Using aeration to probe the flow characteristics associated with long-term marine macrofouling growth and suppression

• Published in: Biofouling (Chur, Switzerland) Vol. 37; no. 3; pp. 289 - 298
• Main Authors: Dubitsky, Lena, Menesses, Mark, Belden, Jesse, Bird, James
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Taylor & Francis 16.03.2021; Taylor & Francis Ltd
• Subjects: Aeration; Biofouling; bubble; Critical flow; Flow characteristics; Fluid dynamics; Fluid flow; Fluid mechanics; Fouling; Fouling control; grooming; Growth; Hydrodynamics; Laboratories; macrofouling; Statistical methods; Survival; Windows (intervals); Aeration; macrofouling; grooming; flow characteristics; bubble
• ISSN: 0892-7014; 1029-2454
• DOI: 10.1080/08927014.2021.1900131

It is well-established that hydrodynamics affect the settlement of biofouling organisms. Laboratory studies have demonstrated a connection between larval attachment rates and the prevalence of time windows that satisfy certain instantaneous flow conditions. However, it is unclear whether a link exists between short-term hydrodynamics and long-term macrofouling survival and growth, or if it is applicable at an ecosystem-wide level. This study used single bubble stream aeration in field and laboratory experiments to find critical flow characteristics that correlate to long-term, multi-species fouling prevention. The research was accomplished by combining PIV-derived flow statistics with fouling severity measured over seven weeks in the field. Flows with a decreasing proportion of time windows defined by a flow speed < 15.1 mm s −1 for longer than 0.03 s correlated to decreased biofouling growth and survival. These results provide a potential framework for studying and comparing flow fields that successfully inhibit biofouling growth.