Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
2.6 Future Trends and Challenges
Although a number of theories and technologies have been developed to prevent
fouling, biofouling still remains an important and serious problem in shipping
industries. Dry docking, and use of anti-fouling paints and foul release surfaces
are the strategies currently practised. Each approach has its own advantages and
disadvantages. Cost is one of the important factors when dealing with anti-fouling
strategies. The micro and macrofoulants in marine waters are diverse and complex.
Their mode and mechanism of adhesion is varied and complex. Designing one strategy
for these complex biological phenomena may be impossible.
Future direction should involve understanding the complete complex mechanism of
bioadhesion, such as diatoms adhere strongly to non-polar PDMS coatings. This would
require the detailed understanding of mechanical properties of these polymer coatings
and chemical composition of the adhesive matrices secreted by these organisms.
Future studies should involve use of biocides that are environmentally friendly.
Researchers are investigating non-toxic biocides that could be used as anti-fouling
coatings. Use of natural products such as biocides can be a good alternative to the
existing biocides. But detailed investigations need to be done to understand the
mechanism of their action, and to make sure that they do not lose their activity when
incorporated into the paint matrix. The best alternative to this could be synthetic
derivatives of natural metabolites. This could also solve the problem of large scale
production of these biocides.
Enzyme degrading adhesives and enzymes interfering with QS can be an effective
method in preventing biofouling. If individual enzymes with different mechanism of
action can be incorporated into a single coating matrix, it can be possible to provide
better action against fouling.
Designing new surfaces that can oppose bioadhesion is very complex. Playing
around with the surface chemistry and topology is vital in the design of eficient
marine coatings. At present the most successful method has been the modiication
of polymer surface properties. Efforts have to be made to improve the anti-fouling
properties of these polymers and reduce their cost. Future focus should be in effectively
synthesising mixed surfaces having both hydrophobic and hydrophilic characters that
can be utilised effectively. Also synthesising polymer coatings containing biocides that
would be released only by a stimulus such as water, temperature and so on, could
be a good strategy.
