Abstract: Copper (Cu) is an essential micronutrient of plants and animals, but excessive Cu can stunt plant and animal growth. With Chinas rapid industrial and agricultural developments in recent years, Cu contamination in soils has become one of the most serious issues of environmental pollution. Copper contamination not only reduces soil quality, but also disrupts homeostasis in  plants, soil microorganisms, soil enzyme activities, etc., and most importantly it threatens the quality and safety of agricultural products. Here, we first review the source and current status of Cu contamination in soil in China, and analyze the characteristics of Cu contamination and its harmfulness to the soil ecosystem. We then introduce Cu pollution prevention methods, and summarize the principle and applicability of and progress of research and development in each remediation technology used to remediate Cu contaminated soil. Finally, we discussion the problems in current soil remediation methods that deserve further study. Overall, we provide a comprehensive literature for future research and development in Cu contaminated soil remediation in China.

Key words:  copper, soil pollution, soil remediation, research progress