Riscos à biota aquática pelo uso de tintas anti-incrustantes nos cascos de embarcações

Abstract

The ship hulls are constantly subject to marine biofouling, wich results in a significantly diminution in operational efficiency, rising the costs due to the increase of fuel consumption. From the antifouling systems developed to prevent this problem, those whom present organotin compounds in their formulations became the center of discussions among environmental organs in the last decades. These compounds are considered a threat to marine life in areas with intense naval activity and can act as endocrine disruptors in invertebrates. After restrictions imposed on the use of organotin antifouling paints, others biocides have been used. However, these products also have adverse effects on marine ecosystems. This article reviews the literature related to the risks of the exposure of aquatic organisms to antifouling paints compounds, as well as the alternatives proposed to replace the products yet commercialized.