“Biorock technology” is talked about in which one of the following situations?
ARestoration of damaged coral reefs
BDevelopment of building materials using plant residues
CIdentification of areas for exploration/extraction of shale gas
DProviding salt licks for wild animals in forests/protected areas
Answer & Solution
Correct answer: A. Restoration of damaged coral reefs
Answer: A. Biorock technology is used for the RESTORATION OF DAMAGED CORAL REEFS.
BIOROCK (also called MINERAL ACCRETION TECHNOLOGY) is a process developed by Wolf Hilbertz and Thomas Goreau in the 1970s-80s. A low-voltage direct current (powered by solar/wind) is passed through a steel structure submerged in seawater. The electric current causes minerals (calcium carbonate, brucite) dissolved in seawater to PRECIPITATE on the steel, gradually coating it in limestone, the same material coral skeletons are made of.
Coral fragments transplanted onto Biorock structures grow 3-5 times faster than on natural substrate, are more resilient to bleaching, and tolerate higher temperatures. Used in India at sites in Gulf of Kachchh (Gujarat), Lakshadweep, Andaman & Nicobar.
Distractors fail:
(B) Plant residue building materials = biocomposites, not biorock.
(C) Shale gas exploration = seismic surveys.
(D) Salt licks = passive mineral blocks for wildlife.
Source: Indian Coral Reef Monitoring Network / Global Coral Reef Alliance.
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