The influence of cathodic currents on biofouling attachment to painted metals

Abstract

The objective of the present work was to study the influence of cathodic protection on biofouling survival and settlement in metal/anticorrosive paint/seawater systems. In the experiments, Balanus amphitrite and Polydora ligni, species typical of the fouling community at Mar del Plata harbour (Argentina) were used. Two types of anticorrosive paint with a different composition and porosity were employed. The applied polarization levels were compatible with the tested coatings in artificial seawater. The results indicate that settlement of Balanus amphitrite cyprids markedly decreases when the sample potential is set more negatively. In the case of Polydora ligni larvae, no effect of cathodic protection was observed either on sand‐tube building or on reproduction and larval release.