Innovative Material Can Mimic Coral and Boulder Reefs Properties

Abstract

Low-Voltage Mineral Deposition technology (LVMD), widely known as Biorock, has previously been suggested as support for coral reef restoration, as hypothesized high porosity, wide pore-size distribution and connectivity, and good strength properties may facilitate biological functions (for example larvae settlement) and durability. In this technology, very low voltage induces an electrical current that initiates precipitation and accretion of hard minerals (aragonite and calcite) on a metal in seawater. This technology has been discussed mainly for its biological value, while this paper wants to highlight also its engineering value as artificial reef material. Indeed, some of the properties that makes it valuable in one domain are also supporting its use in the other. Because the metal on which the precipitation takes place can be of any shape and size, so can the artificial reef and its mechanical strength characteristics are above the ones of corals and similar to concrete, indicating adequate durability. Coral and boulder reefs suffering from degradation have severe implications on biodiversity, protection from flooding, and cultural value and therefore understanding how to persevere and re-establish these ecosystems is central for sustainable intervention in the marine environment. By comparing chemical-physical characteristics of Coral Porites Exoskeleton (CPE), one typical reef building coral type, LVMD and High-Voltage Mineral Deposition (HVMD), we show that they possess highly similar properties including chemical composition, density, total porosity, pore-size distribution, physical and chemical heterogeneity, total and external surface areas, and comparable mechanical strength.

Mechanistic Insights into Electrodeposition in Seawater at Variable Electrochemical Potentials

“…The pH modulates the formation of soluble and insoluble mineral deposits. [ 22 ] Theoretically, calcite precipitates for pH ≥ 7.4, aragonite for pH ≥ 7.5, and brucite for pH ≥ 9.5. [ 13,26 ]…”

“…In the WRR regime, additional potential reaction pathways involve chlorine oxidation at the anode, as per Equations (13)(14)(15)(16)(17)(18)(19)(20)(21)(22). [35,41,42] Equations (13)(14)(15) are feasible in alkaline conditions, whereas Equations (16)(17)(18)(19)(20)(21)(22) are feasible in acidic conditions, especially at −1.6 V Ag/AgCl :…”

Teknologi Elektrolisis untuk Mempercepat Pembentukan Batu Kapur dalam Pertumbuhan Terumbu Karang

“…Program restorasi seperti terumbu karang transplantasi yang diterapkan untuk area yang rusak parah [12]. Teknologi lain yang dimanfaatkan untuk mempertahankan dan membangun kembali ekosistem laut berkelanjutan melalui Low-Voltage Mineral Desposition Technology (LVMD) dan High-Voltage Mineral Deposition (HVMD) [15]. Teknologi tersebut dinilai dapat merestorasi terumbu karang seperti porositas tinggi, distribusi ukuran pori yang luas dan konektivitas serta kekuatan yang baik dalam memfasiltiasi fungsi biologis serta daya tahannya.…”

“…Teknologi tersebut dinilai dapat merestorasi terumbu karang seperti porositas tinggi, distribusi ukuran pori yang luas dan konektivitas serta kekuatan yang baik dalam memfasiltiasi fungsi biologis serta daya tahannya. Tegangan arus yang sangat rendah dapat menginduksi arus listrik yang dimulai dengan penfendapan dan pertambahan mineral keras pada logam dalam air laut [15]. Teknologi tersebut sebagai langkah untuk mengatasi kerusakan terumbu karang yang membutuhkan waktu rehabilitasi sekitar 20-40 tahun [16].…”

Review of Structure Types and New Development Prospects of Artificial Reefs in China

“…Compared to traditional concrete, the ecological concrete, which has a better performance in terms of construction, viscosity, and mechanical properties, is more beneficial for the sustainable economic development and ecological environment. Many researchers have developed materials for new types of ecological concrete for artificial reefs, such as low alkalinity and high strength of concrete composed of cementitious materials and marine sand (Margheritini et al, 2021), concrete composed of polymer modified cementitious material with high porosity and permeability (Ly et al, 2021), concrete composed of steel and mineral slag (Wang et al, 2012), and concrete composed of aluminate cement, marine sand, and seawater (Xu et al, 2019). Different materials are required to achieve the best results for various target species of fish or aquatic organisms.…”