Iron benzoate: a new compound for non-toxic biofouling control

M. PÉREZ, B. DEL AMO, M. DEYÁ, M. GARCÍA, M. STUPAK

Campeche, México

Simposio; Fifth Latin American Biodegradation and Biodeterioration Symposium LABS 5.; 2004

Abstract Undoubtedly, paints are the best way to protect structures from marine biofouling. However, some of them were forbidden or restricted in their use because they contain heavy metals which may be harmful accumulated in the environment. Owing to present and expected future restrictive regulations on the use of polluting antifouling compounds there is a growing need for alternative methods for the prevention of biofouling. Coatings with non-toxic pigments are practical and attractive alternatives to toxic heavy metal based coatings. The current study describes some experiments on the intense narcotic effect of iron benzoate on nauplii of Balanus amphitrite. Results clearly demonstrated that the combined action of anion benzoate and a pH decrease (generated by iron benzoate hydrolysis) produce a pronounced antifouling activity, i.e. the synergic effect is greater than separate effects. After exposure in the sea (Mar del Plata harbor, Argentina), paints containing iron benzoate were effective in inhibiting organism settlement.