THE EFFECT OF NEUTRALIZATION OF THE ANAESTHETIC MS 222 ON FRESHWATER QUALITY

SUMMARY

This study indicates that MS 222, which is acidic in nature, causes changes in pH, pCO₂ alkalinity and calcium hardness levels in tapwater and bore-holewater. Distilled water shows pH and conductivity changes whereas conductivity was not affected in boreholewater. Tapwater shows an increase in conductivity with increased MS 222 concentrations. Neutralization of MS 222 prevents any changes, apart from conductivity, in these parameters. It is also suggested that neutralization of this substance possibly produces a safer, more effective anaesthetic.

KEY WORDS:

• MS 222
• Anaesthetic
• Freshwater quality
• Neutralization