Zostera nolti̇i̇ ölü yapraklarinda zosteri̇k asi̇t düzeyleri̇ni̇n sezonal deği̇şi̇mi̇

Artificial surfaces are covered by micro and macro marine organisms, such as diatoms, barnacles and algae in marine ecosystem. This natural event is called as biofouling. Marine vehicles are negatively affected by fouling organisms. Therefore, ships? hull is coated with antifouling paints in order to prevent biofouling. Development of antifouling paints with less environmental impact is of great importance since the current paints contain some biocides such as TBT (tributyltin) that have genotoxic effects on non-target marine organisms. In contrast to artificial surfaces in marine ecosystem, some of marine plants do not allow fouling organisms to settle down their leave surfaces. They release secondary metabolites to prevent epibiosis on their leaf surfaces since they need sun light to do photosynthesis. It is known that Zostera sp. contains an antifouling agent, zosteric acid. These species are widely distributed along Turkish coastlines. In order to determine the zosteric acid levels in Zostera noltii from Turkish coastlines, dead leaves of Zostera noltii were collected monthly from Dikili, Urla and Erdek coastlines from November 2011 to October 2012. The zosteric acid levels in extracts of Zostera noltii were determined through RP-HPLC. In the present study, zosteric acid containing antifouling paints were also prepared and the antifouling performances of newly prepared paints were evaluated. It is found that, Zostera noltii samples collected from Urla contained higher zosteric acid than samples collected from Dikili and Erdek. According to the field test results, the zosteric acid contained paint was successful at preventing the settlement of macrofouling organisms compared to control plates. In conclusion, isolated zosteric acid or the extracts containing zosteric acid from Zostera noltii detritus or synthetic zosteric acid and the derivatives might be evaluated as a co-biocide source in the production of eco-friendly antifouling paints.