Spectrophotometric Evaluation of Micro-algal Fouling on Marine Optical Windows

A method to assess marine micro-algal fouling on optical windows using a UV-visible scanning spectrophotometer fitted with an integrating sphere is described. Correlation between reduced light transmission of intact biofilms and micro-algal biomass estimates was strong (least squares regressionP<0·005). The method is quick, non-destructive and may also be used to assess the performance of antifouling technologies for the protection of marine optical sensors.