A trace amount of copper is necessary for life to function, however, due to anthropogenic effects; Cu 2+ levels may exceed the permitted upper regulatory limit of 0.0015 g/L in drinking water and 0.0013 g/L in industrial effluents . As copper has a high affinity for organic matter, it accumulates in sediments , so it does in biological systems . Exposure to excessive amounts of Cu 2+ can lead to various disruptive effects and impairment of biological processes .