Constructing an Artificial Reef with Direct Current
A test series in the bay of Tensing Pen (Jamaica) is the largest research lab for artificial reefs.
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| Jamaica DC Current Project |
At present scientists operate on a procedure to let artificial reefs grow by a type electrolysis. A power DC source
connected via long cables are attached at the artificial reef, usually constituting a simple metal lattice construction.
The current causes that calcium-carbonate (lime) separated from the sea water settles on it and laminates the lattice, which
is immediately followed by a natural settlement of corals.
At the anode, the positive pole oxygen and chlorine are
separated, enriched at the negative pole, the cathode, calcium carbonate and magnesium - a new corral reef can develop.
The current comes in this separated area from solar cells. Coral growth achieved by the new method not only is faster but
result also in more resistant colonies. The corals prosper even with bad water quality, if natural reefs already die.
The most interesting discovery of the scientists was however the effect of weak current on the polyps themselves. They
current led directly to diseased corals resulted in a quick recovery of already bleached stocks within only few days.
This new technique uses for the first time the almost unlimited occurrence of dissolved minerals in the sea. If one wants to
deposit these minerals on the metal lattice, one needs only current - for example from solar power.
Meanwhile, also the industry is beginning to show interests for this new method. First industrial applications included the
construction of breakwater systems in tropical regions to protect the shorelines, dock areas, and harbor sites.
(info and pictures supplied by Maricela Yip)http://biophysics.sbg.ac.at/ar/reef.htm Salzburg, Nov 22nd 1998 Being in the electrical field for 28 years this article sparked my attention. My training in the trade was that electricity and water was not good partners. But here we are speaking about D.C. current coming from solar panels. Below is an example another type of artificial reef maybe a reef ball or a memorial mount.
Almost every type of scrap or discarded object has been used to construct reefs.
| Type | Life time | Recommended |
| cars and streetcars | » 6 years | No, they are subject to corrosion to debris |
| wooden materials | < 1-6 years | No, they collapse even sooner from wave surge and destruction by marine borers. |
| household appliances (stoves, refrigerators and freezers) | » 6 years | Not recommended because they are buoyant and difficult to sink and keep in place |
| tires, rock, concrete rubble and others | Very durable | Not recommended because they are difficult to keep in place |
| ships, barges, dry docks, culverts, toilet bowls, trees, bricks prefabricated shelters and artificial seaweed | Varies | Yes |
I wonder if this is something you could try on a small scale in the lab?
ReplyDeleteI want to apologize if I misled anyone with my article this week. I copy and pasted my article. If you look closely I gave credit to the author. I was not able to upload the link. there was no intention on my part to deceive anyone. I am dealing with a family emergency and I was trying to work through the week!
ReplyDeleteThank you,
Richard