Eurofins Regulatory Science Services is a global leader in antifouling paint release testing, which determines the release rate of biocides from marine paint coatings.

These biocide coatings are designed to protect the hulls of sea-going vessels against biofouling that can significantly reduce a vessel’s performance. The rate of biocide release controls the effectiveness and longevity of the coating, and release rate data allows for assessment of the coating’s performance and any potential risks to non-target aquatic organisms.

Eurofins scientists have been actively involved in the development and validation of ASTM (particularly ASTM D 6903-07 and D 6442-06) as well as ISO test methods. In addition, we continually strive to improve our test system design to maximize efficiency and minimize variability.

Eurofins RSS offers in-house antifouling paint release testing services, including the preparation of coated cylinders for exposure to seawater for periods of up to several months under controlled, standardized conditions. The skilled collection and preparation of seawater samples from custom test systems, followed by analysis of biocide concentrations, is critical to the accurate determination of biocide release rates.

Our analytical chemists have validated methods for the determination of all inorganic, organic, and organometallic biocides currently used in antifouling paints, with limits of quantitation as low as sub-parts per billion (ppb). In addition, our scientific experts have analyzed thousands of samples from antifouling paint release testing studies. All our antifouling paint release testing is conducted following sponsor-approved study protocols and performed in strict adherence to Good Laboratory Practices (GLP).