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ARS Home » Southeast Area » Stoneville, Mississippi » Warmwater Aquaculture Research Unit » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #156706
Title: ACCOUNTING FOR WATER TEMPERATURE DURING HYDROGEN PEROXIDE TREATMENT OF CHANNEL CATFISH EGGS

Author
item Small, Brian

Submitted to: North American Journal of Aquaculture
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 12/12/2003
Publication Date: 4/1/2004
Citation: Small, B.C. 2004. Accounting for water temperature during hydrogen peroxide treatment of channel catfish eggs. North American Journal of Aquaculture 66:162-164.

Interpretive Summary: Diseases of channel catfish eggs in commercial hatcheries are a serious problem for the U.S. farmed raised catfish industry. As a therapeutic, hydrogen peroxide has been found to be very effective in reducing egg diseases and improving hatching success. The research presented here addresses stakeholder concerns of temperature effects on hydrogen peroxide efficacy. This research, together with previously published data, demonstrates that a 2 degrees Celsius change in temperature can significantly impact hydrogen peroxide efficacy and toxicity as a disinfectant of channel catfish eggs. Recommended hydrogen peroxide treatment concentrations are given for temperatures ranging from 22 to 28 degrees Celsius. By following these recommendations, commercial catfish hatcheries can realize significant improvements in hatching success.

Technical Abstract: The effect of water temperature on hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) efficacy as a disinfectant for channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) eggs was examined at 24 and 28 degrees Celsius. Eggs at each temperature were treated with 0, 100, 250, 500, or 1000 mg H2O2/L as a daily 15-min bath. At 28 degrees Celsius, hatching success was significantly (P < 0.05) improved relative to controls (no treatment), and decreased significantly when the H2O2 concentration reached 500 mg/L. At 24 degrees Celsius, hatching success was improved (P < 0.05) with a H2O2 treatment of 500 mg/L. The results of this research, together with previously published results, demonstrate a negative correlation between H2O2 concentration for optimal efficacy as an egg disinfectant and water temperature, and suggest increased toxicity of H2O2 at higher temperatures. Careful consideration of temperature is necessary when disinfecting channel catfish eggs with hydrogen peroxide.