Image Analyses-Based Nondisruptive Method to Quantify Algal Growth on Concrete Surfaces

Abstract

A global ban on the use of tributyltin has resulted in the need to screen new antifouling agents to control algal growth in aquatic environments. Standard methods for the quantification of algal biomass are disruptive in nature; therefore, they are not applicable for the screening studies requiring successive observations at specified time intervals. The objective of this study was to develop a nondisruptive method to quantify algal growth on a variety of surfaces. Image analyses and chlorophyll extraction methods were used to quantify an algal biomass on a concrete surface containing different additives. For concrete samples containing single additives, the coefficient of determination between both techniques ranged from 0.74 to 0.84. However, for concrete samples containing multiple additives, the coefficient of determination of both methods ranged from 0.72 to 0.75. Results suggest that an image analyses technique can be used to accurately quantify various types of algae growing on a variety of solid surfaces.