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A Review of Methods for Detoxification and Neutralization of Formalin in Water
Author(s) -
Masters Amanda L.
Publication year - 2004
Publication title -
north american journal of aquaculture
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.432
H-Index - 41
eISSN - 1548-8454
pISSN - 1522-2055
DOI - 10.1577/a03-060.1
Subject(s) - effluent , dilution , hatchery , aquaculture , pulp and paper industry , detoxification (alternative medicine) , hydrogen peroxide , environmental science , waste management , fish <actinopterygii> , fishery , microbiology and biotechnology , biology , environmental engineering , engineering , medicine , biochemistry , physics , alternative medicine , pathology , thermodynamics
Formalin is used at many fish farms and is typically discharged untreated from these facilities as part of normal hatchery effluents. The majority of aquaculture facilities that are regulated for formalin discharge are regulated on a concentration basis. These facilities most commonly use dilution methods to manage formalin concentrations in effluents. Dilution is not feasible at all farms, however, due to the unavailability of dilution water and the necessity of complex management practices to achieve adequate dilution. As hatchery discharge regulations become stricter, larger amounts of dilution water are required, which are not always available; therefore, practical methods of treating formalin in hatchery effluents are needed. This paper reviews the physical, chemical, and biological methods of aqueous formaldehyde neutralization and detoxification that have been tested to date and identifies those methods that may be practical for use at fish farms, including the application of sodium sulfite, commercially available neutralizers, or a combination of hydrogen peroxide and ferric ions. More research on the use of these treatment methods at aquaculture facilities is recommended to determine overall treatment effectiveness, cost, and practicality.