抄録
We tried to prevent settlement and proliferation of marine fouling organisms by electric current using titanium
wire. Experiments were carried out over two periods between June 1997 and January 1998. During the first
period, We set polyvinyl chloride plates, which each had a titanium electrode around them and a weak electric
current passed through them. We changed the distance between the two electrodes, that is the length of the
plates, and examined the degree of fouling on the plates. During the second period, we extended the titanium electrode
which was 6.4m long to increase the electric current. We also set ropes to examine the fouling on the
ropes. We used solar panels and rechargeable batteries as the power supply and for the electrode, cords in which
titanium thin wire was twisted. We could constantly supply about 8V. During the first period, 1 or 2mA of current
was used. A lot of fouling organisms were observed on the plates regardless of the distance of electrodes or the
use of electricity. During the second period, a current of more than 6mA was used. Minimal fouling was observed
on the ropes. We estimated that the electric current more than 6mA was sufficient to prevent marine fouling
organisms although further experimental confirmation is needed.
