Reversible effect of potassium sorbate on Balanus amphitrite larvae. Potential use as antifoulant

G. BLUSTEIN, M. PÉREZ, M. GARCÍA, M. STUPAK, C. CERRUTI

BIOFOULING

Taylor & Francis

Lugar: London, UK; Año: 2009 vol. 25 p. 573 - 580

0892-7014

Benthic organisms attached to man-made surfaces submerged in marine waters constitute a major worldwide technical and economical problem. International regulations concerning the protection of both the environment and industrial workers have prompted paint manufacturers and end users to look for suitable replacements for traditional antifouling pigments. For this reason, the potential antifouling activity of potassium sorbate on nauplii and cyprids of Balanus amphitrite was tested in lab and field trials. Larval bioassays demonstrated a marked inhibitory and reversible effect. The therapeutic ratio was 4.34 indicating that potassium sorbate acts via a non-toxic mechanism.International regulations concerning the protection of both the environment and industrial workers have prompted paint manufacturers and end users to look for suitable replacements for traditional antifouling pigments. For this reason, the potential antifouling activity of potassium sorbate on nauplii and cyprids of Balanus amphitrite was tested in lab and field trials. Larval bioassays demonstrated a marked inhibitory and reversible effect. The therapeutic ratio was 4.34 indicating that potassium sorbate acts via a non-toxic mechanism. After 60 days in the sea potassium sorbate incorporated into a varnish coating shown a great decrease in micro and macro-fouling density and diversity. Briefly, our investigation indicated that potassium sorbate is a promising antifouling agent for replacing the traditional toxic compounds.