ELECTROCHEMICAL DISINFECTION OF MARINE-BACTERIA USING AN ELECTROCONDUCTIVE PAINT AND ITS APPLICATION FOR PREVENTION OF BIOFOULING

Marine biofouling on carbon fiber coated with electro-conductive polym er electrode was inhibited by application of an alternating potential. A gram-negative bacterial cells, Vibrio alginolyticus, adsorbed on th e electro-conductive polymer electrode were disinfected above the pote ntial of 1.0 V vs. SCE in seawater. By applying negative potential of -0.2 V vs. SCE, the bacterial cells adsorbed on the electrode were rem oved. Change in pH and the generation of chlorine were not observed at the potential in the range of -0.2 similar to 1.0 V vs. SCE. Therefor e, by applying alternating potential of 1.0 and -0.2 V vs. SCE, the ac cumulation of the bacterial cells which is the initial stage of the bi ofouling process was prevented. In 104 days of immersion, about 50% of attachment of the biofouling organisms was inhibited electrically on the electro-conductive polymer electrode without generating toxic subs tances.