The United Arab Emirates | Developing a Special Bio - Adhesive for Coral Reef Restoration

The United Arab Emirates after accurate studies led by a team of researchers based in Fujirah, the seventh - largest city in the UAE, located on the Gulf of Oman, the only Emirati capital city on the United Arab Emirates’ east coast is developing  a special bio - adhesive for coral reef restoration as reported by Enirates News Agency (WAM).  

The researchers are working on a coral restoration project using technology inspired by nature which operates on the same principle that enables mussels to cling to rocks in harsh marine conditions. 

The bio - adhesive, named Sea Tak is non - toxic,  demonstrates strength, flexibility, and precise underwater fixation, allowing corals to be attached safely and effectively. 

According to the researchers, this new technology enables divers and scientists to accelerate coral planting, reduce losses, and increase the efficiency of underwater work. It is noted that this will contribute to expanding the scale of environmental projects and preserving marine biodiversity.

The project leaders emphasised that the new technology demonstrates humanity’s ability to adapt natural mechanism to address environmental challenges.

Researchers also developed a conductive hardening bicomponent paste made from bio - based, biodegradable acrylate soybean oil and graphene nanoplatelets, it hardens when mixed, providing a solid substrate for coral growth.

This new conductive can be used with mineral accretion technology (MAT), a method that uses low - voltage electricity to promote the growth of minerals onto steel structures submerged in seawater. This process, also known as Biorock technology, mimics natural processes and significantly accelerates the growth of coral reefs, making them more resilient to environmental stresses like bleaching.

The adhesive can also be used in aquariums, nurseries and directly on reefs to support coral recovery  from damage caused by factors like climate change.

Link 

https://tvbrics.com/en/news/uae-develops-bio-adhesive-for-coral-reef-restoration/