Characterization of volatile compounds in the water samples from rainbow trout aquaculture ponds eliciting off-odors: understanding locational and seasonal effects

Abstract

The quality of water used in aquaculture ponds is one of the crucial factors influencing the smell and sensory properties of fish. The water samples were taken from the rainbow trout fish ponds from three different fish farms in three provinces in Türkiye in four different seasons. The samples were analyzed for the volatile components by employing HS-SPME/GC-MS. Seven different volatile groups including aldehydes, ketones, esters, alcohols, volatile phenols, terpenes and other aromatic substances were identified in the samples. Among these, aldehydes were found to be the most dominant. (E)-2-Heptenal, nonanal, acetophenone, and 2-ethyl-1-hexanol are thought to be responsible for the off-odors in the water that have the potential to cause off-odors in fish. It was also determined that the amounts of these compounds increases in winter due to lower water temperature. Fish producers should monitor water quality on a regular basis to prevent off-odor compounds that degrade fish quality.

Keywords: Aquaculture; Aroma; HS-SPME/GC–MS; Off-odor compounds.