Potential disruptive effects of copper-based antifouling paints on the biodiversity of coastal macrofouling communities

Abstract

In recent years, after the ban on tributyltin (TBT)-based antifouling paints, copper-based paints have become the main coatings for boat hulls due to their e ciency and endurance. Copper(I) compounds like Cu 2 O and CuSCN are used alone or in combination with booster biocides, i.e. Irgarol 1051, chlorothalonil and dichlo uanid. The expanded use of these paints has increased copper leaching into coastal environments, requiring attention and legislative restrictions for potential long-term effects on benthic populations. This study monitored the ecological succession of macrofouling communities on wooden and stainless steel panels immersed for 10 months in the southern basin of the Lagoon of Venice. The development of macrofouling communities on the panels coated with copper-containing antifouling paints was compared with those on the reference (uncoated) and TBT-coated panels. Series of biodiversity descriptors highlighted the preventing activity of the antifouling paints. The most active paints were those containing booster biocides and with self-polishing copolymers in the matrix. The macrofouling communities appeared dissimilar to those on the reference uncoated panels as regards the species richness, the coverage areas, and the biocoenosis structure. Generally, green algae, bryozoans and barnacles were the most tolerant taxa and a negative species selection occurred for sponges, serpulids and ascidians.

Sustainability Evaluation of AquaSun Antifouling Coating Production

“…One such paint is designed to last 3-5 years, gradually releasing all the incorporated biocides, causing a significant (and global) impact on marine life [25]. A recent experimental study on copper-based paints in the Venice lagoon, for example, revealed that copper released by selected commercial AF paints has potential disruptive effects on the biodiversity of coastal macrofouling communities, affecting both the settlement and growth of key species of macrofouling of hard-substrata [26].…”

“…The fact that Cu + released by copper-based paints in the Venice lagoon has potentially disruptive effects on the biodiversity of coastal macrofouling communities might soon alter the native structure of the benthic communities (those in the lowest level of a body of water) [26]. The Venice lagoon, for example, hosts a broad mussel farming activity.…”

Environmental and Economic Impact of an Innovative Biocide-Free Antifouling Coating for Naval Applications

“…Being based on a polymeric binder, they are very resistant to abrasion and for this reason they represent an excellent solution for fast boats or frequently hauled or wheeled ones [ 15 ]. Moreover, they generally have lower costs than self-polishing antifouling paints and, as they suffer less from changes in water conditions, they are also suitable for long navigations [ 16 ].…”

Rheological and shipbuilding steel adhesion properties of antifouling AquaSun coating

“…1,2 Over 3-5 years the AF coating applied to the vessel's hull releases all Cu + and booster biocides into seawater significantly impacting marine life including coastal macrofouling communities. 3,4 The leached biocides, indeed, are poorly biodegradable and therefore remain in marine sediments for a long time, harming the aquatic environment. 5,6,7 Research aimed at developing ecofriendly AF paints has been successful and several new "green" paints have been commercialized, 8,9 even though most ecofriendly antifouling coatings are significantly more expensive than conventional self-polishing copper-based paints.…”