DESC:TECHNICAL FIELD
[001] The present disclosure relates to aquaculture technologies, specifically chemical formulations configured to be utilized in fish farming operations. Moreover, the present disclosure relates to a chemical formulation for fish acclimatization and a method of acclimatizing harvested fish in aquaculture.
BACKGROUND
[002] Aquaculture industry, which involves the controlled cultivation of aquatic organisms, including fish, crustaceans, mollusks, and the like, has experienced rapid growth in recent decades due to increasing seafood consumption and declining wild fish stocks. However, the aquaculture industry faces significant challenges related to fish stress management and water quality control, particularly during critical operations such as harvesting, sorting, and transportation of live fish, where effective stress mitigation is crucial because stressed fish exhibit compromised immune systems, reduced survival rates, and diminished commercial value that can result in substantial economic losses for aquaculture operations. Such challenges directly impact fish survival rates, product quality, and, ultimately, the economic viability of aquaculture operations.
[003] Harvesting fish manually using drag nets from culture ponds poses significant challenges, particularly in causing stress and even death due to shock. Such stress is primarily attributed to the excessive production of cortisol in fishes, a well-recognized stress indicator found within the physiological system of fishes. The harvesting process also causes substantial disturbance at the pond bottom, releasing trapped toxic gases, such as hydrogen sulfide (H2S) and ammonia (NH3). The combination of elevated cortisol levels and exposure to the trapped toxic gases significantly increases the stress level of the fish, causing the fish to become lethargic or even die due to ammonia intoxication within a few hours of harvesting.
[004] Current techniques and methods employed in the aquaculture industry are often destructive in nature and substantially disturb the culture pond environment. Such approaches generally involve using separate additives for managing the stress levels and controlling the toxification of the pond water. However, such fragmented solutions create significant disturbances that complicate dosing requirements and frequently lead to unpredictable chemical interactions, potentially destabilizing the water conditions, an outcome that is highly undesirable for both fish welfare and operational efficiency. As a result, there exists a technical problem of how to effectively reduce fish stress and maintain optimal water quality during and after harvesting without causing significant disturbances to the pond environment.
[005] Therefore, in light of the foregoing discussion, there exists a need to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks associated with conventional chemical formulation for fish acclimatization, and conventional methods of acclimatizing harvested fish in aquaculture, such as by developing a comprehensive approach that mitigates stress responses in harvested fish, neutralizes toxic compounds, and maintains favorable water conditions throughout the post-harvest handling process.
SUMMARY
[006] The present disclosure provides a chemical formulation for fish acclimatization, and a method of acclimatizing harvested fish in aquaculture. The present disclosure provides a solution to the existing problem of how to effectively reduce fish stress and maintain optimal water quality during and after harvesting without causing significant disturbances to the pond environment. An objective of the present disclosure is to provide a solution that overcomes at least partially the problems encountered in the prior art and provides an improved chemical formulation for fish acclimatization, and an improved method of acclimatizing harvested fish in aquaculture.
[007] One or more objectives of the present disclosure are achieved by the solutions provided in the enclosed independent claims. Advantageous implementations of the present disclosure are further defined in the dependent claims.
[008] In one aspect, the present disclosure provides a chemical formulation for fish acclimatization in aquaculture, the formulation comprising calcium peroxide in a concentration of 5 to 20 ppm, sodium hydroxymethane sulfonate in a concentration of 10 to 25 ppm, and povidone iodine in a concentration of 2 to 8 ppm. The chemical formulation is configured to reduce stress in harvested fish and maintain water quality during acclimatization.
[009] Advantageously, the chemical formulation provides a comprehensive integration of multiple therapeutic functions within a single tablet, eliminating the need for separate additives that typically require complex dosing protocols and risk unpredictable chemical interactions. The chemical formulation exhibits enhanced operational efficiency, such as by reducing acclimatization time from conventional 2 hours to just less than 30 minutes, representing a 75% time reduction that enables faster fish processing and improved facility throughput. Moreover, the chemical formulation provides universal applicability across diverse fish species, including tilapia, carp, catfish, and the like, with consistent effectiveness demonstrated through validated performance metrics regardless of species-specific physiological differences, enabling standardized treatment protocols for mixed-species aquaculture facilities. Furthermore, the chemical formulation provides enhanced environmental sustainability by reducing water exchange requirements by 90%, thereby minimizing chemical waste through targeted delivery mechanisms and operating without electricity or specialized equipment. Specifically, the chemical formulation has shown a 62% increase in dissolved oxygen levels, 67% reduction in ammonia concentration, pH stabilization within optimal physiological range (i.e., between 7.2 and 7.5), and 70% reduction in stress hormone levels, providing quantifiable benefits that directly correlate with improved fish welfare. The synergistic interaction between the three chemical compounds (i.e., calcium peroxide, sodium hydroxymethane and povidone iodine) attains performance levels that exceed the sum of individual chemical compound effects, with combined treatments showing 75% ammonia reduction compared to 40% when components are used individually, and 25% enhanced oxygen retention through reduced microbial consumption. Furthermore, the chemical compound has shown remarkable manufacturing and regulatory advancements, which include standardized tablet formulation that facilitates quality control, batch consistency, and regulatory compliance across multiple markets, with demonstrated stability maintaining 98% efficacy for 18 months under standard storage conditions and 85% efficacy under accelerated ageing conditions. The simplified application methodology requires minimal technical expertise, reduces labour costs, eliminates specialized storage requirements, and provides precise dosing through established calculations, enabling widespread adoption across aquaculture operations of varying scales and technical capabilities.
[010] In another aspect, the present disclosure provides a method of acclimatizing harvested fish in aquaculture, and the method comprises harvesting fish from a culture pond; holding the harvested fish in temporary fish-holding cages, preparing a formulated water by dissolving a chemical formulation in water, the chemical formulation comprising calcium peroxide, sodium hydroxymethane sulfonate, and povidone iodine. Moreover, the method comprises sprinkling the formulated water over the fish-holding cages for a predetermined duration. The chemical formulation reduces stress in the harvested fish and maintains water quality during acclimatization.
[011] The method achieves all the advantages and technical effects of the chemical formulation of the present disclosure.
[012] It has to be noted that all devices, elements, circuitry, units, and means described in the present application could be implemented in the software or hardware elements or any kind of combination thereof. All steps which are performed by the various entities described in the present application as well as the functionalities described to be performed by the various entities are intended to mean that the respective entity is adapted to or configured to perform the respective steps and functionalities. Even if, in the following description of specific embodiments, a specific functionality or step to be performed by external entities is not reflected in the description of a specific detailed element of that entity which performs that specific step or functionality, it should be clear for a skilled person that these methods and functionalities can be implemented in respective software or hardware elements, or any kind of combination thereof. It will be appreciated that features of the present disclosure are susceptible to being combined in various combinations without departing from the scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.
[013] Additional aspects, advantages, features, and objects of the present disclosure would be made apparent from the drawings and the detailed description of the illustrative implementations construed in conjunction with the appended claims that follow.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[014] The summary above, as well as the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments, is better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the present disclosure, exemplary constructions of the disclosure are shown in the drawings. However, the present disclosure is not limited to specific methods and instrumentalities disclosed herein. Moreover, those in the art will understand that the drawings are not to scale. Wherever possible, like elements have been indicated by identical numbers.
[015] Embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the following diagrams wherein:
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a system for fish acclimatization using a chemical formulation, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating a method of acclimatizing harvested fish in aquaculture, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
FIG. 3 is a graphical representation illustrating the efficacy of the chemical formulation, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
FIG. 4 is a graphical representation illustrating survival rates of different fish species comparing control groups with groups treated with the chemical formulation, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
FIG. 5 is a graphical representation illustrating the effectiveness of compound combinations versus individual compounds of the chemical formulation for ammonia reduction and oxygen retention, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; and
FIG. 6 is a graphical representation illustrating the stability and the shelf life of the chemical formulation under different storage conditions, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[016] In the accompanying drawings, an underlined number is employed to represent an item over which the underlined number is positioned or an item to which the underlined number is adjacent. A non-underlined number relates to an item identified by a line linking the non-underlined number to the item. When a number is non-underlined and accompanied by an associated arrow, the non-underlined number is used to identify a general item at which the arrow is pointing.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
[017] The following detailed description illustrates embodiments of the present disclosure and ways in which they can be implemented. Although some modes of carrying out the present disclosure have been disclosed, those skilled in the art would recognize that other embodiments for carrying out or practicing the present disclosure are also possible.
[018] The disclosed chemical formulation for fish acclimatization, and method of acclimatizing harvested fish in aquaculture provides an enhanced approach for reducing stress and maintaining water quality during harvesting and transport of the fish. Conventional methods often rely on separate additives for managing individual water parameters, leading to significant environmental disturbances and unpredictable chemical interactions, which introduces various challenges, including high fish mortality, extended acclimatization times, complex dosing requirements, and operational inefficiencies. The disclosed invention leverages a synergistic chemical formulation comprising calcium peroxide (CaO2), sodium hydroxymethane sulfonate (CH3NaO4S), and povidone iodine (C6H9I2NO) to enhance fish welfare during the critical post-harvest period in commercial aquaculture environments, such as fisheries and hatcheries. Moreover, the method is configured to provide controlled oxygen release through a two-step reaction (CaO2 + 2H2O ? Ca(OH)2 + H2O2 ? Ca(OH)2 + H2O + O2), ammonia neutralization, and physiological stress reduction through a simple process, which provides enhanced performance compared to conventional water exchange or single-compound treatments. Thus, the disclosed chemical formulation and the method of acclimatizing harvested fish provide optimal survival rates while significantly reducing acclimatization time from two hours to thirty minutes, allowing more efficient operations and improved fish quality during transport.
[019] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a system for fish acclimatization using a chemical formulation, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. With reference to FIG. 1, there is shown a system 100 for fish acclimatization using a chemical formulation 108. The system 100 includes a water body 110 having a bottom 112. The water body 110 includes a containment structure 114, which includes a plurality of fishes 116. The system further includes a sprinkler unit 118, and a testing apparatus 120.
[020] The water body 110 serves as the primary environment in which the fish acclimatization process occurs. The water body 110 typically comprises freshwater from an aquaculture water source containing various dissolved and suspended materials suitable for aquatic life. Examples of implementation of the water body 110 may include but are not limited to earthen aquaculture ponds, concrete raceways, lined cultivation tanks, temporary holding basins, water recirculation systems, nursery ponds, pre-harvest holding areas, transportation tanks, hatchery tanks, or any suitable freshwater containment structure capable of maintaining aquatic conditions for fish culture during pre-transport acclimatization. In an implementation, the freshwater inside the water body 110 initially contains sub-optimal levels of dissolved oxygen (approximately 4.2 mg/L), elevated pH levels (approximately 8.1), and harmful concentrations of ammonia (approximately 1.2 ppm). Such parameters create stressful conditions for harvested fish, causing elevated cortisol production and physiological stress. The water body 110 is configured to provide a medium through which the chemical formulation 108 components dissolve and react, allowing for the controlled release of oxygen, neutralization of ammonia, and modification of pH to provide optimal conditions for fish recovery after harvesting. The water body 110 is further configured to provide water exchange between the containment structure 114 and the surrounding environment, facilitating the distribution of the active components of the chemical formulation 108 throughout the containment structure 114 while preventing excessive dilution.
[021] Furthermore, the water body 110 includes a bottom 112, which is the lowermost surface of the water body 110, typically composed of soil, sediment, or artificial materials, which forms the floor of the aquaculture environment. The bottom 112 serves as the placement area for the chemical formulation 108, preferably in the form of tablets.
[022] The containment structure 114 refers to a permeable enclosure made of fine mesh or netting material suspended within the water body 110, configured to contain live fish while allowing water exchange with the surrounding environment. The containment structure 114 enables targeted treatment of specific groups of fish without requiring complete isolation from the main water body. Examples of implementation of the containment structure 114 may include but not limited to hapa net cages, fine mesh enclosures, nylon netting systems, polyethylene mesh containers, floating fish cages, suspended net pens, collapsible fish holding nets, temporary fish enclosures, permeable fish containment bags, canvas fish holding structures, wire mesh enclosures, plastic mesh containers, aquaculture netting systems, fish sorting cages, live fish transport bags, breathable fish containers, porous fish holding structures, flexible mesh enclosures, rigid perforated containers, semi-permeable fish holding units, modular containment systems, or any suitable structure that allows water exchange while confining fish within a defined area during the acclimatization treatment process.
[023] The plurality of fishes 116 refers to aquatic organisms being acclimatized within the containment structure 114. The plurality of fishes 116 includes variety of fishesh, which may include but not limited to tilapia (or Oreochromis niloticus), common carp (or Cyprinus carpio), African catfish (or Clarias gariepinus), rohu (or Labeo rohita), catla (or Catla catla), mrigal (or Cirrhinus mrigala), grass carp (or Ctenopharyngodon idella), silver carp (or Hypophthalmichthys molitrix), bighead carp (or Hypophthalmichthys nobilis), striped bass (or Morone saxatilis), channel catfish (or Ictalurus punctatus), rainbow trout (or Oncorhynchus mykiss), salmon species, pangasius (or Pangasianodon hypophthalmus), snakehead fish (or Channa species), freshwater prawns, or any commercially cultured aquatic species suitable for live transport and requiring stress reduction during post-harvest handling and acclimatization procedures.
[024] The sprinkler unit 118 refers to a water distribution apparatus positioned above the containment structure 114, configured to disperse formulated water containing dissolved chemical components evenly over the plurality of fishes 116. The sprinkler unit 118 ensures uniform delivery of the chemical formulation throughout the containment structure 114, maintains consistent water quality parameters across the containment structure 114, provides controlled application rates to prevent chemical oversaturation, facilitates rapid distribution of dissolved oxygen and other active compounds, minimizes localized concentration variations that could cause uneven treatment effects, enables precise dosing control through adjustable flow rates, reduces manual handling requirements during the treatment process, and optimizes contact time between the chemical formulation and the plurality of fishes 116 to achieve maximum therapeutic efficacy within the predetermined 30-minute acclimatization period.
[025] The testing apparatus 120 is configured to to measure and verify water quality parameters such as dissolved oxygen, pH, and ammonia levels, and the like following the application of the chemical formulation. The testing apparatus 120 ensures that the treatment has achieved the desired water quality improvements, provides real-time monitoring of critical parameters during the acclimatization process, confirms optimal dissolved oxygen levels of at least 6 mg/L for fish respiration, verifies pH stabilization within the range of 7.2 to 7.5, validates ammonia reduction of at least 60% from initial concentrations, enables immediate detection of any parameter deviations requiring corrective action, facilitates compliance with water quality standards for fish transport, provides documented evidence of treatment efficacy for quality control purposes, allows for process optimization based on measured results, and ensures safe conditions for fish before proceeding to the transportation phase of the aquaculture operation.
[026] There is provided the chemical formulation 108 for fish acclimatization in aquaculture. The chemical formulation 108 is configured to address physiological and environmental challenges through a synergistic three-pronged approach that simultaneously targets the root causes of fish stress during harvesting and pre-transport handling. Moreover, the chemical formulation is configured to counter the elevated cortisol production (the primary stress hormone) among the fishes, thereby reducing stress levels, such as by 45%. Furthermore, the chemical formulation 108 is configured to enhance the dissolved oxygen within the water from critically low levels, such as 4.2 mg/L to optimal levels, such as 6.8 mg/L. for fish respiration. Additionally, the chemical formulation 108 is configured to neutralize the toxic conditions created by harvesting operations, ultimately transforming a hostile post-harvest environment into optimal recovery conditions within just 30 minutes.
[027] The chemical formulation 108 includes calcium peroxide in a concentration of 5 to 20 ppm. The calcium peroxide (CaO2) functions as a controlled oxygen-releasing compound that undergoes a two-step decomposition reaction in water:
CaO2 + 2H2O ? Ca(OH)2 + H2O2, followed by:
H2O2 ? H2O + O2.
[028] The two-step decomposition reaction provides sustained oxygen release over 6-8 hours, maintaining dissolved oxygen levels above 6 mg/L necessary for fish respiration during stress conditions. In an example, the calcium peroxide is taken in a concentration of 5 ppm. In another example, the calcium peroxide is taken in a concentration of 20 ppm. In yet another example, the calcium peroxide is taken in a concentration of 12 ppm. The concentration range of 5 ppm to 20 ppm is specifically selected because the calcium peroxide with concentrations below 5 ppm fail to provide adequate oxygen release to counteract the respiratory stress experienced by fish during harvesting, while having concentrations above 20 ppm can cause oxygen supersaturation leading to gas bubble disease in fish. As a result, the above specifically selected concentration range of the calcium peroxide ensures adequate therapeutic oxygen delivery while preventing harmful supersaturation effects, thereby maintaining fish health and survival during the critical acclimatization period.
[029] Furthermore, the chemical formulation 108 includes sodium hydroxymethane sulfonate in a concentration of 10 to 25 ppm. The sodium hydroxymethane sulfonate (CH3NaO4S) serves a dual function as both a pH buffer and ammonia neutralizer through the presence of sulfonate groups in the sodium hydroxymethane sulfonate that can accept hydrogen ions and form stable complexes with ammonia molecules via the reaction:
NH3 + CH3NaO4S ? Stable Ammonia Compound + Na?
[030] The Stable Ammonia Compound effectively neutralizes toxic ammonia released from disturbed pond sediments while maintaining pH stability within the optimal range of 7.2-7.5 for fish physiology. In an example, the sodium hydroxymethane sulfonate is taken in a concentration of 10 ppm. In another example, the sodium hydroxymethane sulfonate is taken in a concentaration of 25 ppm. In yet another example, the sodium hydroxymethane sulfonate is taken in a concentration of 15 ppm. The concentration range of 10 ppm to 25 ppm is specifically selected because concentrations of the sodium hydroxymethane sulphate below 10 ppm provide insufficient buffering capacity to handle the ammonia loads generated during high-density fish holding, while concentrations of the sodium hydroxymethane sulphate above 25 ppm can cause excessive alkalinity that may stress fish osmoregulatory systems. As a result, the specifically selected concentration range of the sodium hydroxymethane sulfonate ensures effective ammonia neutralization and pH regulation while preventing osmotic stress in fish, thereby maintaining water quality parameters essential for fish survival and recovery.
[031] Moreover, the chemical formulation 108 includes povidone iodine in a concentration of 2 to 8 ppm. The povidone iodine (C6H9I2NO) works through a dual mechanism involving stress reduction and antimicrobial action, where the polymeric povidone carrier allows controlled release of elemental iodine that modulates fish neuroreceptors and reduces cortisol production while providing broad-spectrum antimicrobial protection against opportunistic pathogens. The iodine component interacts with fish cell membranes to stabilize ion channel function and reduce the physiological stress response, while simultaneously eliminating pathogenic microorganisms such as Aeromonas hydrophila that proliferate during high-stress conditions. In an example, the povidone iodine is taken at a concentration of 2 ppm. In another example, the povidone iodine is taken at a concentration of 8 ppm. In yet another example, the providone iodine is taken at a concentration of 5 ppm. The concentration range of the the providone iodine is specifically selected from 2 ppm to 8 ppm is precisely calibrated because concentrations below 2 ppm provide inadequate antimicrobial efficacy and insufficient stress reduction, while concentrations above 8 ppm can cause gill irritation and toxicity in sensitive fish species. The specific concentration of 5 ppm reduces cortisol levels by 45% and achieves 90% pathogen reduction without adverse effects, ensuring both physiological stress mitigation and disease prevention during the critical acclimatization period.
[032] Furthermore, the chemical formulation 108 reduces stress in the harvested fish and maintains water quality during acclimatization. The chemical formulation 108 reduces stress in the harvested fish through the specific action of povidone iodine (C6H9I2NO), which modulates the hypothalamic-pituitary-interrenal (HPI) axis in fish, thereby reducing the cortisol production from elevated levels of 50 µg/dL in untreated conditions to 15 µg/dL in treated fish, representing a 70% reduction in physiological stress indicators. The stress reduction occurs because cortisol is the primary stress hormone in fish, and the excessive production of the cortisol during harvesting operations leads to compromised immune function, reduced survival rates, and increased mortality during transport. The povidone iodine component enables the stress reduction by interacting with fish neuroreceptors and stabilizing cell membrane ion channels, particularly sodium (Na?) and potassium (K?) ion flows, which helps maintain cellular homeostasis during high-stress conditions. The chemical formulation 108 is configured to maintain water quality during acclimatization through the synergistic action of all three chemical components working simultaneously to address critical water parameters. The calcium peroxide (CaO2) is configured to maintain dissolved oxygen levels by releasing oxygen through the controlled reaction CaO2 + 2H2O ? Ca(OH)2 + H2O + O2, increasing dissolved oxygen from sub-optimal levels of 4.2 mg/L to optimal levels of 6.8 mg/L necessary for fish respiration under stress. Moreover, the sodium hydroxymethane sulfonate (CH3NaO4S) is configured to maintain water quality by neutralizing toxic ammonia through complexation reactions and buffering pH from harmful alkaline levels of 8.1 to a safe level, i.e., within the range of 7.2-7.5, which is required for fish physiological functions. The water quality maintenance is essential because poor water conditions during acclimatization lead to additional stress, reduced oxygen availability, ammonia toxicity, and pH-induced osmoregulatory stress in fish.
[033] In accordance with an embodiment, the calcium peroxide is present at a concentration of 15 ppm. The concentration of the calcium peroxide at 15 ppm represents the specific balance between therapeutic efficacy and safety margins, as determined through extensive laboratory and field trials with multiple fish species including tilapia, carp, catfish, and the like. The specific concentration of 15 ppm ensures sustained oxygen release that maintains dissolved oxygen levels above 6 mg/L for 6 hours to 8 hours duration without causing oxygen supersaturation that could lead to gas bubble disease in fish. The laboratory measurements using Winkler titration methodology has confirmed that 15 ppm calcium peroxide releases 35mg O2/g over the treatment period, providing the precise oxygen delivery rate necessary to counteract respiratory stress experienced by fish during high-density holding conditions while remaining within safe physiological limits for aquatic organisms. As a result, the 15 ppm concentration of the calcium peroxide enables optimal fish survival rates during the acclimatization process while preventing oxygen toxicity, ensures adequate respiratory support for fish experiencing harvest-induced stress, maintains therapeutic effectiveness across diverse aquaculture species and water conditions, provides consistent oxygen delivery throughout the critical 30 minute treatment window, and establishes the foundation for the synergistic interaction with other formulation components to achieve comprehensive water quality management.
[034] In accordance with an embodiment, the sodium hydroxymethane sulfonate is present at a concentration of 20 ppm. The concentration of the sodium hydroxymethane sulfonate at 20 ppm provides ideal buffering capacity to handle ammonia loads generated during high-density fish holding while maintaining pH stability of the chemical formulation 108 within the critical range of 7.2 to 7.5 required for fish physiological functions. The specific concentration of the sodium hydroxymethane sulfonate has been validated through field trials using Hach DR900 spectrophotometry, demonstrating 60% ammonia reduction from initial levels of 1.2 ppm to 0.4 ppm while simultaneously stabilizing pH at 7.3. The specific concentration of the sodium hydroxymethane sulfonate at 20 ppm ensures that the sufficient sulfonate groups are available for both hydrogen ion acceptance and ammonia complexation without causing excessive alkalinity that could stress fish osmoregulatory, providing the ideal balance between ammonia neutralization efficiency and physiological safety for aquatic species.
[035] In accordance with an embodiment, the povidone iodine is present in a concentration of 5 ppm. The concentration of the povidone iodine at 5 ppm for povidone iodine provides stress reduction and antimicrobial protection without causing gill irritation or toxicity in sensitive fish species. In an experimental testing, ELISA testing have shown that the 5 ppm concentration of the povidone iodine is configured to reduce the cortisol levels by 45% from baseline stress conditions, while agar plate assays demonstrated 90% reduction in pathogenic microorganisms such as Aeromonas hydrophila. Thus, the specific concentration of the the povidone iodine ensures controlled release of elemental iodine through the polymeric povidone carrier, enabling effective modulation of fish neuroreceptors and cell membrane stabilization while maintaining antimicrobial efficacy against opportunistic pathogens that proliferate during high-stress conditions, providing comprehensive physiological protection without adverse effects on fish health.
[036] In accordance with an embodiment, the chemical formulation 108 further comprises a binder. The inclusion of the binder enables the creation of a stable tablet like structure, which ensures controlled dissolution characteristics and uniform distribution of the different chemical compunds when applied to the aquatic environment. The binder further provides structural integrity to the tablet form of the chemical formulation 108, thereby preventing any premature disintegration during handling and storage while enabling controlled release kinetics that optimize the therapeutic delivery of calcium peroxide, sodium hydroxymethane sulfonate, and povidone iodine. In an implementation, the binder facilitates the creation of the layered tablet structure of the chemical formulation 108, where different chemical compounds are positioned in specific layers to achieve sequential release profiles, ensuring that the tablet form of the chemical formulation 108 maintains the therapeutic effectiveness throughout the 30-minute acclimatization period while providing consistent performance across varying water conditions. Additionally, the tablet form of the chemical formulation 108 allows for exact dosing calculations using the formula: Dosage (tablets) = (Water Volume (L) × Target ppm) / Tablet Strength (10,000 ppm), ensuring consistent and reproducible treatment across different pond sizes and fish densities. In an example, each 10g tablet of the chemical formulation 108 contains precisely measured amounts of the different chemical compound, thereby eliminating dosing errors and variability that could occur with liquid or powder formulations.
[037] In accordance with an embodiment, the binder comprises 2% w/w magnesium stearate. The magnesium stearate at a concentration of 2% w/w acts as an ideal binding agent that provides adequate cohesion within the tablet form of the chemical formulation 108 without interfering with the dissolution characteristics of the active pharmaceutical ingredients. In an implementation, the magnesium stearate functions as both a lubricant and binding agent, facilitating the the compression process of the tablet, such as by applying hydraulic force while ensuring uniform distribution of the magnesium stearate throughout the tablet matrix. Furthermore, the specific concentration of the magnesium stearate prevents tablet fragmentation during handling and storage while allowing proper water penetration for controlled dissolution of the layered formulation structure. The specific concentration of the magnesium stearate represents the minimum effective amount necessary to maintain tablet integrity without creating excessive hydrophobic barriers that could impede the release of water-soluble active components, ensuring optimal therapeutic performance while maintaining manufacturing efficiency and product stability.
[038] In accordance with an embodiment, the calcium peroxide is configured to provide sustained release of oxygen in water, the sodium hydroxymethane sulfonate is configured to regulate pH and neutralize ammonia, and the povidone iodine is configured to reduce stress in fish and provide antimicrobial benefits. In operation, the calcium peroxide is configured to provide the sustained oxygen release through a controlled two-step decomposition reaction:
CaO2 + 2H2O ? Ca(OH)2 + H2O2 ? Ca(OH)2 + H2O + O2
The two-step decomposition reaction is configured to gradually release molecular oxygen over 6 to 8 hours, thereby maintaining dissolved oxygen levels essential for fish respiration during stress conditions. Furthermore, the sodium hydroxymethane sulfonate functions through dual mechanisms involving sulfonate groups that accept hydrogen ions for pH buffering and form stable complexes with ammonia molecules for toxin neutralization, maintaining water chemistry within optimal parameters for fish physiology. The povidone iodine operates through controlled release of elemental iodine from the polymeric carrier, modulating fish neuroreceptors to reduce cortisol production while providing broad-spectrum antimicrobial action against pathogenic organisms, creating a comprehensive therapeutic environment that addresses both physiological stress and environmental contamination.
[039] In accordance with an embodiment, the chemical formulation 108 is configured to maintain dissolved oxygen levels of at least 6 mg/L, pH between 7.2 and 7.5, and reduce ammonia concentration by at least 60% during fish acclimatization. The chemical formulation 108 is configured to reach the dissolved oxygen maintenance at 6 mg/L through the sustained release mechanism of calcium peroxide, which has been validated through field trials demonstrating consistent oxygen levels of 6.8 mg/L throughout the treatment period, exceeding the minimum threshold required for fish respiratory support during stress conditions. The pH maintenance between 7.2 and 7.5 is further attained through the buffering action of sodium hydroxymethane sulfonate, with the experimental data confirming pH stabilization at 7.3 from initial alkaline conditions of 8.1, ensuring optimal conditions for fish osmoregulatory function and reducing stress on physiological systems. Additionaly, the ammonia concentration is reduced by 60% through the complexation mechanism of sodium hydroxymethane sulfonate, with laboratory validation using Hach DR900 spectrophotometry confirming reduction from 1.2 ppm to 0.4 ppm, representing a 67% decrease that exceeds the minimum requirement and ensures safe conditions for fish during the critical acclimatization period.
[040] The system 100 further includes operation 102 to 106, which represent sequential phases of the fish acclimatization process that transform harvested fish from a stressed post-harvest state to optimal transport-ready condition within a 30-minute treatment window. Each operation corresponds to a specific stage in the systematic application of the chemical formulation 108 within the water body 110, utilizing the containment structure 114, sprinkler unit 118, and testing apparatus 120 to achieve comprehensive water quality management and fish stress reduction.
[041] The system 100 further includes operations 102 to 106. The operations represent sequential phases of the fish acclimatization process that transform harvested fish from a stressed post-harvest state to optimal transport-ready condition within a 30-minute treatment window. Each operation corresponds to a specific stage in the systematic application of the chemical formulation 108 within the water body 110, utilizing the containment structure 114, sprinkler unit 118, and testing apparatus 120 to achieve comprehensive water quality management and fish stress reduction.
[042] At operation 102, the system 100 presents an initial state where the plurality of fishes 116 within the containment structure 114 exhibit significant signs of physiological stress following the harvesting process from the water body 110. The plurality of fishes 116 demonstrate elevated cortisol production at 50 µg/dL, compromised respiratory function due to reduced dissolved oxygen levels at 4.2 mg/L, and exposure to toxic conditions including ammonia concentrations of 1.2 ppm and alkaline pH levels of 8.1 created by pond sediment disturbance during harvesting operations. The stress indicators include increased gill movement, erratic swimming patterns, lethargy, and elevated metabolic activity that necessitates immediate therapeutic intervention to prevent mortality and ensure successful preparation for transport operations.
[043] At operation 104, the system 100 is configured to implement the active treatment phase by the virtue of a method (as shown and described in the FIG. 2) where the chemical formulation 108 is applied through the dual delivery mechanism comprising placement of tablets containing calcium peroxide, sodium hydroxymethane sulfonate, and povidone iodine on the bottom 112 of the water body 110 beneath the containment structure 114, and simultaneous distribution of formulated water through the sprinkler unit 118 positioned above the fish holding area. The operation 104 is configured to initiate the controlled chemical reactions including the two-step decomposition of calcium peroxide (CaO2 + 2H2O ? Ca(OH)2 + H2O2 ? Ca(OH)2 + H2O + O2) that provides sustained oxygen release, ammonia neutralization through sodium hydroxymethane sulfonate complexation, and stress hormone reduction via povidone iodine neuroreceptor modulation throughout the contained fish population.
[044] At operation 106, the system 100 is configured to complete the acclimatization process where the plurality of fishes 116 demonstrate significantly improved physiological condition including reduced cortisol levels to 15 µg/dL representing a 70% stress reduction, enhanced respiratory function due to increased dissolved oxygen levels at 6.8 mg/L, and adaptation to optimal water quality parameters with pH stabilized at 7.3 and ammonia concentration reduced to 0.4 ppm representing a 67% toxin reduction. The testing apparatus 120 confirms achievement of target water quality parameters, and the fish exhibit calm behavior with normalized swimming patterns and reduced stress indicators, indicating successful acclimatization and readiness for transport with anticipated survival rates of 92-96% compared to 58-70% achieved through conventional methods.
[045] Advantageously, the chemical formulation 108 provides comprehensive integration of multiple therapeutic functions within a single tablet, eliminating the need for separate additives that typically require complex dosing protocols and risk unpredictable chemical interactions. The chemical formulation 108 exhibits enhanced operational efficiency, such as by reducing acclimatization time from conventional 2 hours to just less than 30 minutes, representing a 75% time reduction that enables faster fish processing and improved facility throughput. Moreover, the chemical formulation 108 provides universal applicability across diverse fish species including tilapia, carp, and catfish, and the like with consistent effectiveness demonstrated through validated performance metrics regardless of species-specific physiological differences, enabling standardized treatment protocols for mixed-species aquaculture facilities. Furthermore, the chemical formulation 108 provides an enhanced environmental sustainability by reducing water exchange requirements by 90%, thereby minimizing chemical waste through targeted delivery mechanisms, and operating without electricity or specialized equipment. Specifically, the chemical formulation 108 has shown a 62% increase in dissolved oxygen levels, 67% reduction in ammonia concentration, pH stabilization within optimal physiological range (i.e., between 7.2 and 7.5), and 70% reduction in stress hormone levels, providing quantifiable benefits that directly correlate with improved fish welfare. The synergistic interaction between the three chemical compounds (i.e., calcium peroxide, sodium hydroxymethane and povidone iodine) attains performance levels that exceed the sum of individual chemical compound effects, with combined treatments showing 75% ammonia reduction compared to 40% when components are used individually, and 25% enhanced oxygen retention through reduced microbial consumption. Furthermore, the chemical compound have shown remarkable manufacturing and regulatory advancements, which include standardized tablet formulation that facilitates quality control, batch consistency, and regulatory compliance across multiple markets, with demonstrated stability maintaining 98% efficacy for 18 months under standard storage conditions and 85% efficacy under accelerated aging conditions. The simplified application methodology requires minimal technical expertise, reduces labor costs, eliminates specialized storage requirements, and provides precise dosing through established calculations, enabling widespread adoption across aquaculture operations of varying scales and technical capabilities.
[046] FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating a method of acclimatizing harvested fish in aquaculture, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is described in conjunction with the elements of the FIG. 1. With reference to FIG. 1, there is shown the method 200 of acclimatizing harvested fish in aquaculture.
[047] There is provided the method 200 of acclimatizing the harvested fish in aquaculture. The method 200 is configured to address the need for rapid and effective fish stress reduction during the vulnerable post-harvest period when fish experience elevated cortisol production, respiratory distress, and exposure to toxic compounds released from disturbed pond sediments. The method 200 provides a systematic approach to transforming hostile post-harvest conditions into optimal recovery environments within a significantly reduced timeframe of 30 minutes compared to conventional methods requiring more than 2 hours. The method 200 is specifically configured to address multiple physiological and environmental challenges simultaneously through an integrated treatment protocol that ensures consistent results across diverse fish species including tilapia, carp, and catfish, and the like while maintaining commercial viability through cost-effective implementation and simplified operational procedures. Moreover, the method 200 enables comprehensive water quality management through sequential application of the chemical formulation 108, ensuring that dissolved oxygen levels are maintained above 6 mg/L, pH is stabilized within the optimal range of 7.2-7.5, and ammonia concentrations are reduced by at least 60% from initial toxic levels. The method 200 is further configured to provide elimination of complex multi-step treatments that typically require separate chemicals for each parameter, reduction in equipment and labor requirements compared to conventional water exchange methods, and universal applicability across different aquaculture facility scales and configurations. Additionally, the method 200 provides superior performance metrics with fish survival rates of 92-96% compared to 58-70% with conventional approaches, while providing an 87.5% cost reduction and 75% time savings. The method 200 includes steps 202 to 208.
[048] At step 202, the method 200 include harvesting fish from the water body 110. In an implementation, the harvesting involves the manual extraction of fish from the water body 110 using drag nets or similar collection equipment, which represents a critical transition point where fish experience significant physiological stress due to the sudden change from their established environment to high-density confinement conditions. The step 202 initiates a cascade of stress responses in fish including elevated cortisol production reaching levels of 50 µg/dL, increased respiratory rate due to physical exertion and crowding, and activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-interrenal (HPI) axis that triggers fight-or-flight responses detrimental to fish health during subsequent handling and transport operations. As a result, the harvesting necessitates immediate intervention through the subsequent application of the chemical formulation 108 because fish in the post-harvest state exhibit compromised immune function, increased susceptibility to pathogenic infections, elevated mortality risk during transport, and reduced commercial value due to stress-induced physiological changes.
[049] At step 204, the method 200 includes holding the harvested fish in the containment structure 114. The containment structure 114, such as hapa net cages or similar permeable enclosures, provides temporary confinement for the harvested fish while maintaining water exchange with the surrounding environment of the water body 110, ensuring that fish remain in aquatic conditions during the critical post-harvest period. Moreover, the containment structure 114 enables controlled density management where fish are held at optimal stocking densities ranging from 60-100 kg/m³ depending on species requirements, with tilapia typically held at 100 kg/m³, carp at 60 kg/m³, and catfish at 80 kg/m³, ensuring adequate space for fish movement while facilitating efficient treatment distribution throughout the contained population. The structural configuration of the containment structure 114 allows continuous water circulation and chemical diffusion from the surrounding treated water, ensuring that all fish within the structure receive uniform exposure to the therapeutic compounds while maintaining dissolved oxygen levels necessary for respiration during the high-stress holding period. The inclusion of the containment structure 114 provides a localized treatment delivery where the chemical formulation 108 can be applied directly beneath and above the containment structure 114 for maximum therapeutic contact, stress reduction through reduced handling as fish remain in water throughout the process rather than being transferred between multiple containers, and quality control through visual monitoring of fish behavior and condition during the 30-minute acclimatization period.
[050] At step 206, the method 200 includes preparing a formulated water by dissolving the chemical formulation 108 in water, wherein the chemical formulation comprising calcium peroxide, sodium hydroxymethane sulfonate, and povidone iodine. The preparation of the formulated water involves dissolving tablets of the chemical formulation 108 in a predetermined volume of water, typically 1000 liters, using specific dissolution procedures that ensure complete activation of all three chemical components while maintaining the individual therapeutic properties of respective chemical compound. The formulated water preparation enables controlled delivery of the synergistic combination where calcium peroxide provides sustained oxygen release through the two-step decomposition reaction CaO2 + 2H2O ? Ca(OH)2 + H2O2 ? Ca(OH)2 + H2O + O2, the sodium hydroxymethane sulfonate provides dual-function pH buffering and ammonia neutralization, and povidone iodine delivers stress reduction and antimicrobial protection through controlled elemental iodine release from the polymeric carrier. Moreover, the formulated water preparation is configured to follow the precise dosing calculations using the formula: Dosage (tablets) = (Water Volume (L) × Target ppm) / Tablet Strength (10,000 ppm), ensuring consistent and reproducible treatment concentrations across different pond sizes and fish densities. The dissolution typically requires stirring for 10 minutes to achieve complete tablet disintegration and uniform distribution of the active components, with optimal concentrations of 15 ppm calcium peroxide, 20 ppm sodium hydroxymethane sulfonate, and 5 ppm povidone iodine being achieved through the dissolution of 1.5 tablets per 1000L of water. Thus, the preparation of the formulated water ensures that the layered tablet structure releases components in the intended sequence, with the outer layer containing povidone iodine dissolving first for immediate stress reduction, followed by the middle layer with sodium hydroxymethane sulfonate for intermediate pH regulation, and finally the core calcium peroxide for sustained oxygen release.
[051] At step 208, the method 200 includes sprinkling the formulated water over the containment structure 114 for a predetermined duration, wherein the chemical formulation 108 reduces stress in the harvested fish and maintains water quality during acclimatization. The process of sprinkling the formulated water utilizes the sprinkler unit 118 positioned above the containment structure 114 to distribute the formulated water containing dissolved active components, typically at a controlled rate of 20L/min for the predetermined duration of 30 minutes, ensuring uniform coverage and optimal contact time between the therapeutic compounds and the plurality of fishes 116. The sprinkling the formulated water provides superior distribution compared to direct application methods, enabling even dispersal of calcium peroxide for sustained oxygen release, sodium hydroxymethane sulfonate for ammonia neutralization and pH buffering, and povidone iodine for stress reduction and antimicrobial protection throughout the entire containment area. The predetermined duration of the sprinkling process is specifically calibrated to achieve optimal therapeutic outcomes within the critical 30-minute timeframe, during which the chemical formulation 108 reduces cortisol levels by 70% from elevated stress conditions of 50 µg/dL to optimal levels of 15 µg/dL, while simultaneously maintaining dissolved oxygen levels at 6.8 mg/L through the controlled oxygen release mechanism of calcium peroxide.
[052] In accordance with an embodiment, the chemical formulation comprises calcium peroxide at a concentration of 15 ppm, sodium hydroxymethane sulfonate at a concentration of 20 ppm, and povidone iodine at a concentration of 5 ppm. The specific combination of concentrations of the calcium peroxide, sodium hydroxymethane sulfonate, and povidone iodine is determined through extensive laboratory testing and field validation across multiple fish species including tilapia, carp, catfish, and the like. The concentration combination of 15 ppm calcium peroxide, 20 ppm sodium hydroxymethane sulfonate, and 5 ppm povidone iodine provides synergistic therapeutic effects that exceed the performance of individual components, achieving 75% ammonia reduction compared to 40% when components are used separately, and 25% enhanced oxygen retention through coordinated chemical mechanisms. Moreover, the specific concentration combination of the calcium peroxide, sodium hydroxymethane sulfonate, and povidone iodine ensures optimal therapeutic balance where calcium peroxide at 15 ppm provides sustained oxygen release of 35mg O2/g over 6-8 hours maintaining dissolved oxygen levels at 6.8 mg/L, sodium hydroxymethane sulfonate at 20 ppm delivers 60% ammonia reduction from 1.2 ppm to 0.4 ppm while stabilizing pH at 7.3, and povidone iodine at 5 ppm reduces cortisol levels by 45% and achieves 90% pathogen reduction without adverse effects. The specific concentration combination of the calcium peroxide, sodium hydroxymethane sulfonate, and povidone iodine has been validated through controlled experiments using Winkler titration for oxygen measurement, Hach DR900 spectrophotometry for ammonia analysis, ELISA testing for cortisol assessment, and agar plate assays for antimicrobial efficacy, demonstrating consistent performance across varying aquaculture conditions. Thus, the specific concentration combination of the calcium peroxide, sodium hydroxymethane sulfonate, and povidone iodine enables successful acclimatization across diverse fish species with survival rates of 92-96%, reduces treatment time to 30 minutes.
[053] Advantageously, the method 200 provides an enhanced approach to fish acclimatization that transforms traditional aquaculture practices through systematic integration of rapid stress reduction, comprehensive water quality management, and streamlined operational procedures within a single 30-minute treatment protocol. The method 200 provides superior time efficiency by reducing acclimatization duration from conventional methods taking more than 2 hours to just 30 minutes, representing a 75% time reduction that enables significantly higher facility throughput, reduced labor requirements, and improved operational scheduling flexibility for commercial aquaculture operations. Moreover, the method 200 simultaneously provides an improved survival rates of 92-96% compared to 58-70% with conventional approaches, resulting in substantial reduction in fish mortality losses and enhanced product quality through improved fish welfare during the critical post-harvest period. Furthermore, the method 200 provides universal applicability across diverse aquaculture species including tilapia, carp, catfish, and like with validated performance consistency regardless of species-specific physiological differences, fish size variations ranging from 150g to 1kg, or stocking density requirements from 60-100 kg/m³, enabling standardized treatment protocols that simplify operations for mixed-species facilities and reduce training requirements for aquaculture personnel. The method 200 has shown a 62% increase in dissolved oxygen levels from 4.2 mg/L to 6.8 mg/L, 67% reduction in ammonia concentration from 1.2 ppm to 0.4 ppm, pH stabilization from alkaline 8.1 to optimal 7.3, and 70% reduction in stress hormone levels from 50 µg/dL to 15 µg/dL, providing quantifiable therapeutic outcomes that directly correlate with improved fish welfare and operational success. Additionally, the method 200 eliminates complex multi-step procedures that require separate chemicals for individual parameters, reduces equipment and infrastructure requirements through utilization of existing pond facilities and standard irrigation equipment, and provides simplified implementation that requires minimal technical expertise while maintaining pharmaceutical-grade precision in treatment delivery.
[054] The steps 202 to 208 are only illustrative, and other alternatives can also be provided where one or more steps are added, one or more steps are removed, or one or more steps are provided in a different sequence without departing from the scope of the claim herein.
[055] FIG. 3 is a graphical representation illustrating the efficacy of the chemical formulation, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 3 is described in conjunction with the elements of the FIGs. 1 and 2. With reference to FIG. 3, there is shown the graphical representation 300, which provides the efficacy of the chemical formulation 108, measured on different quality parameters (i.e., dissolved oxygen (i.e., in mg/L), pH levels, and NH3 (i.e., in ppm)). The different quality parameters are expressed along the ordinate axis 302, while the parameter values are measured along the abscissa axis 304 ranging from 0 to 12 units. The graphical representation 300 includes a plurality of bars depicting various changes in quality parameters before and after application of the chemical formulation 108 for dissolved oxygen (mg/L), pH levels, and ammonia concentration (ppm).
[056] The graphical representation 300 includes bars 306A and 306B depicting the quality parameter of dissolved oxygen levels, with 306A showing approximately 4.2 mg/L before application and 306B showing approximately 6.8 mg/L after application, representing a 62% improvement in dissolved oxygen availability for fish respiration. The bars 308A and 308B depict the quality parameter of pH levels, with 308A showing approximately 8.1 before application and 308B showing approximately 7.3 after application, indicating successful pH stabilization within the optimal physiological range of 7.2-7.5 for fish welfare. The bars 310A and 310B represent the quality parameter of ammonia concentration, with 310A showing approximately 1.2 ppm before application and 310B showing approximately 0.4 ppm after application, demonstrating a 67% reduction in toxic ammonia levels.
[057] Therefore, the graphical representation 300 indicates that all three quality parameters (i.e., the dissolved oxygen (i.e., in mg/L), the pH levels, and the NH3 (i.e., in ppm)), which has improved significantly following application of the chemical formulation 108, reflecting the synergistic action of calcium peroxide for oxygen release, sodium hydroxymethane sulfonate for pH buffering and ammonia neutralization, and povidone iodine for quality enhancement of the formulater water after adding the chemical formulation 108. The substantial improvements in the quality parameters of dissolved oxygen levels, pH stabilization, and ammonia reduction are essential for successful fish acclimatization, as maintaining optimal quality parameters directly correlates with reduced fish stress, improved survival rates of 92-96%, and successful preparation for transport operations within the 30-minute treatment window.
[058] FIG. 4 is a graphical representation illustrating survival rates of different fish species comparing control groups with groups treated with the chemical formulation, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 4 is described in conjunction with the elements of the FIGs. 1 to 3. With reference to FIG. 4, there is shown the graphical representation 400 illustrating survival rates of different fish species comparing control groups with groups treated with the chemical formulation 108. The different fish species are expressed along the abscissa axis 404, including tilapia, carp, and catfish, while the survival rates are measured as percentages along the ordinate axis 402 ranging from 0 to 100%. The graphical representation 400 includes a plurality of bars depicting survival rate comparisons between control groups and chemical formulation treatment groups for each fish species.
[059] The graphical representation 400 includes bars 406A and 406B depicting the survival rates for tilapia, with 406A showing approximately 68% survival rate for the control group and 406B showing approximately 96% survival rate for the chemical formulation treatment group, representing a 41% improvement in fish survival during the acclimatization process. The bars 408A and 408B depict the survival rates for carp, with 408A showing approximately 62% survival rate for the control group and 408B showing approximately 94% survival rate for the chemical formulation treatment group, indicating a 52% improvement in survival outcomes. The bars 410A and 410B represent the survival rates for catfish, with 410A showing approximately 58% survival rate for the control group and 410B showing approximately 92% survival rate for the chemical formulation treatment group, demonstrating a 59% improvement in fish survival rates.
[060] Thus, the graphical representation 400 indicates that all three fish species (i.e., the tilapia, the carp, and the catfish) demonstrate significantly enhanced survival rates following treatment with the chemical formulation 108 compared to control groups, reflecting the universal effectiveness of the synergistic combination of calcium peroxide, sodium hydroxymethane sulfonate, and povidone iodine across diverse aquaculture species. The substantial enhancement in survival rates from 58-68% in control groups to 92-96% in treated groups are essential for commercial aquaculture viability, as the enhanced fish survival directly correlates with reduced mortality losses, enhanced product quality, and successful acclimatization within the 30-minute treatment window, demonstrating the broad applicability and therapeutic effectiveness of the chemical formulation 108 across different fish species commonly used in aquaculture operations.
[061] FIG. 5 is a graphical representation illustrating the effectiveness of compound combinations with respect to individual compounds of the chemical formulation for ammonia reduction and oxygen retention, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 5 is described in conjunction with the elements of the FIGs. 1 to 4. With reference to FIG. 5, there is shown the graphical representation 500 illustrating the effectiveness of compound combinations with respect to individual compounds of the chemical formulation for ammonia reduction and oxygen retention. The different compound configurations are expressed along the abscissa axis 504, including calcium peroxide, sodium hydroxymethane sulfonate, calcium peroxide (CaO2) + sodium hydroxymethane sulfonate (CH3NaO4S), povidone iodine + calcium peroxide (CaO2), and the chemical formulation 108, while the effectiveness percentages are measured along the ordinate axis 502 ranging from 0 to 140%. The graphical representation 500 includes a plurality of bars depicting ammonia reduction and oxygen retention performance for each compound configuration.
[062] The graphical representation 500 includes bars 506A and 506B depicting the effectiveness of calcium peroxide only, with 506A showing approximately 35% ammonia reduction and 506B showing approximately 35% oxygen retention, representing baseline individual component performance. The bars 508A and 508B depict the effectiveness of sodium hydroxymethane sulfonate only, with 508A showing approximately 35% ammonia reduction and 508B showing approximately 35% oxygen retention, indicating similar individual component capabilities. The bars 510A and 510B represent the combination of calcium peroxide + sodium hydroxymethane sulfonate, with 510A showing approximately 35% ammonia reduction and 510B showing approximately 35% oxygen retention. The bars 512A and 512B depict the combination of povidone iodine + calcium peroxide, with 512A showing approximately 35% ammonia reduction and 512B showing approximately 125% oxygen retention, demonstrating enhanced synergistic oxygen retention capabilities. The bars 514A and 514B represent the complete formulation, with 514A showing approximately 75% ammonia reduction and 514B showing approximately 125% oxygen retention, indicating optimal synergistic performance.
[063] Therefore, the graphical representation 500 indicates that the chemical formulation 108 containing all three compounds (calcium peroxide, sodium hydroxymethane sulfonate, and povidone iodine) demonstrates significantly superior performance compared to individual compounds or partial combinations, reflecting the synergistic interaction that enhances both ammonia reduction from baseline 35% to optimal 75% and oxygen retention from baseline 35% to enhanced 125%. The substantial improvements achieved through the complete formulation configuration are essential for comprehensive water quality management during fish acclimatization, as the synergistic effects directly correlate with enhanced therapeutic outcomes, improved fish survival rates of 92-96%, and successful transformation of post-harvest conditions within the 30-minute treatment window, demonstrating the critical importance of the specific three-component combination for providing optimal aquaculture performance.
[064] FIG. 6 is a graphical representation illustrating the stability and the shelf life of the chemical formulation under different storage conditions, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 6 is described in conjunction with the elements of the FIGs. 1 to 5. With reference to FIG. 6, there is shown the graphical representation 600 illustrating the stability and the shelf life of the chemical formulation under different storage conditions. The different storage conditions are expressed along the abscissa axis 604, including standard storage conditions (25°C, 60% RH) and accelerated aging conditions (40°C, 75% RH), while the efficacy retention percentages are measured along the primary ordinate axis 602A ranging from 0 to 100%, and shelf life duration is measured along the secondary ordinate axis 602B ranging from 0 to 20 months. The graphical representation 600 includes a plurality of bars depicting efficacy retention and shelf life performance for each storage condition configuration.
[065] The graphical representation 600 includes bars 606A and 606B depicting the stability performance under standard storage conditions (25°C, 60% RH), with 606A showing approximately 98% efficacy retention and 606B showing approximately 18 months shelf life, representing optimal long-term stability characteristics for commercial applications. The bars 608A and 608B depict the stability performance under accelerated aging conditions (40°C, 75% RH), with 608A showing approximately 85% efficacy retention and 608B showing approximately 6 months shelf life, indicating acceptable but reduced stability performance under challenging environmental stress conditions. The dual-axis representation enables comprehensive evaluation of both therapeutic effectiveness maintenance and temporal stability duration across different environmental storage scenarios.
[066] Thus, the graphical representation 600 indicates that the chemical formulation 108 demonstrates superior stability characteristics under standard storage conditions with 98% efficacy retention maintained over 18 months, while maintaining acceptable performance even under accelerated aging conditions with 85% efficacy retention over 6 months, reflecting the robust formulation design that incorporates 2% w/w magnesium stearate binding agent and protective packaging with airtight HDPE bags and desiccant. The substantial stability performance across varying environmental conditions is essential for commercial viability and regulatory compliance, as the maintained therapeutic effectiveness above 85% even under challenging storage scenarios directly correlates with reliable product performance, extended distribution capabilities, and consistent treatment outcomes for aquaculture operations across diverse climatic regions and storage infrastructure limitations.
[067] Modifications to embodiments of the present disclosure described in the foregoing are possible without departing from the scope of the present disclosure as defined by the accompanying claims. Expressions such as "including", "comprising", "incorporating", "have", "is" used to describe and claim the present disclosure are intended to be construed in a non-exclusive manner, namely allowing for items, components or elements not explicitly described also to be present. Reference to the singular is also to be construed to relate to the plural. The word "exemplary" is used herein to mean "serving as an example, instance or illustration". Any embodiment described as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments or to exclude the incorporation of features from other embodiments. The word "optionally" is used herein to mean "is provided in some embodiments and not provided in other embodiments". It is appreciated that certain features of the present disclosure, which are, for clarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the invention, which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable combination or as suitable in any other described embodiment of the disclosure.
,CLAIMS:CLAIMS
I/We claim:
1. A chemical formulation (108) for fish acclimatization in aquaculture, the chemical formulation (108) comprising:
calcium peroxide in a concentration of 5 to 20 ppm;
sodium hydroxymethane sulfonate in a concentration of 10 to 25 ppm; and
povidone iodine in a concentration of 2 to 8 ppm, wherein the chemical formulation (108) is configured to reduce stress in harvested fish and maintain water quality during acclimatization.
2. The chemical formulation (108) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the calcium peroxide is present at a concentration of 15 ppm.
3. The chemical formulation (108) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the sodium hydroxymethane sulfonate is present at a concentration of 20 ppm.
4. The chemical formulation (108) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the povidone iodine is present at a concentration of 5 ppm.
5. The chemical formulation (108) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the chemical formulation further comprises a binder.
6. The chemical formulation (108) as claimed in claim 5, wherein the binder comprises 2% w/w magnesium stearate.
7. The chemical formulation (108) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the calcium peroxide is configured to provide sustained release of oxygen in water, the sodium hydroxymethane sulfonate is configured to regulate pH and neutralize ammonia, and the povidone iodine is configured to reduce stress in fish and provide antimicrobial benefits.
8. The chemical formulation (108) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the chemical formulation is configured to maintain dissolved oxygen levels of at least 6 mg/L, pH between 7.2 and 7.5, and reduce ammonia concentration by at least 60% during fish acclimatization.
9. A method (200) of acclimatizing harvested fish in aquaculture, the method (200) comprising:
harvesting fish from a water body;
holding the harvested fish in a containment structure (114);
preparing a formulated water by dissolving a chemical formulation (108) in water, wherein the chemical formulation (108) comprising calcium peroxide, sodium hydroxymethane sulfonate, and povidone iodine; and
sprinkling the formulated water over the containment structure (114) for a predetermined duration, wherein the chemical formulation (108) reduces stress in the harvested fish and maintains water quality during acclimatization.
10. The method (200) as claimed in claim 9, wherein the chemical formulation (108) comprises calcium peroxide at a concentration of 15 ppm, sodium hydroxymethane sulfonate at a concentration of 20 ppm, and povidone iodine at a concentration of 5 ppm.