PURPOSE: To obtain an antifouling agent for underwater noxious attaching organisms, comprising a carotenoid compound such as β-carotene as an active ingredient, having high safety, capable of exhibiting excellent antifouling effects and inhibiting only the attaching function thereof without killing the attaching organisms.
CONSTITUTION: The antifouling agent for underwater noxious attaching organisms comprises one or more carotenoid compounds of formula I (R1 is H or OH; R2 and R3 are both H or H and OH or R2 and R3 form =0; R4 is H or OH; R5 and R6 are both H or H and OH or R5 and R6 form =0), formula II (R7 is H or OH) and formula III (R, is H or OH) as an active ingredient. For example, astaxanthin, β-carotene, cryptoxanthin, zeaxanthin, tunaxanthin, lutein and canthaxanthin are cited as the carotenoid compounds. These carotenoid compounds may be used alone or two or more thereof may be mixed for use. This antifouling agent in an amount of about 5-20wt.% may be blended or as a solution in an amount of about 5-20wt.% may be blended for use.
KONYA KAZUMI
MIKI WATARU
