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Issue link: http://sea-technology.epubxp.com/i/394075
www.sea-technology.com October 2014 / st 43 colonization. These anti-fouling devices have proven to be effective, although they are diffcult to incorporate into exist- ing cells. Despite being harmful to the environment, the utilization of anti-fouling toxic compounds (e.g., Tributylin, TBT) is the easiest and most popular way to protect the cell against foul- ing. The compounds in the proximities of the cell deter adhe- sion and/or settlement of marine fouling. B iological fouling, also called biofouling, in aquatic envi- ronments is the undesirable accumulation of algae and other marine microorganisms that may seriously affect the performance of oceanographic equipment. In coastal zones with high biological productivity, the problem becomes crit- ical because sensors may present fouling drift within a few days. Recent technological advances have allowed instru- ments to incorporate mechanical devices in order to prevent or reduce periodic settlement of biofouling. For instance, pistons coated with abrasive materials can regularly clean sensors based on the measuring cell. Ocean optics sensors, such as fuorometers or light sensors, are designed with shuttered de- vices to isolate the sensors in nutrient-rich environments. The utilization of copper- based materials is also quite common. Copper is accepted as an inhibitor of biological growth in aqueous environments be- cause its ions are released from their solid form and are toxic to microorganisms. Copper alloys, particularly copper-nickels, have long been recognized for their inherent resistance to marine fouling and excellent resistance to corrosion. Ultrasonic pulses are an un- conventional but promising ap- proach. The sound waves or vi- brations generated over a large area of the instrument helps to remove the early stage of fouler Environmentally Friendly Anti-Fouling System for Oceanographic Equipment Using a Freshwater Reserve to Prevent Colonization By Víctor Villagrán • Gadiel Alarcón • Oscar Pizarro Anti-biofouling hydraulic setting schematic representation.