Organotin compounds, used as antifouling biocides since 1960, are chemical compounds that act as endocrine disrupters. It is not known how organotin compounds cause hormone disturbance, however, and many questions remain about their effect on aquatic organisms. Studies on organotin compounds have recently evolved, with many new findings reported. Following a worldwide ban on organotin compounds in 2008, alternative compounds will mainly be used, with the potential for coastal areas to become contaminated, causing, among other effects, cholinesterase inhibition in aquatic organisms. Use of alternative compounds must be controlled to avoid such errors. These and other findings are described and concisely summarized in this book, providing a useful reference in countries where alternative biocides are being considered. Included are studies on the effects on marine organisms, making this book an excellent aid to experts in environmental chemistry, to government organizations, and to students.

Contamination of the aquatic environment by antifouling compounds has been a topic of increasing importance during the last few years. This book describes advances in antifouling paint biocides, and provides thorough evaluation of research and information on occurrence and levels, environmental fate, analytical techniques and methods for the monitoring and control, environmental modeling, ecotoxicological effects and risk assessment placing emphasis on the knowledge acquired over the last decade.

This Rapra Review Report examines the use of biocides in plastics with reference to material types and application requirements. The commonly available biocides are reviewed and details of their strengths and weaknesses are provided. The author reviews the frequently used test methods for fungi and bacteria, and, in an ever-changing regulatory environment, explores the influence of legislation on the current and future use of such biocides. This detailed and state-of-the-art review is supported by an indexed section containing several hundred key references and abstracts selected from the Polymer Library database.

The research in metal-microbe interactions is reviewed, for researchers and engineers.

Handbook of Material Biodegradation, Biodeterioration, and Biostabilization, Second Edition gives extensive information on the microorganisms involved in the biodegradation of materials, along with the biocides which are permitted for use according to the most up-to-date worldwide legislation. Mechanisms of biodegradation and biodeterioration, results of biodeterioration, and methods of biostabilization are covered for a large number of products, making the title relevant for a range of industries and applications, including construction, coatings/paints, medical and pharmaceutical applications, and electronics. In addition, the health and safety aspects of biocide application are covered in detail, as well as the personal protection of practitioners who are required to use them. The contents and the most-up-to-date information make this book essential for almost all the fields of applied chemistry. - Enables practitioners to identify the organisms responsible for biodeterioration in materials, select suitable preventative measures, and safely deploy methods of biostabilization - Contains information on the biostabilization of various industrial products, including 24 groups of polymers - Includes critical (and current) health and safety, environmental, and regulatory guidelines and best practices, and their relationships to legislation, regulation, toxicity, micro-organisms, biocides, and polymers - Essential reading for scientists and practitioners as new regulations eliminate the use of previously used materials - Contains up-to-date information on legislation and regulations governing the use of biocides in the European Union, the United States, and worldwide

Plastics Materials and Processes: A Concise Encyclopedia is a resource for anyone with an interest in plastic materials and processes, from seasoned professionals to laypeople. Arranged in alphabetical order, it clearly explains all of the materials and processes as well as their major application areas and usages. Plastics Materials and Processes: A Concise Encyclopedia: Discusses and describes applications and practical uses of the materials and processes. Clear definitions and sufficient depth to satisfy the information seekers needs

Marine biofouling can be defined as the undesirable accumulation of microorganisms, algae and animals on structures submerged in seawater. From the dawn of navigation, marine biofouling has been a major problem for shipping in such areas as reduced speed, higher fuel consumption and increased corrosion. It also affects industries using off-shore structures such as oil and gas production and aquaculture. Growing concerns about the environmental impact of antifouling coatings has led to major new research to develop more environmentally-friendly alternatives. Advances in marine antifouling coatings and technologies summaries this wealth of research and its practical implications.This book is divided into four sub-sections which discuss: marine fouling organisms and their impact, testing and development of antifouling coatings, developments in chemically-active marine antifouling technologies, and new surface approaches to the control of marine biofouling. It provides an authoritative overview of the recent advances in understanding the biology of fouling organisms, the latest developments on antifouling screening techniques both in the field and in the laboratory, research on safer active compounds and the progress on nontoxic coatings with tailor-made surface properties.With its distinguished editors and international team of contributors, Advances in marine antifouling coatings and technologies is a standard reference for manufacturers of marine antifouling solutions, the shipping industry, oil and gas producers, aquaculture and other industries using offshore structures, and academics researching this important area. - Assesses marine antifouling organisms and their impact, including a historical review and directions for future research - Discusses developments in antifouling coatings examining chemically-active and new surface approaches - Reviews the environmentally friendly alternative of safer active compounds and the progress of non-toxic compounds

"The interdisciplinary conference addressed some of the most serious problems affecting sustainable development, issues that must be considered by development projects in order to provide complete solutions. A major motivation for the meeting was to learn from past failures and avoid repeating similar mistakes while attempting to prevent emerging threats to the environmental and ecological systems by developing more constructive and progressive approaches to ensure sustainability"--Publisher information.