Role of Diatoms in marine biofouling

Abstract

Diatoms are one of the early colonisers on surfaces submerged in the photic zone of the environment. Their colonisation on man made structures, termed biofouling, has enormous implications in the marine industry. The processes involved in biofouling and the role of Diatoms is presented. The article also provides an overview of the current and potential measures for the control of Diatom fouling.