Evonik has received registration from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for its VIGOROX® Trident peracetic acid for use in recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) and ponds. Produced by Evonik’s Active Oxygens business line, the biocide can reduce fish pathogens (bacteria and viruses) in the water. In fact, VIGOROX® Trident can be applied while fish are present, as it breaks down into only water, oxygen, and acetic acid.

RAS enables high-density fish farming while minimizing the impact on the surrounding environment and avoiding the depletion of natural marine and freshwater resources. Maintaining water quality is one of the greatest challenges in a recirculating system. With VIGOROX® Trident, the biocide can be dosed directly in the tank — without the need for time-consuming fish or water removal. VIGOROX® Trident has a no-observable effect on salmon and similar finfish in concentrations below 3.5 mg/L. Since peracetic acid breaks down into nothing more than water, oxygen, and acetic acid, there are no additional steps to clean up chemical residues.

“Evonik has been pioneering this new technology in close collaboration with authorities and research facilities. We are very pleased to be able to offer our customers an effective treatment to reduce waterborne fish pathogens that can be used with the fish present,” said Philip Block, technology director for specialty markets at Evonik Active Oxygens in North America. “Keeping water clean is an important first step in pathogen management — which is a big concern to operators of RAS systems.”

“We work closely with regulators to ensure that our products are effective when used as directed,” said LuAnn Maloney, regulatory manager for Evonik Active Oxygens in North America. “The new EPA registration for VIGOROX® Trident attests to our commitment to offer our customers effective solutions that help them meet compliance standards.”