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<br /> <br /> <br />Q. Can the toxic effects of rotenone be neutralized? <br />A. In lakes or rivers, if biologists want to neutralize the <br />effects of rotenone, potassium permanganate or chlor- <br />ine can be used. These are added to the water at a <br />1:1 ratio with the concentration of rotenone applied <br />plus sufficient additional compound to satisfy the <br />chemical oxidation demand caused by organic matter <br />that may be present in the treated water. <br />The toxicity can be reversed by placing affected <br />fish in a water solution of methylene blue. If fish are <br />captured early during a treatment, they may also be <br />revived by placing them in untreated water. Success <br />can be enhanced if the water is highly oxygenated or <br />contains an oxidizing agent to detoxify any residual <br />rotenone that may be on the gills or body surface. <br />Q. What happens to rotenone after it has been applied? <br />A. Rotenone is an unstable compound that breaks down <br />when exposed to light, heat, oxygen and alkaline <br />water. The breakdown process is very rapid. Scientists <br />have been able to identify about 20 degradation <br />products, most of which spontaneously break down to <br />lesser non-toxic substances. Ultimately, rotenone <br />breaks down into carbon dioxide and water; two <br />common substances. <br />none. Fish are highly susceptible because rotenone is <br />readily absorbed through their gills and they cannot <br />escape exposure to it.