EFFECT OF SODIUM HYDROXYMETHANESULFONATE ON AMMONIA AND RELATED WATER QUALITY PARAMETERS

A Sodium Hydroxymethanesulfonate product (ClorAm-X®, Aquatic Resources Inc., USA) was used in water from a recirculating holding system tank after 8 days long Channel Catfish holding experiment with Total ammonia nitrogen (TAN) 15.8 mg/L. Three treatments; T1-50% the recommended dose (15.95 mg/L of ClorAm-X® for 1mg/L of total ammonia), T2-recommended dose (31.9 mg/L of ClorAm-X® for 1mg/L of total ammonia) and T3-150% of recommended dose (47.85 mg/L of ClorAm-X® for 1mg/L of total ammonia) were applied in 10 liters of water, each with three replications. Three replications of control without ClorAm- X application were also used. 30 minutes post application, TAN, Nitrite, Nitrate, unionized ammonia and pH were measured using Hach kits, spectrophotometer and pH meter.

Results show that the product is effective in reducing TAN and unionized ammonia in concentration dependent manner. Nitrite and pH were not affected by treatments but nitrate seems to increase slightly with increasing dose of ClorAm-X®. Increase of nitrate may be of concern only in seriously heavy doses of the product. Thus, Sodium Hydroxymethanesulfonate may be used in reducing ammonia content in recirculating holding systems where ammonia buildup is one of the major issues. Further research on use of Sodium Hydroxymethanesulfonate in various aquaculture systems may provide new insights on its usefulness.