Effect of biocidal coatings on microfouling
Researchers have exposed biocidal coatings to marine bacteria and diatoms and studied their effect on cells adhesion and biofilm formation in different conditions of immersion.
As biocides diuron, tolylfluanid and copper thiocyanate were used.
In vitro and in situ results
In vitro, two marine bacterial strains (Pseudoalteromonas sp. and Bacillus sp.) and two diatom strains (Cylindrotheca closterium and Amphora sp.) were used in mono-species culture. In situ (French Atlantic Ocean, Lorient Harbour), the colonisation process of natural microfouling onto coatings were evaluated.
Tolylfluanid as most efficient biocide
The results demonstrated that biocidal coatings are more active against diatom attachment (inhibition) than against bacterial adhesion (no effect). Microalgae were more sensitive to coating. The results between in vitro and in situ assays showed a difference in behaviour according to the mode of presentation of biocide (biocidal solution or coating) or the environment (mono-species culture or marine consortium).
The study is published in: Progress in Organic Coatings, Vol. 114, January 2018.
Related content
Interview: “Authorities often can’t see beyond the risks of using biocides”
