LONG TERM GOALS

Evaluate biocides and application techniques for optical sensors that will be optically valid and maintenance-free when exposed in marine-estuarine environments for periods ranging from weeks to months. Materials must be cost-effective, clandestine, and exhibit low toxicity directly and indirectly to humans, terrestrial, and marine life. OBJECTIVES Identify candidate biocides and obtain commercially available materials. Perform laboratory and littoral exposures with microscopic evaluation of fouling at intervals up to 3 months. Verify optical sensing performance of successful biocide-impregnated/coated candidates from initial exposures. This work is supported by ONR Biological Oceanography. APPROACH Commercially available test samples were exposed in natural seawater for up to 3 months with microscopic examination for extent and composition of fouling at intervals. Periodic quantitative and qualitative evaluations of the biofouling were made using environmental scanning electron microscopy (ESEM). WORK COMPLETE