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DEEP-OCEAN BIODETERIORATION OF MATERIALS-PART II. Six
months at 2,340 Feet, This is Part 11 of a series of reports on the
biological deterioration of materials in the deep ocean. It covers the data
obtained after exposing 2,385 specimens of 603 different materials for 6
months (197 days) on the Pacific Ocean floor at a depth of 2,340 feet (Test
Site 11). The materials were attached to a Submersible Test Unit (STU). The
STU was retrieved in December 1964 and returned to the Laboratory for test
and analysis. There were marine fouling organisms attached
to the plastic ropes, aluminum buoys, polyethylene-jacketed wire rope,
nickel-plated shackles, and on some metal test specimens. Most of the
plastic and all of the rope materials were covered with bacterial slime
growth. Wood panels, plastics, and Manila rope were attacked by marine
borers. Cotton and Manila rope specimens and jute-fiber burlap wrappings
were severely deteriorated by bacterial action. Metal, glass, natural and
butyl rubber, and some plastics with a smooth and extra hard surface were
not affected. The biological effects on materials recovered
from Test Site 11 are briefly compared with materials recovered from Test
Site 1.
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