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Application of Methods for the Detoxification and Neutralization of Formalin in Fish Hatchery Effluents
Author(s) -
Gearheart J. M.,
Masters A. L.,
BebakWilliams J.
Publication year - 2006
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/a05-048.1
Subject(s) - sodium sulfite , hydrogen peroxide , effluent , sulfite , ferric , nuclear chemistry , sodium , chemistry , biology , chromatography , environmental chemistry , waste management , inorganic chemistry , biochemistry , organic chemistry , engineering
Sodium sulfite, Neutralex, hydrogen peroxide, and hydrogen peroxide with a ferric iron catalyst were studied for potential application in reducing formalin in effluents from aquaculture facilities. The neutralization capacity of each method was examined at formalin concentrations that are typically found in effluents from fish hatcheries that utilize formalin to control ectoparasite infestations on fish. The toxicities of the products were also evaluated. A 75% reduction in formalin concentration was observed within the first 10 min after the addition of sodium sulfite at a 3:1 (sodium sulfite : formalin) mass treatment ratio. The addition of Neutralex to test solutions at a 6:1 (Neutralex : formalin) mass treatment ratio reduced the formalin concentration by approximately 90% of initial values within 10 min and completely eliminated formalin within 20 min. Degradation of formalin was not successful under the test conditions using hydrogen peroxide alone or in combination with a ferric iron catalyst. Both of the sodium sulfite‐formalin and Neutralex‐formalin reaction products were more toxic to Ceriodaphnia dubia test animals than formalin alone. Although regulatory limits for formalin discharge from aquaculture facilities could most likely be achieved with sodium sulfite or Neutralex, the direct discharge of their neutralizer‐formalin reaction products would probably be harmful to some aquatic species.