Nitrite poisoning of fish in aquaculture facilities with water-recirculating systems

Abstract

Three cases of severely compromised fish health and death in newly commissioned aquaculture facilities with water-recirculating systems are described. The cause of the damage and death was increased concentrations of water-borne nitrites and the subsequent methaemoglobinemia. The aim of the study was to better understand the aetiology of these cases of poisoning to help prevent them, and to examine effects of some water quality parameters on nitrite toxicity. The increased NO2- concentrations in water were caused by impaired functionality of biological filters in the second stage of nitrification, i.e. the conversion of NO2- to NO 3-. Chloride concentrations in water were considered the main factor influencing NO2- toxicity in all of the cases described. In the case of death of catfish and tench, the Cl-to N-NO 2- weight ratios were in the range of 13-28 and 11-19, respectively. In the case of tilapia health impairment without symptoms of toxicity, the ratios were between 50 and 150. In the water tank inflow, the Cl-to N-NO2- weight ratios were between 2000 and 10000. Blood methaemoglobin levels of catfish and tench (severe symptoms of poisoning) and of tilapia (no signs of impairment, only brownish discolouration of gills) were over 80% and 21%, respectively). In order to minimize risks in culture of fish in water-recirculating systems, it is necessary to choose a proper stock of fish and a proper feeding ratio, not to treat the fish with antibiotics in the form of baths, to check meticulously the quality of water. In case of increasing concentration of nitrites, to administer sodium chloride to get the chloride concentration increased at least to 100 mg·l -1 Cl-. Better operation of a biological filter can be speeded up by inoculation with activated sludge.