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Microplastic Release Rates from Fouling Control Coatings: The Influence of Coating Composition
Summary
Boat paints designed to prevent algae and barnacle buildup can shed tiny plastic particles into the water, and this study found that the paint's ingredients, especially a natural resin called rosin, make a big difference in how much plastic breaks off. Some higher-end coatings released almost no microplastics, showing that better formulas can significantly cut pollution without sacrificing performance. While this study focused on environmental release rather than direct human health effects, it matters because microplastics in waterways can work their way into the seafood and water we consume.
Abstract Microplastic release from antifouling coatings has emerged as an environmental concern, yet the mechanisms driving their release rates during sailing remain poorly understood. This study investigates how coating composition, specifically biocide loading and binder composition, influence microplastic release. Six model and six commercial fouling control coatings were exposed under controlled conditions. Through an automated SEM–EDX analysis, the particles released by the coatings were analyzed, and their concentrations, morphologies, and elemental compositions were estimated. Rosin content was found to have the greatest effect on overall microplastic release rates. Overall, the smallest volume of particles was released by a high-end commercial self-polishing coating and the commercial fouling release coating; both of them showed negligible amounts of particle release. Of all the analyzed microplastic particles, 26.65% were found to contain copper, originating from the Cu2O in the coatings. However, the release rate of copper in particles after 30 days was only around 0.5 μg/(cm2.day), which is low compared to the release rates of dissolved copper reported in literature. The results demonstrate the effects of antifouling coating formulation on microplastic release behavior, thereby providing a foundation for designing coatings with a reduced environmental impact from microplastic release.