3D printing to support coral reef growth
Researchers at KAUST in Saudi Arabia are exploring the use of 3D printing to provide support structures for coral reef restoration.
Coral reefs worldwide are suffering the effects of warming oceans and pollution. Current reef restoration efforts use concrete blocks or metal frames as substrates for coral growth. The resulting restoration is slow because corals deposit their carbonate skeleton at a rate of just millimetres per year.
“Coral microfragments grow more quickly on our printed or moulded calcium carbonate surfaces that we create for them to grow on, because they don’t need to build a limestone structure underneath,” said Hamed Albalawi, one of the study’s lead authors.
Whilst researchers have previously tested several approaches to printing coral support structures, most efforts have used synthetic materials, though work is being done to use hybrid materials.
The KAUST team developed and tested a new approach called 3D CoraPrint, which uses sustainable calcium carbonate photo-initiated (CCP) ink. Tests in aquariums have shown that CCP is non-toxic, researchers said, though they are planning longer-term tests.
Register now to continue reading
Thanks for visiting The Engineer. You’ve now reached your monthly limit of news stories. Register for free to unlock unlimited access to all of our news coverage, as well as premium content including opinion, in-depth features and special reports.
Benefits of registering
-
In-depth insights and coverage of key emerging trends
-
Unrestricted access to special reports throughout the year
-
Daily technology news delivered straight to your inbox
Fusion inches closer as ITER completes magnet system
I believe the purpose of ITER isn't to make usable power, it is a research project which will be used to design the first generation of actual...