About This Project

This study examines the effectiveness of Biorock, a biomimicry solution typically used for the physical protection of coastal infrastructure from wave action, as a carbon sequestration method. Biorock is a mineral deposition product with a lower carbon footprint than, and equivalent in strength to, traditional concrete or quarried rock solutions. This study may find that as well as reducing the carbon impact of cement production in coastal protection, it can act as a CO2 sink for coastal waters.

Ask the Scientists

What is the context of this research?

Biorock is an synthetic, concrete-like material which is commonly produced for artificial reefs and coastal protection/regeneration. Unfortunately, the current conditions that form Biorock for artificial reefs results in the emission of CO2 into the atmosphere. By changing the conditions, Biorock can theoretically result in ocean-based CO2 absorption and its products can be incorporated into concrete and cement alternatives, reducing the carbon impact of the cement industry, as well as other forms of carbon sequestration.

What is the significance of this project?

Most shoreline protection methods involve using breakwaters and wave barriers made from cement products, whose industry is classified as the third largest industrial polluter by the EPA, which have been known to increase localized erosion or unwanted deposition (Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania, n.d.). Using carbon neutral or negative alternatives can reduce the environmental impact associated with the production of these materials as well as have been shown to regenerate coastal areas, reversing years of erosion as per the Global Coral Reef Alliance's studies. Also, as opposed to concrete which has to be replaced upon damage, Thomas Goreau shows that Biorock has the capability of self-regeneration which effectively eliminates the need for replacement.

What are the goals of the project?

The goals of this project are to quantitatively evaluate the technical effectiveness, carbon sequestering potential and use as habitat by temperate ocean marine organisms of Biorock structures. This would be done in a multi-phase process beginning with small-scale, in-lab pilot testing monitoring the carbon sequestration potential of Biorock formation at different rates, followed by a field study in a coastal region to assess its effectiveness for shoreline protection and marine habitat fostering. The series of testing would ideally operate until the end of December 2023.