## 1 Introduction  
The aquaculture sector has undergone exponential growth since the 1980s, becoming a crucial component in ensuring global food security [1], especially in low-income and food-scarce nations [2]. However, this aspect is threatened by the presence of pathogenic microorganisms affecting fish crops, coupled with the limitation of treatments that do not generate resistance or have negative effects on aquatic animals. To combat bacterial diseases, various treatments like antibiotics or heat treatments are commonly used, as well as other solutions with a broad spectrum of action, including viruses and parasites [2], although preventive measures such as vaccination are desirable [3]. The overuse of antibiotics has led to resistance in numerous pathogenic bacteria, presenting significant challenges in controlling diseases. Meanwhile, employing heat treatments leads to increased energy and economic costs. Thus, the use of disinfection technologies must also be considered. The selection of the appropriate disinfectant must consider multiple aspects, mainly regarding safety and toxicity for cultured species [4]. Faced with these challenges, electrolyzed water (EW) emerges as a sustainable and safe alternative with remarkable bactericidal capacity [5]. Electrolyzed water is a solution produced through the process of electrolysis, which involves passing an electric current through water containing salts or minerals. This process separates the water into acidic and alkaline components. It is used in various industries, including food production, healthcare, and agriculture, for cleaning surfaces, disinfecting water, and reducing microbial contamination. EW offers a sustainable, eco-friendly, and advantageous alternative to traditional chemical disinfectants [6; 7; 8]. In contrast to conventional methods like antibiotics or vaccines, EW avoids the need for additional chemicals, making it environmentally friendly and suitable for human application and for scenarios where the use of hazardous chemicals is not recommendable [8]. Other chlorine species, like commercial bleach and chlorine, are used in pool water to maintain healthiness and in odontology, respectively. Moreover, the elimination of reliance on disinfectant chemicals leads to a reduction in the production of toxic waste, which during EW procedures is negligible, thereby contributing to the establishment of a more pristine and sustainable environment. Additionally, it is cost-effective to generate [7; 9; 10], compared to methodologies like ozone or UV [11]. This advantage is one of the most important, along with respect for the environment as it degrades over time. Finally, on-site production capability and ease and safety in its application in environments involving living organisms transform EW into a potent weapon against pathogens [12]. In terms of its impact on bacteria, it is emphasized that hypochlorous acid (HOCI), an essential component of electrolyzed water, generates hydroxyl radicals, thus triggering a relevant bactericidal effect with significant relevance [5]. The optimization of operational conditions becomes a crucial goal, mainly regarding the conditions under which further disinfection will be achieved. The main parameters are pH, recommended between 2.5 and 9 [12], and the concentration of free available chlorine (FAC). The disinfection of bacteria using hypochlorous acid, or free chlorine, has been studied for decades [13]. Following the introduction of EW to a bacterial culture, the noticeable effects are the morphological alteration in the cell surface and the permeabilization of the cytoplasmic membrane [14]. At low chlorine concentrations, surviving microorganisms experience damage rather than inactivation. Moreover, chlorine targets and disrupts the bacterial protective barrier, comprising the cell wall and cell membrane [15; 16]. This disinfectant has even been tested in the fight against COVID-19 and is recommended by the United States Environmental Protection Agency [17].