In most antifouling studies, the fouling bacteria was first isolated from seawater or biofilm that formed on fouled surfaces. However, how do we know that which is isolated are really contributing to the fouling problem? Do we select based on the (1) extended biofilm produced by the every single isolates or by the (2) susceptibility of the isolates towards the antifouling compound?
Read the article in the following link: http://www.int-res.com/articles/meps/58/m058p175.pdf
At different sites conditions and organic composition will be different. Accordingly the bacterial community will also differ. The bacterial strain which is predominant in an area will have the maximum probability to colonize an immersed surface first. Depending on the prevailing conditions fouling bacterial community may differ. Comparing the fouling bacterial community at different sites in your locality would give you a clear picture of the predominant bacterial foulers in your region.
If I might suggest that in reality you will not be able to determine whether or not a specific bacteria is contributing to the fouling or not. Although I am no expert on fouling it would seem logical that, depending on the context, bacteria per se may not be an issue specifically, unless it relates to a human health issue. However, in a marine context it is the bacterial biofilm that generates the conditions that then provides an suitable environment for other fouling organisms to settle (algae, barnacles, sedentary polychaetes and so on). Given the billions of bacteria and bacterial strains I personally do not see how trying to produce an antifoulant against a specific bacterial isolate will help in then reducing overall biofouling. As I suggest it depends on the context.
Linking a single isolated bacteria (from a surface) to a performance decline/fouled surfaces may be useful only to my opinion when a mono culture is found (one type of bacteria). This would indicate a strong selective pressure.
However, usually a large variety of bacteria/microorganisms are found and an antifouling compound targeting one specific bacterial strain most likely does not prevent/control general marine biofouling. If the antifouling compound would work than other bacteria would cause marine fouling.
Some new general anti-biofouling chemicals are being reported in literature as effective. Maybe such or related chemicals can be tested.
Definitions for biofouling has been stated by e.g. Characklis, Hans-Curt Flemming, and Hans Vrouwenvelder.
.
- Badges
- Science topic
- Similar topics
- Biological Science
- Bioscience
- Biotechnology