Work

Community Composition and Dynamics of Freshwater Biofouling on Coated Inland Vessel Models in the Danube River

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: The present study investigated the community composition and dynamics of freshwater biofouling on fiberglass inland waterway vessel (IWV) models coated with two commercial antifouling paints deployed in the Danube River (Serbia) for a total of five months. Biofouling was characterized using visual observations, in situ optical microscopy, the rapid ATP bioluminescence method, dry biomass measurements, and analyses of phototrophic and fungal communities. Based on the results, Hard Racing TecCel demonstrated the highest suppression of biofouling, with the lowest biomass accumulation and reduced algal diversity. At all stages of biofouling, diatoms dominated the phototrophic community, comprising 123 taxa. Achnanthidium minutissimum and Gomphonella olivacea were shown to be persistent hull colonizers, while Cyanobacteriophyta and Chlorophyta had reduced presence. Overall, the results highlight a slower progression of freshwater biofouling compared to marine systems and emphasize the need for the development of tailored antifouling strategies for IWVs to reduce environmental impact and operational costs.

Source: Phycology

DOI: 10.3390/phycology6010033

Authors: Sanja Šovran, Ana Knežević, Danijela Vidaković, Slađana Popović, Milan Kalajdžić, Nikola Unković

Institutions: University of Belgrade, Institute of Chemistry, Technology and Metallurgy

Language: English

Topic: Marine Biology and Environmental Chemistry

Subfield: Ocean Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Clean water and sanitation, Life below water

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,207