- Biorock Technology is employed for the conservation of coral reefs by creating underwater structures resembling rocks.
- This method involves passing seawater through a low-voltage electric current.
- The process leads to the formation and deposition of crystalline salts of minerals dissolved in water.
- The deposited crystals, predominantly composed of calcium carbonate, build a structure on the seabed that closely resembles naturally formed coral reefs.
IN NEWS
The Zoological Survey of India (ZSI), in collaboration with Gujarat’s forest department, is embarking on an innovative initiative to restore coral reefs for the first time. This effort involves employing biorock or mineral accretion technology as part of the restoration process.
BIOROCK TECH – MECHANISM
- ‘Biorock Technology’ is a method that involves the application of safe, low-voltage electrical currents through seawater.
- This process induces the crystallization of dissolved minerals on structures, resulting in the growth of a white limestone (CaCO3) substance.
- This substance closely resembles the composition of natural coral reefs and tropical white sand beaches.
- Commonly known as Seacrete or Seament, Biorock is the product formed by the electro-accumulation of minerals dissolved in seawater.
- The material generated through this method possesses a strength comparable to concrete, making it suitable for creating durable artificial reefs.
- Corals exhibit accelerated growth rates when attached to these biorock structures, with fragments of broken corals experiencing growth four to six times faster than their usual rate.
- This rapid growth is facilitated as corals no longer need to expend energy constructing their calcium carbonate skeletons.
- Furthermore, ‘Biorock Technology’ provides assistance to corals, including highly sensitive branching corals, in mitigating the threats posed by global warming.
- The technology contributes to the overall resilience of coral ecosystems by offering a supportive environment for their growth and development.
FUNCTIONING OF TECHNOLOGY
- The functioning of the technology involves the passage of a small electrical current through electrodes submerged in water.
- Placing a positively charged anode and a negatively charged cathode on the seafloor, with an electric current flowing between them, leads to the combination of calcium ions with carbonate ions.
- This combination results in the adherence of these ions to the cathode structure, ultimately forming calcium carbonate (CaCO3).
- The calcium carbonate created in this process becomes a substrate to which coral larvae adhere, promoting their rapid growth.
- Biorock projects have the flexibility to be powered by various electrical sources, including renewable energy options such as windmills, photovoltaic solar panels, and tidal current generators.
- This adaptability allows for the construction of these projects in areas where conventional electric power is unavailable.
- The mineral accretion process, integral to Biorock technology, was initially developed by architect Wolf Hilbertz in 1976 as a means of creating alternative construction materials.
- Subsequently, Wolf Hilbertz and Tom Goreau of the Global Coral Reef Alliance further developed its application for the restoration of coral reefs and shoreline protection.
FAQs – BIOROCK TECHNOLOGY FOR CORAL RESTORATION
1. What is Biorock Technology, and how is it used for coral restoration?
A: Biorock Technology involves the creation of underwater structures resembling rocks to preserve coral reefs. Seawater is passed through a low-voltage electric current, leading to the formation of crystalline salts of minerals, predominantly calcium carbonate. These crystals build structures on the seabed, mimicking natural coral reefs.
2. Why is Biorock Technology in the news, and how is it being employed in India?
A: The Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) is collaborating with Gujarat’s forest department to restore coral reefs for the first time, utilizing biorock or mineral accretion technology.
3. How does Biorock Technology function at a mechanistic level?
A: Biorock Technology applies safe, low-voltage electrical currents through seawater, causing dissolved minerals to crystallize on structures, forming a white limestone (CaCO3) substance. This substance mirrors the composition of natural coral reefs.
4. What is Seacrete or Seament, and how is it related to Biorock?
A: Seacrete or Seament refers to the substance formed by the electro-accumulation of minerals dissolved in seawater, a product of Biorock Technology. It has a concrete-like strength and is used to create durable artificial reefs.
5. How does Biorock contribute to accelerated coral growth?
A: Corals attached to Biorock structures experience growth rates four to six times faster than their usual rate, as they are relieved from constructing their calcium carbonate skeletons.
6. How does Biorock Technology assist corals in countering the threats of global warming?
A: Biorock provides a supportive environment for corals’ growth, enhancing their resilience against the impacts of global warming and contributing to the overall health of coral ecosystems.
7. What is the process involved in Biorock’s functioning?
A: The technology passes a small electrical current through electrodes in the water, resulting in the combination of calcium ions with carbonate ions. This process leads to the formation of calcium carbonate, to which coral larvae adhere, promoting rapid growth.
8. How can Biorock projects be powered, and where can they be constructed?
A: Biorock projects can be powered by various sources, including renewable energy like windmills, photovoltaic solar panels, and tidal current generators. This flexibility allows construction in areas where conventional electric power is unavailable.
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