Disinfectant effects of electrolyzed salt water on fish pathogenic bacteria and viruses

The bactericidal and virucidal effects of hypochlorite produced by electrolysis of salt water were examined for pathogenic bacteria and viruses of fish. A three percent solution of sodium chloride that contained pathogenic bacteria or virus was electrolyzed and the organisms were exposed to hypochlorite. More than 99.99% of the cells of Vibrio anguillarum and Aeromonas salmonicida, the causative agents of fish vibriosis and furunculosis respectively, were killed when the bacteria were exposed to 0.1 mg/l hypochlorite for one minute. Yellowtail ascites virus (YAV) and hirame rhabdovirus (HIRRV), the causative agents of viral ascites disease and rhabdovirus disease of marine fish, were inactivated > 99.99% after treatment with 0.58 mg/l hypochorite for one minute. The bactericidal and virucidal effects of hypochlorite produced by electrolysis (3.5 m(3)/h, 0.1 A) are greater than those of the chemical reagent. The purity of the sodium chloride used influences the production of hypochlorite. Sodium chloride obtained as a super grade chemical reagent is more effective than sodium chloride that is used for food. However, a sufficient disinfectant effect was observed in electrolyzed seawater, which could be applied in aquaculture.