Bacteriological and Physicochemical Influences of Biofouling and Biocorrosion on Ship Hulls: Case Study of Ibaka Deep Sea Port

Abstract

This study examines the bacteriological and physicochemical impacts of biofouling and biocorrosion on ship hulls at Ibaka Deep Sea Port. The study area, Ibaka Deep Sea Port, presents an exceptional coastal environment with abundance of microbial life and composite physicochemical dynamics, making it an ideal location for examining these interactions. Samples of biofilms were collected from stationary and mobile ship hulls, seawater and sediments using sterile procedures. Total Culturable Heterotrophic Bacteria (TCHB) count was used to enumerate and the bacterial isolates identification was through biochemical investigations. Results revealed lower counts on stationary ship hulls (1.34×10⁷ cfu/g) and in seawater (7.07×10⁶ cfu/g) with high bacteria counts on mobile ship hulls (5.66×10⁸cfu/g) and sediments (7.78×10⁸ cfu/g). The identified predominant bacterial isolates: Bacillus sp., Pseudomonas sp. and Corynebacterium sp., are notorious for their roles in biofouling and biocorrosion. Seawater, sediment and ship hull samples’ physicochemical analysis indicated significant variances in parameters such as temperature, pH, chloride, organic carbon content and sulphate, which are key in influencing microbial colonization and metal corrosion. The seawater revealed conducive conditions for biofouling and biocorrosion, with high concentrations of chloride (12263 mg/kg) and a moderately alkaline pH (7.36), while the sediment presented higher acidic pH (5.7) and higher metals concentrations like copper and zinc. The study findings highlight the significance of understanding the interconnection of microbial communities and maritime settings environmental conditions. Effective management approaches, together with the utilization of antifouling coatings and consistent maintenance, are important to lessen the adverse influences of biofouling and biocorrosion on maritime substructure