BIODETERIORATION OF COASTAL CONCRETE STRUCTURES BY MACRO ALGAE - ULVA FASCIATA

Puducherry is a coastal region in India where the growth of Ulva fasciata (Delile) is very abundant on all marine structures. Though the detrimental effect of this macro algae U. fasciata is a secondary one, its effect has to be investigated. To know its effect, the basic mechanism by which U. fasciata deteriorates concrete structures has been highlighted. To ascertain its detrimental effect on coastal concrete structures, M20 grade concrete cubes were casted and immersed in the coastal area where there is abundant growth of U. fasciata. In addition laboratory simulation has been carried out. Concrete samples collected from the coastal area and from the laboratory were analyzed by SEM, EDX and XRD to establish the degree of deterioration done by marine algae on concrete surface. The result showed that there is sustainable effect by the marine algae on the concrete surface.