PREVENTION OF MARINE BIOFOULING USING A CONDUCTIVE PAINT ELECTRODE

Conductive paint electrode was used for marine biofouling on fishing n ets by electrochemical disinfection. When a potential of 1.2 V vs, a s aturated calomel electrode (SCE) was applied to the conductive paint e lectrode, Vibrio alginolyticus cells attached on the electrode were co mpletely killed. By applying a negative potential, the attached cells were removed from the surface of the electrode. Changes in pH and chlo rine concentration were not observed at potentials in the range -0.6 s imilar to 1.2 V vs. SCE. In a field experiment, accumulation of the ba cterial cells and formation of biofilms on the electrode were prevente d by application of an alternating potential, and 94% of attachment of the biofouling organisms was inhibited electrically on yarn used for fishing net coated with conductive paint. (C) 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.