Effects of formaldehyde (Parasite-S®) on biofilter nitrification from a cold- and a warm freshwater RAS

Aquaculture Research
By: , and 

Links

Abstract

The effect of Parasite-S® (an aqueous formaldehyde solution) on the nitrification processes of biofilters was evaluated in two recirculating aquaculture systems (RASs). Rearing tanks in the warmwater RAS contained yellow perch (Perca flavescens) and grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) with an initial weight of 166.8 kg and a mean density of 39.5 kg/m3. Rearing tanks in the coldwater RAS contained rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) and lake trout (Salvelinus namaycush) with an initial weight of 1377.8 kg at a system density of 41.9 kg/m3. Parasite-S® was administered to the entire system on four consecutive days in both trials to achieve a nominal concentration of 14.8 mg/L formaldehyde (40 mg/L formalin) at the biofilter. Removal efficiencies for total ammonia nitrogen (TAN) and nitrite nitrogen were measured as indicators of biofilter nitrification processes. The active ingredient in Parasite-S®, formaldehyde, was measured until it was below the method detection limit of 0.8 mg/L. TAN volumetric removal rate was significantly decreased in both systems after formaldehyde addition and remained below pre-exposure efficiency in the coldwater RAS. Nitrite nitrogen volumetric removal rate was not significantly different, but the slope and intercepts were less after formaldehyde addition indicating an effect on the nitrifying bacteria. Although removal rates were decreased, no mortality occurred after four consecutive formaldehyde indefinite bath exposures in either system.

Publication type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Title Effects of formaldehyde (Parasite-S®) on biofilter nitrification from a cold- and a warm freshwater RAS
Series title Aquaculture Research
DOI 10.1111/are.16046
Volume 53
Issue 16
Year Published 2022
Language English
Publisher Wiley
Contributing office(s) Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center
Description 9 p.
First page 5647
Last page 5655
Google Analytic Metrics Metrics page
Additional publication details