Question

UPSC Prelims 2022 Question:

“Biorock technology” is talked about in which one of the following situations?

1. Restoration of damaged coral reefs
2. Development of building materials using plant residues
3. Identification of areas for exploration/extraction of shale gas
4. Providing salt licks for wild animals in forests/protected areas

Answer (Detailed Solution Below)

Option 1: Restoration of damaged coral reefs

Detailed Solution

Explanation:

Biorock technology is an innovative process originally invented in 1976 to produce natural building materials in the sea. It is a unique method that allows coral reefs, and other marine ecosystems including seagrass, salt marsh, mangrove, and oyster reefs to survive and recover from damage caused by excessive nutrients, climate change, and physical destruction. It greatly increases the settlement, growth, survival, and resistance to stresses, including high temperature and pollution, of all marine organisms.

Uses of Biorock Technology

Biorock technology works by passing a low-voltage electrical current through seawater. This current causes the seawater to become slightly alkaline, which promotes the precipitation of calcium carbonate onto the steel structures. The calcium carbonate is deposited in a thin layer, which gradually builds up over time to form a thick, hard coating.
Biorock technology has a number of advantages over traditional coastal protection methods. Biorock structures are stronger and more durable than concrete structures, and they are also more resistant to erosion and corrosion. Biorock structures are also self-repairing, as the calcium carbonate coating is constantly being replenished.
Biorock technology is also beneficial for the marine environment. Biorock structures provide habitat for a wide variety of marine life, including fish, corals, and invertebrates.
Biorock reefs can also help to improve water quality by filtering pollutants out of the water.
Coastal protection: Biorock structures are being used to protect shorelines from erosion and storm damage.
Reef restoration: Biorock structures are being used to restore damaged coral reefs.
Aquaculture: Biorock structures are being used to create artificial reefs for aquaculture purposes.
Marine habitat restoration: Biorock structures are being used to create artificial habitats for marine life.

Therefore, option (1) is the correct answer.