(MENAFN - Muscat Daily) An experimental project that uses nanotechnology is being implemented at The Wave Muscat in association with the Sultan Qaboos University (SQU) to prevent biofouling.

The project is aimed at developing technologically enhanced non-toxic coatings to be used on boats submerged structures and industry equipment.

A nanocoated net submerged in water at The Wave Muscat

Centered on nanotechnology the study aims to identify environment-friendly methods that can reduce the impact of biofouling on waterways marine life maintenance costs and fuel consumption. Khalil Abujaber marina manager of Almouj Marina said 'We are delighted to be part of this eco-project.

The value of the data acquired will potentially have a profound impact not only on our marine environment but on the lives of our boaters. As one of Oman's premier marinas we seek to lead by example in reducing the pollution in our waters to benefit the local community and the boating industry.'

Professor Joydeep Dutta chair at SQU's Nanotechnology in the Water Research Centre said 'This is a unique experiment where state-of-the-art nanotechnology is being applied toward the development of environment-friendly solutions to biofouling.'

In the experiment nanostructures are grown on fishing nets (test surfaces) to prevent biofouling. The metal oxide nanostructures absorb sunlight to provide a shield of highly reactive oxygen and hydroxyl radicals in the vicinity of the coated surfaces thereby hindering the accumulation of biofouling species through a process called photocatalysis.

'The results of this field trial could potentially reduce biofouling in local marine environments an issue that is responsible for over US10bn in damages worldwide' said Dr Sergey Dobretsov head of the Marine Science and Fisheries Department at SQU.

'Marinas are of particular interest to marine biologists as they possess a variety of structures that attract a diversity of marine organisms; the marina therefore virtually guarantees the availability of samples for the duration of our experiment.' This project is being supported by The Research Council.

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Almouj partners with SQU on use of nanotechnology to prevent biofouling