Biofouling in natural and antropogenic areas

In the PROBLEU biofouling project, students from 3rd and 4th year secondary education engaged in practical activities to explore the impact of biofouling on marine ecosystems. One of the key activities was the installation of biofouling traps in a local marina, using recycled materials. These traps were placed in two distinct environments: one in an urbanized port and another in a more natural coastal zone. Over several weeks, students monitored the traps, collecting samples and recording the accumulation of marine species.

In the lab, students identified and quantified species from the collected samples using microscopes and hand lenses. They tracked changes in species diversity, growth rates, and the overall surface coverage of the traps. This helped them compare how different environmental factors, such as pollution and human activity, influenced the biofouling communities.

Additionally, students simulated primary and secondary succession in a controlled lab setting. By installing clean and pre-fouled plates, they observed how biofouling organisms colonized new surfaces versus already fouled ones. This experiment ran over a period of three months, during which students analyzed the differences in community structure and species growth.

To enhance their data analysis skills, students used spreadsheets to organize and interpret the data collected. They created graphs and tables to visualize the patterns observed in the field and lab, such as species composition and growth dynamics.

Finally, the students worked in groups to present their findings to peers and the broader school community. They created posters and presentations, explaining the significance of biofouling, its impact on marine biodiversity, and possible management solutions, allowing them to connect scientific knowledge with real-world environmental issues.