The Effects of Biofouling on Imaging Underwater, including Possible Remedies

摘要

Increasingly, underwater imaging applications are requiring longer deployments. Consequently, since all surfaces immersed in the sea are subjected to biofouling pressure, the effects of biofouling on imaging and possible means of biofouling reduction are becoming increasingly important. This paper addresses these issues.rnResults are presented from prolonged underwater camera trials which included either a frequently-cleaned reference camera, or a camera fitted with a coating designed to act as a biofouling reduction system. The results include the effects of typical biofilm formation, as a function of time, on both image contrast and resolution.rnCamera performance declines fairly rapidly with time, even under conditions of moderate biofouling pressure. Due to the nature of the biofouling organisms, the effects of biofilm development vary with wavelength and the nature of the substrate material. The camera performance when fitted with the coated window was substantially superior.rnThe paper thus demonstrates the advantages of a specific hydrophilic coating.