Biofouling or biological fouling is the undesirable accumulation of microorganisms, plants,
algae, and animals on submerged structures. Metals used in marine equipment like iron and steel are not particularly resistant to corrosion. Biofouling leads to corrosion of metals resulting in economic losses.
Here, we tried to improve the efficiency of paints used by adding
negative ion liberating compounds like lanthanum nitrate and quartz sand. This is a possible
antifouling method as bacterial cellular surface is negatively electrified and it will repel when material in concern is covered with weak negative ions. This method is non toxic.
Attempts were made to study biofouling of iron in marine environment, as well as use of negative ion liberating compounds as additive in paints were studied. The enrichment and isolation technique showed presence of iron oxidizing bacteria. Lanthanum nitrate seemed more effective than quartz sand for preventing biofouling.
It is fair to conclude from the above results that there lies a great potential in the development of anti-fouling strategy that makes use of one or a combination of negative ion liberating compounds.