MICROBIAL PROCESS ASSOCIATED WITH CONTROL OF MARINE FOULING AND BORING ORGANISMS. I. USE OF REPELLENTS TO CONTROL THE PRIMARY FILM OF BACTERIA ON MARINE SURFACES. II. THE ROLE OF MICROORGANISMS IN PRECONDITIONING OF WOOD FOR "TEREDO" ATTACK

In this report, the authors describe the effective repulsion of primary bacterial film from surfaces painted with certain organic chemicals. The most effective repellents were acrylamide, benzoic acid, and tannic acid. All chemicals were active at concentrations that were not toxic to the bacteria. In the second phase of the study they investigated the role of microorganisms as pre-conditioning agents for Teredo attack of wood. The data showed that wood attack by teredos is facilitated by prior infestation with marine fungi such as penicillium. The role of cellulase in this effect was demonstrated by preincubating wood with commercial cellulase prior to exposure to Teredo. Cellulolytic activity increased the rate and extent of borer penetration. The data suggested that wood is pre- conditioned by microbial cellulase before attack by borers. Confirmation could lead to control of the wood microflora as a means of prevention borer attack.

• Supplemental Notes:
  • See also report dated April 75, AD-A010862.
• Corporate Authors:

  Harvard University

  Cambridge, MA  United States  02138
• Authors:
  • Mitchell, R
  • Chet, I
  • Asketh, P
• Publication Date: 1976-1

Media Info

• Pagination: 28 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Antifouling coatings; Fouling organisms; Marine borers
• Subject Areas: Marine Transportation; Materials;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00141625
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: National Technical Information Service
• Report/Paper Numbers: No. TR-2 Tech Rpt.
• Contract Numbers: N00014-67-A0298-0037
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Nov 17 1976 12:00AM