biofouling researchbiofouling~jul… · aquabiotech group abt innovia > marine biological...
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AQUABIOTECH GROUP
ABT INNOVIA > MARINE BIOLOGICAL FOULING RESEARCH
Marine biological fouling, also termed as biofouling, is commonly defined as the undesirable accumulation of microorganisms, animals and plants on artificial surfaces immersed in seawater. Both the maritime and aquaculture industries are incurring large costs due to the impact of biofouling.
Aquaculture Industry
In the aquaculture industry, biofouling accelerates corrosion and bio-deterioration problems, restricts waterflow through the cages, increases disease risks and causes deformation of cages and structures. In addition, the need for increased maintenance of equipment to avoid physical damage can increase the chances of system failure and economic lose.
ABT Innovia is an independent aquatic, aquaculture, biotechnology research facility that forms part of the AquaBioTech Group.
The AquaBioTech Group is an international consulting company strategically located in the centre of the Mediterranean on the island of Malta, although operating globally with clients and projects in over fifty-five countries.
The AquaBioTech Group undertakes a variety of aquaculture, fisheries, marine surveying, aquarium and aquatic environmental projects through its regional offices and partners throughout the world.
The Yachting and Maritime Industries
In the case of ships and other vessels, some of the negative effects caused by biological settlements included: loss of maneuverability and high frictional resistance. This increased roughness means higher fuel consumption. The increase in fuel consumption can be up to 40%, and the overall costs for a whole voyage may go up by as much as 77%.
Environmental impact
An additional problem of biofouling is the potential introduction of invasive species into ecosystems. Some invasive species can breed and spread quickly, consequently taking over an area, by competing native species.
Biofouling Research
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Central Complex, Naggar Street, Targa Gap, Mosta MST 1761, Malta G.C. | T +356 2258 4100 | E [email protected]
Marine Biological Fouling Research
TesT FaciliTies and core services
Countries worldwide are spending billions every year to fight biofouling using toxic compounds that kill non-target organisms but which accumulate in the marine environment. The assessment of antifouling activity should be established at different levels. Our licensed facility provides laboratories, testing tanks and field stations to assess the antifouling activity of different products from early stage product screening, through to commercial stage, long-term filed trials.
ABT INNOVIA > MARINE BIOLOGICAL FOULING RESEARCH
sTaTic and dynamic TesTing
Efficacy static immersion testing represents a worst case situation compared to real life conditions. The main reason is that the exposure is static with restricted chance for fouling to be detached by hydrodynamic forces. Ships and boats movement through water help the release of active ingredients from their antifouling. Our company offers a licensed marine experimental site and vessels which are suitable for different research applications.
Central Complex, Naggar Street, Targa Gap, Mosta MST 1761, Malta G.C. | T +356 2258 4100 | E [email protected]
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• Leach rate potential• Algae growth inhibition• Biofilm growth inhibition• Barnacle settlement assay• Bryozoan settlement assay • Mussel attachment inhibition assay
laboraTory TesTs
The company offers a licensed offshore marine experimental site area which is used for applied research and testing for a range of applications including the testing of anti-fouling materials, water quality monitoring equipment and other oceanographic instrumentation / research activities.
oFFshore TesTing