Biodeterioration of Natural and Synthetic Materials.pdf

It contains an overview of how natural and synthetic materials degrade in marine ecosystems, focusing on microorganisms, biofouling, corrosion, and mitigation strategies. Perfect for marine biology, material science, and environmental studies enthusiasts.

#Biodeterioration #Marine Environment #Material Science

1. VIVEKANANDHA ARTS AND SCIENCE COLLEGE FOR WOMEN VEERACHIPALAYAM, SANKAGIRI,
SALEM, TAMILNADU
DEPARTMENT OF MICROBIOLOGY
SUBJECT: MARINE MICROBIOLOGY
TOPIC: BIOREMEDIATION OF NATURAL AND SYNTHETIC MATERIALS
SUBJECT INCHARGE:
Dr. R.DINESHKUMAR,
ASSISTANT PROFESSOR,
DEPARTMENT OF MICROBIOLOGY,
VIVEKANANDHA ARTS AND SCIENCE
COLLEGE FOR WOMEN, SANKAGIRI,
SALEM, TAMILNADU
SUBMITTED BY:
N. SOWNTHARYA,
II-MSC-MICROBIOLOGY,
VIVEKANANDHA ARTS AND SCIENCE
COLLEGE FOR WOMEN, SANKAGIRI,
SALEM, TAMILNADU.

2. Content:
•Biodeterioration
•Biological Agents of Biodeterioration
•Biodeterioration of Natural Materials
•Biodeterioration of Synthetic Materials
•Effects of Biodeterioration of Natural and Synthetic Materials
•Conclusion

3. Biodeterioration:
•Biodeterioration in marine environments refers to the degradation of materials caused by biological
agents such as microorganisms, algae, and marine invertebrates.
•These processes are driven by the unique characteristics of the marine ecosystem, such as high
salinity, moisture, and biofouling organisms, which create conditions favorable for material
degradation.
Biodeterioration of Natural and Synthetic Materials in Marine Environments:
•Biodeterioration in marine environments refers to the degradation of natural and synthetic
materials caused by biological activity, particularly by marine organisms like bacteria,
fungi, algae, and mollusks.
•This process affects a wide range of materials, including wood, plastics, and metals, often
compromising their structural integrity and functionality.

4. Biological Agents of Biodeterioration
1. Bacteria:
•Sulfate-Reducing Bacteria (SRB): Found in anaerobic marine sediments, these bacteria produce
hydrogen sulfide, which reacts with metals (e.g., iron) to form corrosive compounds. This is a major
cause of microbially influenced corrosion (MIC), especially in pipelines and ship hulls.
•General Biofilm Formers: Many bacteria form biofilms, which are complex communities of
microorganisms attached to surfaces. These biofilms trap moisture and harbor other degradative
organisms, accelerating material breakdown
2. Fungi:
•Marine fungi colonize natural materials such as wood and natural fibers (e.g., cotton), breaking down
cellulose and lignin.
•They are particularly active in submerged structures like piers and pilings..

5. 3. Algae:
•Algae, particularly macroalgae and microalgae, colonize surfaces and secrete acidic or enzymatic
substances that degrade paints, coatings, and synthetic polymers.
•Their growth also contributes to biofouling, a key component of biodeterioration.
4. Macro-organisms:
•Shipworms (Teredo navalis): These mollusks burrow into wooden structures, causing extensive damage to
ships and marine piers.
•Barnacles and Mussels: These organisms attach to surfaces and increase drag on ship hulls, contributing
indirectly to material degradation.

6. Biodeterioration of Natural Materials:
Natural materials like wood, cotton, and other plant-based products are particularly vulnerable to biodeterioration
due to their organic composition.
1. Wood:
•The biodeterioration of wood in marine environments is primarily caused by the activity
of microorganisms and marine organisms that degrade its structural components.
• These agents include bacteria, fungi, and specialized marine invertebrates.
I)Marine Bacteria:
•Cellulose-Degrading Bacteria: These bacteria break down cellulose and hemicellulose in wood,
contributing to softening and decay.
•Sulphate-Reducing Bacteria (SRB): Indirectly contribute to wood degradation by altering the
environment, for example, by producing hydrogen sulfide, which can create anaerobic conditions favoring
other microbes.

7. II)Fungi:
•Soft Rot Fungi: These fungi degrade cellulose and hemicellulose, causing cavities and erosion in the wood.
They thrive in waterlogged or wet conditions, often in brackish environments.
•White Rot Fungi: Capable of breaking down both lignin and cellulose, they are less common in fully marine
environments due to high salinity but may occur in estuarine zones.
•Brown Rot Fungi: These degrade cellulose and leave a lignin-rich residue, but their activity is often limited
in marine environments due to salinity.
III)Algae:
Certain algae contribute indirectly by creating biofilms on wood surfaces, facilitating colonization by other
microbes and reducing wood’s resistance to waterlogging and microbial invasion.

8. IV)Marine Borers:
•Mollusks (Teredinidae, “Shipworms”):These bivalve mollusks bore into wood and consume it, using
symbiotic bacteria in their digestive system to degrade cellulose. Examples include Teredo navalis and
Lyrodus pedicellatus.
•Crustaceans (Limnoriidae, “Gribbles”):Tiny crustaceans like Limnoria tripunctata mechanically and
chemically degrade wood by burrowing and consuming cellulose.
V)Symbiotic Microorganisms:
•Some wood-boring organisms (e.g., shipworms and gribbles) rely on symbiotic microbes to break
down wood into digestible compounds.
•These symbionts include specialized bacteria and protists capable of cellulose degradation.

9. 2.Natural Fibres:
•Natural fibers in marine environments are susceptible to biodeterioration caused by various biological
agents.
•These fibers, composed primarily of cellulose, hemicellulose, lignin, and proteins, are broken down by
microorganisms and marine organisms.
I) Bacteria:
Cellulose-degrading bacteria:
•Bacteria capable of hydrolyzing cellulose (e.g., Clostridium, Cellulomonas).
•These bacteria colonize the fibers, breaking down their structure.
Sulphate-reducing bacteria (SRB):
•Common in anaerobic marine sediments.
•Produce hydrogen sulfide, which can degrade natural fibers by chemical and biological action.

10. II)Fungi:
Soft-rot fungi:
Fungi like Chaetomium and Fusarium degrade cellulose and hemicellulose, particularly in damp environments.
Ascomycetes and Basidiomycetes:
•These fungi produce enzymes (e.g., cellulases, hemicellulases) that break down fiber components.
•More active in brackish or less saline waters.
III)Marine Borers:
•Crustaceans (Gribbles):Species like Limnoria lignorum attack cellulosic materials in natural fibers.
•Mollusks (Shipworms):Organisms such as Teredo species can bore into fiber structures, causing
severe damage

11. IV) Alage and Lichens:
•Algae and lichens can colonize natural fibers, especially in coastal environments.
•Algae produce acids that break down the surface of fibers, while lichens excrete enzymes that can break
down cellulose and lignin.
Example:
•Green algae like Cladophora can attach to fibers and degrade the material’s surface.
•Lichens, in general, are capable of slowly breaking down the components of natural fibers by producing
organic acids.
V) Protozoa:
•Certain protozoa may feed on or colonize fibers, accelerating deterioration in conjunction with
other microbes

12. Biodeterioration of Synthetic Materials:
•It refers to the degradation and loss of structural, functional, or aesthetic properties of synthetic materials due
to the activity of biological organisms such as microorganisms (bacteria, fungi, and algae) and
macroorganisms (e.g., mollusks, barnacles).
•This process is often accelerated in marine environments due to the presence of saline water, high moisture
levels, and diverse microbial ecosystems.
1.Plastics:
•The biodeterioration of plastics in marine environments is primarily caused by the activity of
microorganisms, such as bacteria, fungi, and algae.
•These agents play a significant role in breaking down synthetic polymers, leading to physical and chemical
degradation.

13. I) Bacteria:
Plastic-Degrading Bacteria:
Certain bacterial species can break down plastic polymers by secreting enzymes that hydrolyze chemical bonds.
Examples:
•Pseudomonas species: Known to degrade polyethylene, polypropylene, and polystyrene.
•Alcanivorax species: Associated with degrading hydrocarbons and potentially plastics like polyethylene.
•Vibrio species: Found on marine plastic surfaces, involved in early-stage biofilm formation.
Mechanisms:
Enzymatic action (e.g., depolymerases) breaks down polymers into smaller monomers that bacteria metabolize.

14. Ideonella sakaiensis
It is one bacteria that are mostly involved to degrade the Plastics.

15. II)Fungi:
•Marine fungi are less studied compared to bacteria but are effective at bio-deteriorating plastics:
•Aspergillus species: Capable of degrading polyethylene, polystyrene, and polyvinyl chloride.
•Penicillium species: Known for breaking down complex polymers.
Mechanisms:
•Fungi secrete extracellular enzymes like laccases, peroxidases, and cutinases that degrade plastic polymers.
•Fungal hyphae also physically penetrate the plastic surface, aiding degradation.

16. Mechanisms:

17. III)Algae:
Photosynthetic Microalgae:
•Microalgae such as Chlorella and Nannochloropsis colonize plastics in marine environments, forming
biofilms.
•While not directly degrading plastics, their biofilms facilitate microbial colonization and enzymatic
activity.
Macroalgae:
•Macroalgae, though less impactful, may mechanically abrade plastics or provide organic acids that
contribute to bio-deterioration.
Nannochloropsis

18. IV)Biofilm Communities:
•Plastics in the ocean rapidly become colonized by diverse microbial communities forming
biofilms, collectively termed the “plastisphere.”
•These communities include:
•Bacteria, fungi, and diatoms that contribute synergistically to biodegradation.
•Quorum-sensing mechanisms that regulate enzyme production for polymer breakdown.

19. Impact:

20. 2.Rubber:
The Biodeterioration of rubber in marine environments is primarily caused by microorganisms capable of
metabolizing rubber components.
I)Bacteria:
Actinobacteria: Nocardia and Streptomyces species produce enzymes (e.g., rubber oxygenase) that degrade
natural rubber (polyisoprene).
Proteobacteria: Pseudomonas species can metabolize synthetic rubber components, particularly in areas rich
in hydrocarbons.
Sulfur-oxidizing and Sulfate-reducing Bacteria: These bacteria accelerate rubber degradation by promoting
cracking and sulfide formation, especially in anaerobic conditions common in marine sediments.

21. II)Fungi:
Ascomycetes:
Penicillium and Aspergillus species can degrade rubber by secreting extracellular enzymes such as lipases
and esterases.
Zygomycetes:
Mucor and Rhizopus species attack rubber components, especially in damp and humid marine conditions.
III)Marine Biofilms:
•Rubber surfaces in marine environments often develop biofilms composed of a consortium of bacteria,
fungi, and algae.
•Biofilm organisms produce acidic metabolites (e.g., organic acids) and enzymes that can initiate surface
degradation and accelerate structural breakdown.

22. IV) Algae:
Some microalgae, such as Chlorella and Navicula, colonize rubber surfaces, contributing to physical wear
and biochemical degradation.
Factors Accelerating Biodeterioration:
Moisture and Salinity: Favor microbial growth.
UV Radiation: Weakens rubber, making it more susceptible to microbial attack.
Nutrients: Rubber additives (e.g., plasticizers and antioxidants) can serve as a nutrient source for microbes.

23. 3.Paints and Coatings:
•The biodeterioration of synthetic paints and coatings in marine environments is caused by various biological
agents, including bacteria, fungi, algae, and lichens.
•These organisms degrade paints and coatings by breaking down their chemical components or facilitating
physical wear.
I)Bacteria:
Sulfur-reducing bacteria (SRB):Thrive in oxygen-deficient environments and produce hydrogen sulfide, which
corrodes underlying metal surfaces and discolors coatings.
Nitrifying bacteria: Oxidize ammonia into nitrites and nitrates, which can degrade paint binders and promote
rust on metal surfaces beneath the coating.
Biofilm-forming bacteria: Form biofilms that trap moisture and debris, accelerating physical damage and
creating an environment for further microbial colonization.

24. II)Fungi:
Mold and mildew:
Grow on paint surfaces, leading to discoloration, flaking, and structural weakening of the coatings.
Marine fungi:
Degrade organic components of paint, such as binders and pigments, especially in humid and saline conditions.
III)Algae:
•Green, blue-green, and brown algae can grow on coatings, especially in areas exposed to light. They cause
discoloration, surface roughness, and reduced aesthetic appeal.
•Diatoms:Single-celled algae with siliceous cell walls that attach to coatings. Their presence contributes to
fouling and the subsequent deterioration of the surface.

25. IV)Larger Marine Organisms (Indirect Role):
Marine Fouling Communities:
•While not directly degrading paints, barnacles, mussels, and other macrofouling organisms adhere to
biofilms.
•Their physical weight and attachment mechanisms can damage coatings.
Effects of Biodeterioration of Natural and synthetic materials in Marine Environment :
•The biodeterioration of both natural and synthetic materials in marine environments has profound
ecological, economic, and societal effects.
•These materials undergo degradation due to biological agents like bacteria, fungi, marine invertebrates, and
algae, leading to a range of impacts.

26. 1.Environmental Pollution:
Microplastic Contamination:
•Synthetic materials like plastics break down into microplastics and microfibers, which persist in marine
ecosystems, leading to pollution that can be ingested by marine organisms. This leads to potential toxicity,
bioaccumulation, and harm to the food chain.
•Sources: Synthetic fibers, coatings, and plastics, as well as the degradation of ropes and fishing gear,
contribute significantly to marine plastic pollution.
Chemical Leaching:
•Many synthetic materials, such as treated wood and plastic coatings, leach toxic chemicals like heavy
metals, plasticizers, and biocides into the water, harming marine life. The leaching of substances from
synthetic materials like treated wood affects water quality and biological communities, including fish and
invertebrates.
•Sources: Paints, coatings, and treated natural materials.

27. 2. Ecological Impacts:
Habitat Degradation:
•The deterioration of materials, especially synthetic ones, can alter the physical structure of marine habitats.
For example, degraded plastic debris can affect coral reefs and seagrass beds, which provide critical habitat for
many species. The loss of biodiversity and ecosystem services is a key concern.
•Sources: Discarded plastic, rubber, and coatings that smother benthic ecosystems.
Biofouling:
•Both natural and synthetic materials that deteriorate in the marine environment can promote biofouling,
where microorganisms, algae, and invertebrates colonize the surface. This leads to further material
degradation and, in some cases, promotes the spread of invasive species.
•Sources: Synthetic coatings, rubber, and natural fiber ropes.

28. 3. Structural and Functional Damage:
Corrosion and Material Weakening:
•Deterioration of synthetic materials like coatings, plastics, and rubber accelerates the corrosion of
infrastructure such as ships, piers, and oil platforms. In natural materials like wood and fibers, the breakdown
of structural components weakens their mechanical properties, making them unsuitable for use in maritime
construction.
•Sources: Ship coatings, wood, and fiber-based materials exposed to water, salts, and biological agents.
Physical Breakdown of Structures:
•The deterioration of materials like natural fibers (e.g., ropes and sails) and synthetic materials leads to the
breakdown of maritime structures. For instance, shipworm attack on wooden ships or degradation of
synthetic ropes used in fishing nets can cause catastrophic failures.
•Sources: Natural materials like hemp ropes, wooden shipwrecks, and synthetic fishing nets.

29. Conclusion:
•Biodeterioration in marine environments represents a critical challenge for ecological sustainability,
infrastructure longevity, and economic stability.
•Natural materials like wood and fibers degrade through biological processes involving bacteria, fungi, and
marine invertebrates, leading to habitat disruption, structural weakening, and loss of ecosystem services.
•Similarly, synthetic materials such as plastics, rubber, and coatings degrade into microplastics and harmful
chemicals, causing long-term pollution, ecological harm, and health risks.