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Characterization of microplastics from antifouling coatings released under controlled conditions with an automated SEM-EDX particle analysis method
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Researchers demonstrated that antifouling coatings on boat hulls release microplastic particles into seawater during normal sailing conditions, with most particles between 1 and 5 micrometers in size. These particles contain both plastic binder material and toxic metals like copper and zinc used as biocides. This study reveals an often-overlooked source of microplastic pollution in the ocean, where the released particles carry both plastic and heavy metal contamination into marine ecosystems.
A significant portion of microplastics in the marine environment originate from antifouling coatings. However, knowledge about release pathways and rates is limited. One such pathway is particle release from ship hull coatings during sailing. This study demonstrates the release of microplastic particles from a typical commercial antifouling coating in simulated low-speed sailing conditions. The self-polishing antifouling yacht coating was exposed to controlled low-speed sailing conditions in artificial seawater. The particle content of the artificial seawater was monitored throughout an automated particle analysis protocol using scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDX). Particle counts, sizes and chemistries were recorded. Over the duration of the exposure, the total particle volume release increased with time. Particle release behaviour can be correlated to the polishing behaviour of antifouling coatings. The equivalent diameter of the majority of the particles was 1-5 μm. The particles were mainly composed of carbon (around 58%wt.), oxygen (around 32%wt.), copper (0-8%wt.), and zinc (0-2%wt.). Carbon and part of the oxygen can be ascribed to the polymeric binder in the coating. Copper and zinc, on the other hand, can be attributed to the known biocidal pigments in the coating. This study improves our understanding of particle release from antifouling coatings.
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Researchers analyzed tiny particles floating on the sea surface in Osaka Bay, Japan, and found microplastics containing heavy metals like copper and zinc from ship antifouling paints. Most of these metal-laden particles were made of acrylic resins commonly used in marine coatings, carrying copper concentrations up to 54,000 mg/kg. The study reveals that antifouling paint fragments are a significant and underrecognized source of toxic metal-containing microplastics in coastal waters.
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