ARS | Publication request: Could peracetic acid be an alternative treatment in aquaculture?

Submitted to: Diversification in Inland Finfish Aquaculture
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: April 14, 2011
Publication Date: May 16, 2011
Citation: Meinelt, T., Matzke, S., Rau, Phan, T., Straus, D.L. 2011. Could peracetic acid be an alternative treatment in aquaculture [abstract]? Diversification in Inland Finfish Aquaculture. p.22.

Technical Abstract: Peracetic acid (PAA) is an antimicrobial disinfectant used in agriculture, food processing and medical facilities. It has recently been tested as a means to control infestations of Ichthyophthirius multifiliis and Saprolegnia parasitica. Free-swimming theronts of I. multifiliis can be eliminated using concentrations of 0.3 ppm PAA and mature tomonts can be treated with 1 - 1.5 ppm PAA. In flow-through catfish hatcheries, 2.5 - 5 ppm PAA twice each day until eyes form on the embryos reduced Saprolegnia spp. and ensured best hatching rates. However, high concentrations of PAA can be toxic to fish. Chemico-physical water parameters (e.g., water hardness and organics) can modify fish toxicity. The 24 h LC50 of PAA to embryos of zebrafish (Danio rerio) ranged between 2.5 ppm in very soft to >7 ppm in very hard water. In water with higher organic load, PAA degradation is increased. Peracetic acid can be used to reduce the microbial load in aquaculture facilities. Concentrations as low as 1 ppm PAA and an exposure time of 10 minutes reduced colony forming units (CFUs) to 0.6% in vivo and 1.5 - 3% in vitro dependent on the PAA product. Because there are few approved therapeutants that are effective treatments against fish parasites, PAA could become an alternative.