Prevention of biofouling on aquaculture nets with eco‐friendly antifouling paint formulation

Abstract

Aquaculture, which is an important part of food supply, is usually carried out in cage nets made of textile materials. Fouling organisms settle on the cage nets over time, close the mesh openings, and cause unwanted weight gain. In order to prevent fouling, aquaculture nets are generally treated with antifouling paints. In this paper, warp knitted cage nets made from various raw materials were treated with three different antifouling paints. Econea was used as a biocide to prepare an eco‐friendly antifouling paint formulation, and two copper‐based commercial antifouling paints were supplied for comparison. Antifouling paint‐treated and untreated net samples were immersed in a marine ecosystem next to an aquaculture zone for 6 months. Settlement of fouling organisms on nets was observed by taking underwater photographs at periodic intervals. Following the field study, changes in the structure of the nets and antifouling performance of the paints were evaluated considering the results of underwater photographs, biomass growth, variation in mass and strength tests. Colour fastness of the antifouling paints to sea water was also measured to learn about biocide release and surface hydrophobicity. The results show that copper‐free eco‐friendly antifouling paint is just as effective against the fouling mechanism for all types of nets as copper‐based commercial antifouling paints. The novel eco‐friendly formulation has promising results, which provides an alternative for producers when considering the selection of raw materials.

Review on the performances and applications of mesh-fabrics

“…Another problem that should take into account is the antibiological adhesion performance of mesh-fabrics, a variety of new anti-fouling treatment methods emerge in an endless stream. [105][106][107] Akva Group in Norway used PET monofilament to braid a twisted mesh called Econet, 108 which showed in Figure 7(f). On the one hand, because PET fiber with high crystallinity bring up Econet's general hardness and structure stability like a stone cage mesh.…”

Eco-Friendly Capsaicin-Containing Water-Based Antifouling Coatings for Marine Aquaculture

“…Biofouling can have many implications in cage nets, such as net deformation and increases in weight. This is a major risk for fish health as it facilitates contact with fouling organisms and reduces oxygen levels and waste flushing [5,6].…”

Antifouling Property of Cu2O-Free Self-Polishing Antifouling Coatings Based on Amide Derivatives Inspired by Capsaicin

“…A variety of organic antifouling agents often need to be combined with copper-free coatings to ensure an antifouling effect. Therefore, current research on copper-free antifouling coatings is mainly focused on finding efficient, nontoxic, and environmentally friendly organic antifouling agents that can prevent biological adhesion without damaging the environment. ,− For example, polyphenol compounds extracted from brown algae, camptothecin extracted from Camptotheca acuminata, gingerol obtained from ginger, and capsaicin extracted from spicy plants can prevent the attachment and growth of marine organisms to a surface, resulting in high antifouling activity . However, the complex process required to extract a natural antifouling agent from organisms, poor compatibility with the matrix resin, and the sustenance of stable and controllable release are unresolved problems, such that commercial application remains distant.…”

“…22,25−27 For example, polyphenol compounds extracted from brown algae, camptothecin extracted from Camptotheca acuminata, gingerol obtained from ginger, and capsaicin extracted from spicy plants can prevent the attachment and growth of marine organisms to a surface, resulting in high antifouling activity. 28 However, the complex process required to extract a natural antifouling agent from organisms, poor compatibility with the matrix resin, and the sustenance of stable and controllable release are unresolved problems, such that commercial application remains distant. Therefore, a variety of synthetic green antifouling agents have been developed.…”