Negative Chemotaxis: A New Approach to Marine Fouling Control.
Abstract
A study of chemotaxis in marine bacteria showed that alteration in the chemical structure of attractants had a significant effect on the chemotactic response of the marine bacteria. A number of non-toxic organic compounds repelled bacteria responsible for primary film formation on marine surfaces. Tannic and benzoic acids and acrylamide were most effective. These repellents were applied to surfaces in non-toxic oil-based paint, both in laboratory and field studies. In both cases the repellents retarded the ecological succession leading to fouling of marine surfaces. Bacteria, algae and mollusks were inhibited in our initial studies. More extensive field studies at a number of locations are being initiated. This research indicates that non-toxic repellents have the potential to replace toxic metals as anti-fouling paints.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 01, 1975
- Accession Number
- ADA010862
Entities
People
- Ilan Chet
- Phoebe Asketh
- Ralph Mitchell
Organizations
- Harvard University