On microalgal settlements and the sluggish development of marine biofouling in Port Blair waters, Andamans

Settlement of microalgae was investigated on Perspex®, aluminium and zinc coupons immersed in Port Blair Bay waters for over 3 months. Commencement of fouling was exceptionally slow, and few microalgae were found until 14 days. Settlement occurred thereafter, and 47 microalgal species contributed to...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Biofouling (Chur, Switzerland) Switzerland), 2008-01, Vol.24 (1), p.67-73
Main Authors: Eashwar†, M., Nallathambi‡, T., Kuberaraj, K.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Aluminum
Coscinodiscus
Cyanobacteria - growth & development
diatoms
Diatoms - growth & development
Gyrosigma balticum
India
Marine
marine fouling
microalgae
Navicula
Nitzschia
Nitzschia sigma
Oceans and Seas
Polymethyl Methacrylate
settlement
Zinc
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Summary:Settlement of microalgae was investigated on Perspex®, aluminium and zinc coupons immersed in Port Blair Bay waters for over 3 months. Commencement of fouling was exceptionally slow, and few microalgae were found until 14 days. Settlement occurred thereafter, and 47 microalgal species contributed to the fouling. The dominant forms belonged to the genera Navicula and Nitzschia, whereas Coscinodiscus eccentricus, Gyrosigma balticum and Trichodesmium erythraeum also accounted for high proportions of the settlements. The dominance of Nitzschia sigma was particularly marked on zinc coupons, suggesting an ability by the organism to resist toxicity. Settlement of both centric and pennate diatoms was observed in the early and mid periods, and absolute dominance of the pennate diatoms subsequently. The fouling mass was low even after 103 days, and it is speculated that strong ultraviolet radiation might be the prime reason for the sluggish development of marine biofouling in these oceanic island waters.
ISSN:0892-7014
1029-2454
DOI:10.1080/08927010701799480