Cathodic electrochemical process for preventing or retarding microbial and calcareous fouling

Abstract

This invention relates to a method for preventing or retarding microbial or calcareous fouling of a conducting or semi-conducting surface in an aqueous environment. This method produces an effective concentration of hydrogen peroxide at or near the surface to be protected by applying a sufficient cathodic voltage and a sufficient cathodic current to electrochemically generate an effective concentration of hydrogen peroxide. This effective concentration is preferably produced at very low current densities, i.e., at densities of less than about 100 microamperes per square centimeter. This effective concentration is further preferably produced at cathodic voltages less than that required to generate hydrogen gas at the cathode.