Safety of electrolyzed seawater for use in aquaculture

The safety of electrolyzed seawater was evaluated by measuring the production rate of organic halogen compounds and the occurrence of reverse mutations. Aquaculture feedwater and wastewater were collected from a fish-culturing facility, and available chlorine of approximately 1.0 mg/L was generated to ensure a disinfectant effect. More than 90% of the generated organic halogen compounds were bromoform. The amount of bromoform was far less than the reference values for drinking water standards in Japan and the U.S., provided that the electrolyzation was performed within the range of normal use. The reverse mutation assay of electrolyzed seawater showed no mutagenicity. Electrolyzed seawater with available chlorine at an adequate level for disinfection can be used safely and effectively in various aspects of aquaculture.