BIOFOULING EFFECT ON CORRODING BEHAVIOUR OF BRASS IN MALLIPATTINAM SEAWATER

Chidirala Suresh and P. Mohamed Sirajudeen*

ABSTRACT

Biofouling studies in the Mallipattinam seawater (0.28060 N, 79.31700E), south eastern Bay of Bengal, Thanjavur, India, were carried out for six months (January2017-June 2017) to understand the biofouling behaviours of organisms. The fouling organisms of Mallipattinam seawater(MSW)compress of algae(green and red), barnacles, molluscs, polychaetesand worms. The periodic attachment and aggregate of fouling organisms growth on brass over a period of six months have been inspected in the MSW. Assemblages of algae stimulate corrosion on brass. Barnacles and Mollusks cause pitting corrosion underneath their attachment site. Polychaetesexhibitedon last month coupons however, flatworms showed significant season-wise in settlement. Presence of oysters on coupons was enumerated in significant numbers during the present study. In general, the assemblages of biofouling organisms on brass surface over a period of exposure cause the corrosion rate. The extent of origin experienced by brass is highlighted in terms of change in mechanical properties and the surface characteristics of the material.

Keywords: Fouling organisms, biofouling, assemblage, south eastern Bay of Bengal, Mallipattinam Seawater (MSW), corrosion rate.