Formaldehyde residues in olive flounder(Paralichthys olivaceus) and black rockfish(Sebastes schlegeli) exposed to formalin, and in formalin-treated seawater

Formalin, 37% formaldehyde, has been employed as a chemical for controlling ectoparasites and aquatic fungi responsible for infectious fish of diseases in hatcheries and culture facilities (Roberts, 1978; Schnick, 1991; Rach et al., 1997). Regarding the commercial usage of formaldehyde in the aquaculture industry, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved three commercial products as parasiticides in a species-specific manner: Paracide-F and Formalin-F for bluegill, catfish, largemouth bass, salmon, and trout and Parasite-S for all finfish (FDA, 1998). Withdrawal time for these products was legally zero when used as permitted under the regulations. With the increased production of cultured fish in Korea, such as olive Hounder Paralichthys olivaceus and black rockfish Sebastes schlegeli, application of formalin to diseased fish has become more frequent. Moreover, there is still some concern about environmental exposures caused by effluents from fish culture facilities. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate residues in fish resulting from therapeutic usage of formalin in the aquaculture industry and to document the rate of disappearance of formaldehyde in seawater treated with formalin. (omitted)