Efecto inhibidor del dióxido de germanio sobre el biofouling del puerto de mar del plata

Abstract

Marine biofouling on any new material immersed in seawater can lead to extra costs due to increased maintenance, or/and even mechanical wear, and/or biodeterioration that require costly antifouling measures. Fouling organisms growing on immersed manmade surfaces affect hulls, piers, buoys, aquaculture and pipes mainly. Following adsorption of a conditioning film of macromolecules, microorganisms which are the primary colonizers („microfouling‟), are found on unprotected surfaces after only a few minutes of immersion. Extracellular polymeric material exudates from bacteria forms a net that permits anchorage and protection for spores of macroalgae and macroinvertebrate larvae which arrive later. This community is called „biofouling‟ and develops a thick layer rapidly. As a consequence, the search is orientated to new efficient compounds to formulate environmental friendly antifouling paints. It is well known the inhibitory effect of germanium dioxide on microfouling organisms (diatoms, fungi and bacteria, mainly) and this property promotes its use as antifouling compound. In this sense, germanium dioxide was incorporated in a soluble matrix paint and its antifouling performance evaluated after exposition in Mar del Plata harbor during summer season. The results showed that germanium dioxide antifouling coating inhibited not only diatom settlement but also the attachment of most conspicuous species of macrofouling (solitary and colonial ascidians, tubeworms and barnacles). These results may provide a more environmentally friendly alternative for the control of biofouling.