oa Diterpene Resin Acids in the Marine Environment - Pollution Markers for Ship Antifouling Coatings

Natural resins have various industrial applications. However, especially the contained resin acids are considered toxicologically relevant. Ships’ self-polishing antifouling coatings (SPCs) contain RRC for controlled erosion, which constantly releases SPC particles into the ocean. Yet, SPCs’ role in the marine microplastic load is understudied and their release of potentially hazardous RRC has been neglected.

In an ongoing project, SPC-related organic compounds in the marine environment are evaluated. First findings on composition, fate, and environmental impact of respective RRC are presented here.

A representative SPC was studied in cured and uncured form. The former was further fractioned into precipitated particles, polymer content, and organic ethanol-soluble fraction. Each was studied with and without reactive pyrolysis-GC/MS. The organic fraction was additionally studied with GC/MS, with and without derivatization.

Resulting data suggest diterpene resin acids as prevalent organic components. Observed RRC distribution patterns imply specific chemical modification.

SPCs might thus represent a considerable source for specific RRC in the marine environment, which could be relevant from both an environmental chemistry and toxicological perspective and has not been investigated so far.

The presented study will evaluate SPC-based RRC in the ocean, considering release rates, environmental fate, and possible application as a marker for SPC-based pollution.