Review of antibiofouling technologies highlights sustainable strategies for minimizing ecosystem impact, indicating a shift towards eco-friendly materials.
Marine biofouling presents a significant challenge, leading to the development of various antibiofouling solutions. While effective, traditional methods pose environmental risks due to toxic substances leaching into marine ecosystems. As a result, research is increasingly shifting towards focusing on sustainable alternatives. This review examined more than 100 studies on marine antibiofouling technologies, highlighting innovative approaches that minimize environmental impact. Key chemical deterrents include non-toxic biocides and various surface properties, while physical deterrents like altered surface topography and photocatalysts show promise. However, many eco-friendly solutions still depend on harmful substances. Future research should integrate multiple antifouling mechanisms and refine definitions of sustainability to assess life-cycle impacts. Collaboration among scientists, industry, and regulators is essential to foster innovation and adopt sustainable technologies for preserving marine ecosystems.
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Lewis et al. (2025) studied this question.
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