• Biorock technology is used to protect coral reefs by building rock-like materials beneath the ocean. It is the process in which a very low voltage electric current is applied through the seawater. This causes the deposition of crystalline salts of minerals dissolved in water. The deposited crystals are mostly in the form of calcium carbonate that builds a certain structure on the waterbed similar to the naturally produced coral reefs. The formed structure is called bio rock which is very strong and long-lasting that provides suitable habitat to corals.
• The corals stick to the Biorock where they can grow much faster than the actual growth using their structure. This technology is used to build up calcium carbonate structures in the sea to strengthen the coral reefs and allow sensitive corals to grow without being endangered by the effect of pollution and global warming.

Process of BioRock Formation:

• In this process, a low voltage electric current is passed between a positively charged anode and a negatively charged cathode placed in the seawater. This results in the electrolysis of saline water generating calcium ions and carbonate ions that adhere to the cathode forming a layer of calcium carbonate. It is applied in the region of coral reefs and sandy beaches where the calcination forms new structures and coral larvae attach to them and grow rapidly. Different marine species needs habitat of different size and shapes so Biorock structure can be made in different forms to help the survival and growth of different species including corals, seagrass, oyster, and other marine ecosystems.

Features of Biorock:

Biorock technology produces marine structures that are very hard and sustainable. It also becomes harder and stronger with time. It is more durable than any other underwater construction that suffers decay with time and needs repairing or replacement. But bio rock has a unique feature of self-repairing which means any damaged or broken part grows back to retain the structure. Biorock formations grow in height over time, allowing corals and oysters to grow on them rapidly. It also helps in shore protection and prevents islands from getting submerged considering the rise in sea level. Biorock structures allow cost savings as they are much cheaper to build than other concrete or rock structures. They can be restructured by adding materials as per the changing needs. Biorock has been effectively utilized to achieve desired results much faster and at a low cost.

• The idea of BioRock technology was first developed by architect Mr. Wolf Hilbertz in 1976 in an attempt to prepare alternative construction materials. 
• Biorock structures can grow vertically at a rate of about 20 mm in a year.
• A bedrock reef in the Maldives helped to create a beach behind it which was earlier collapsed by sea waves. The new beach is 15 meters wide and has remained stable for more than 15 years.
• Biorock structures allow the growth of coral 2-5 times faster than in its natural condition.
• Indonesia has the world’s largest coral regeneration project where Biorock has been used.

Applications of Biorock

A. Coral Reef Preservation:

Biorock technology facilitates the survival and growth of coral reefs by providing suitable habitats and improving resistance to environmental pollution. They help certain marine species to recover from damage and grow at a faster rate. The Biorock process creates the ideal conditions for different forms of marine life that are under threat of climate change and environmental pollution. Corals growing on Biorock reefs have better chances of survival as compared to other areas.

B. Protecting Marine Construction:

The advantage of Biorock is in repairing cracks and damages by filling with cement-like hard limestone or calcium carbonate. It has useful applications in reinforcing steel and concrete structures in the waterbed. Structures that need to be replaced due to deterioration can be repaired by the Bedrock process at a much less cost. The Biorock technology internally repairs and permanently addresses rusting problems of the steel structures. Even wooden structures can be protected by Biorock treatment.

C. Preventing Shore Erosion:

Biorock structures are used as breakwaters that slow down heavy water waves using the force of friction. This helps in shore protection as the waves pass through these structures with less force and avoid erosion of shores. These constructions prevent waves from continuously washing away sand and damaging sea shores. Biorock breakwaters don’t decay over time and become harder and stronger.

D. Sustaining Marine Lives:

Biorock technology is used to prepare specially designed structures that favour the survival, growth, and healthy living conditions for various marine species. Biorock systems provide new ways of sustainable aquaculture by providing suitable habitats and food for fishes, lobsters, and other marine creatures. 

Biorock technology is a cost-effective solution for building marine constructions that remains stable even under difficult weathering conditions and resist damage, unlike other concrete constructions. These Biorock structures can be built up in suitable designs that meet specific requirements like coral conservation, preventing beach erosion, protecting marine species, and building reinforced structures for long-term sustainability.