture, but its accumulation in soil can threaten soil health and productivity. This research evaluated two analytical techniques—titration and atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS)—to measure copper levels in soils from COC-treated and control areas in four districts of Kerala, India. A total of 64 samples were examined on the 15th and 30th days following COC application. Both methods consistently found low copper concentrations in control soils (<0.4 ppm), whereas treated soils exhibited significantly higher levels, ranging from 70.08±0.03 ppm to 132.00±1.10 ppm on day 15th and decreasing to 61.85±1.60 ppm to 104.90±0.85 ppm by day 30th in titration tests. AAS reported slightly higher values, demonstrating its superior sensitivity and precision. Both methods showed a 15–30% reduction in copper levels over time, indicating environmental dissipation. While titration is economical for routine assessments, AAS offers more dependable results for accurately monitoring copper contamination in agricultural soils.
Keywords: Copper oxychloride, Atomic absorption spectroscopy, Fungicide
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