Electrochemical Prevention of Biofouling Using Resin Electrode

Masateru IKEHATA, Hitoshi WAKE, Tsuruo NAKAYAMA, Tadashi MATSUNAGA, Takao KOANA
Electrochemical disinfection of a marine bacterium using an electroconductive resin electrode was investigated. When the electrode was incubated in seawater containing 106 cells per ml of gram-negative Vibrio alginolyticus for 90 min, 104 cells per cm2 were adsorbed on surface of the electrode. On applying a potential of 1.0V to the electrode for 30min, more than 90% of adsorbed cells were killed. This disinfection is due to the direct electrochemical oxidation of respiratory coenzyme and does not produce toxic substances such as chlorinated compounds. As adsorption of bacteria is one of the first steps in biofouling, this electrochemical disinfection is effective in prevention of biofouling. In addition, resin electrodes are suitable for coating large and complex surface. In conclusion, this method shows superior ability to prevent biofouling without environmental contamination by harmful by-product.