Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 6, 2026

Accumulation and Analysis of Cuprous Ions in a Copper Sulfate Plating Solution
Published on: March 20, 2019
Life cycle contributions of copper from vessel painting and maintenance activities
Patrick J Earley1, Brandon L Swope, Katherine Barbeau
1a SPAWAR Systems Center Pacific , San Diego , CA , USA ;
Abstract:
Copper-based epoxy and ablative antifouling painted panels were exposed in natural seawater to evaluate environmental loading parameters. In situ loading factors including initial exposure, passive leaching, and surface refreshment were measured utilizing two protocols developed by the US Navy: the dome method and the in-water hull cleaning sampling method. Cleaning techniques investigated included a soft-pile carpet and a medium duty 3M(™) pad for fouling removal. Results show that the passive leach rates of copper peaked three days after both initial deployment and cleaning events (CEs), followed by a rapid decrease over about 15 days and a slow approach to asymptotic levels on approximately day 30. Additionally, copper was more bioavailable during a CE in comparison to the passive leaching that immediately followed. A paint life cycle model quantifying annual copper loading estimates for each paint and cleaning method based on a three-year cycle of painting, episodic cleaning, and passive leaching is presented.
More Related Videos
16:21Quantifying Fish Swimming Behavior in Response to Acute Exposure of Aqueous Copper Using Computer Assisted Video and Digital Image Analysis
Published on: February 26, 2016
13:34Generation of Scalable, Metallic High-Aspect Ratio Nanocomposites in a Biological Liquid Medium
Published on: July 8, 2015
Related Concept Videos
Corrosion
Electrodeposition
Electrodeposition can...
Microbes and Other Elemental Cycles
Microbial Leaching
Lifecycle of Erythrocytes
The resident phagocytic macrophages deal with these damaged cells by engulfing them and separating their globin and heme groups....
Corrosion of Reinforcement
However, over time and under certain conditions like carbonation, chloride ingress, and cracking this protective state can be compromised. Steel has areas with...