The Role of Tetramethylolphosphine Sulfate in Aquaculture

The use of Tetrakis(hydroxymethyl)phosphonium sulfate(THPS) in aquaculture has been increasing year by year in recent years. It is generally prepared into granules of about 10% for direct application. Alternatively, it can be mixed with other bactericides and applied to the water body for sterilization, disinfection, and algae control. THPS can be used alternately with glutaraldehyde in its inhibition of ferrous sulfide. If these two products are used alone for an extended period, resistance will develop, significantly reducing their effectiveness. So, what are the roles of tetramethylolphosphine sulfate in aquaculture?

The disinfection and sterilization mechanism of Tetrakis(hydroxymethyl)phosphonium sulfate(THPS) is very complex. The four hydroxyl groups of THPS have a certain inhibitory and destructive effect on the cell membranes, proteins, and cytoplasm of microorganisms. It can also degrade the accumulation of ammonia nitrogen and nitrite in organic matter, promoting the circulation of ammonia nitrogen in the water. It can undergo redox reactions with some amino acids in proteins, destroying the basic structure of amino acids and causing protein or molecule breakage, thereby inactivating microbial enzymes. This leads to the cessation of microbial cellular respiration, thus inhibiting the activity of harmful microorganisms.

Tetrakis(hydroxymethyl)phosphonium sulfate(THPS) plays a crucial role in aquaculture, primarily by inhibiting excessive algal growth, stabilizing water pH, degrading organic pollutants, disinfecting, and killing harmful microorganisms. This product has a certain oxygen-consuming capacity; therefore, during the high-temperature summer season, it is recommended to use an aerator or alternate its use with oxidants such as potassium persulfate, sodium percarbonate, or solid hydrogen peroxide to prevent oxygen deficiency or premature algal blooms due to elevated phosphorus levels.

Currently, THPS is mainly used alone in aquaculture. However, its compatibility, compounding properties, stability, and solubility are excellent. Combining it with other bactericides, algaecides, or water treatment agents may yield synergistic effects. However, research in this area is currently in its early stages. We need to continuously accumulate experience through practical application and increase research and development to create compound and formulated THPS bactericides and water treatment agents to improve efficacy and reduce dosage.