Abstract

The use of electrified metals to aggregate carbonates has been shown to accelerate the growth of calcareous organ-isms, such as corals and oysters. This method accelerates coral growth up to 3 - 5 times relative to normal rates. The method includes installing a cathode and an anode in the electrolyte and applying an electrical current at a low voltage across the cathode and the anode to induce electrolysis. This method increases recruitment and enhances growth of calcareous organisms in the vicinity of the cathode. Pieces of rebar ranging from one inch to six inches were pre-weighed, then exposed to experimental conditions for 3 - 4 weeks. Final weights of rebar were collected, and SEM and photomicrographs were taken of each sample of these replicated experiments weekly. We evaluated voltage (intensity and type), and polarity to optimize conditions for carbonate accretion. Initial laboratory experiments established that direct current resulted in maximal weight increase in carbonates. A second laboratory experiment was used to deter-mine optimal voltage. Through the analysis of the growth trends and photographs of the lab structures, the best power source and voltage were chosen that result in 15 mm carbonate accretion over the study period. We built 3 - 4?x1? reefs and deployed these in Packery Channel, Corpus Christi Bay for 3 weeks to assess efficiency and growth rate in the field.

PDF Preview