COMBINED EFFECTS OF MARINE COATINGS AND ULTRASOUND IN CONTROLLING BIOFILM FOULING

Abstract

Novel technology using ultrasound is being studied in academia and marketed in the pleasure craft industry as a fouling control solution, supplementing existing commercial technologies to control biofouling. However, the combined effects of ultrasound and fouling control coatings in mitigating biofilm fouling is poorly understood. In my dissertation, I reviewed and optimised various biofilm quantification techniques suitable for biofilm characterisation on fouling control coated surfaces treated with ultrasound. I then examined the effects of ultrasound and coatings on biofilm removal and settlement inhibition. I also evaluated variations in biofilm communities on different coatings, with and without ultrasound, at progressive time points of immersion up to nine weeks. Results suggest that ultrasound treatment affects the formation and growth of biofilm as well as the communities that they form. My findings further our understanding on the interaction and efficacy of ultrasonic technology as an add-on approach to complement fouling control coatings.