Researchers Are Trying To Save The Great Barrier Reef By Electrocuting It

In something that seems out of a sci-fi movie, an environmental group is looking to repair the Great Barrier Reef in Australia by using electricity to accelerate coral growth. As first reported by New Scientist , the group will be using a method called Reef Ecologic and will conduct a test trial to see if the technique will work. The technology uses steel frames and passing electricity through them to stimulate the growth of coral. This is not the first time the technology has been used as the Caribbean, Indian Ocean, and South Easia Asia Sea has all seen electrical stimulation to boost coral health. The low-voltage direct current interacts with the minerals in the seawater and causes solid limestone to grow on the structure. The technology calls on the principles of electrolysis, where the electric current causes a chemical reaction to occur which wouldn’t happen without the added boost. The first trial is already taking place along the Great Barrier Reef around 60 miles north of Cairns. This area was one of the most negatively impacted by coral bleaching in 2016 and 2017 where more than 50% of reef was lost. The death of the coral comes from […]

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