Risks to Aquatic Biota by the Use of Antifouling Paints

Authors

  • T. L. Martins Departamento de Fisiologia, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
  • Vera M. F. Vargas Programa de Pesquisas Ambientais, Fundação Estadual de Proteção Ambiental Henrique Luis Roessler (FEPAM), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5132/eec.2013.01.001

Keywords:

Antifouling paints, aquatic biota, bioincrustation, ecotoxicology, organotin, ship

Abstract

The ship hulls are constantly subject to marine biofouling, witch results in a significantly diminution in operational efficiency, rising the costs due to the increase of fuel consumption. From the antifouling systems developed to prevent this problem, those whom present organotin compounds in their formulations became the center of discussions among environmental organs in the last decades. These compounds are considered a threat to marine life in areas with intense naval activity and can act as endocrine disruptors in invertebrates. After restrictions imposed on the use of organotin antifouling paints, others biocides have been used. However, these products also have adverse effects on marine ecosystems. This article reviews the literature related to the risks of the exposure of aquatic organisms to antifouling paints compounds, as well as the alternatives proposed to replace the products yet commercialized.

Published

18-06-2013

How to Cite

Martins, T. L., & Vargas, V. M. F. (2013). Risks to Aquatic Biota by the Use of Antifouling Paints. Ecotoxicology and Environmental Contamination, 8(1), 1–11. https://doi.org/10.5132/eec.2013.01.001

Issue

Section

Reviews