Created a safe way to protect ships from microorganisms

Russian experts have invented technology to prevent the biofouling of vessels.

Biofouling is a large-scale problem characteristic of all types of water transport. The phenomenon is the multiplication of microorganisms on the surfaces of objects located in the water. Such microorganisms include: shipworms, mussels, polychaetes, barnacles and others. Scientists from St. Petersburg seem to have found a way to solve this problem.

A group of researchers led by zoologist Alexander Railkina and biochemist Nadezhda Kulevoy found a safe way to process surfaces. New coatings were tested in the White and South China Seas, some experiments continue to be carried out in laboratories.

Currently, to combat biofouling most often use special varnishes and paints, having in its composition toxic compounds.The active substances kill bacteria on the surface and thus prevent their reproduction. Up to 100 billion dollars is spent on painting procedures annually. In addition to impressive financial resources, these methods have a detrimental effect on the environment. Poisons entering the water, destroy the work of ecosystems, infect fish. As a result, the ecological situation worsens around the world, and people eat food contaminated with chemicals.

The new method of processing is not inferior in its efficiency to traditional methods of disinfection, however it is much safer.

Another important discovery made by Russian specialists was the identification of the length of time most favorable for getting rid of microorganisms. The fact is that in order to adhere tightly to the vessel, any microorganism takes time. After this time period expires, it is much more difficult to influence it. The best way out is to get rid of bacteria in the period of their initial fixation.