[Coral-List] Mineral Accretion/ Biorock (Dennis Hubbard)

[dmbaker]

To follow on Dennis’ comment: the papers I have seen on bio rock have lacked proper controls.

There was no comparison of corals on bio rock vs. corals on natural substrates.

There was no use of an unnelectrified bio rock framework to refute the hypothesis that elevation in the water column was a factor in coral growth and health.

There are many impressive photos of corals on bio rock nurseries but fewer rigorous studies of their performance. Some works have reported that skeletal density is reduced.

Moreover, the electrolysis process can form a number of strong acids which could have small-scale effects (though likely rapidly diluted in seawater).

Interesting comment on the rapid dissolution once electricity ceases.

—Dave


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
David M. Baker, Ph.D.
Associate Professor
The University of Hong Kong
The Swire Institute of Marine Science
School of Biological Sciences
Kadoorie Biological Sciences Building 6S-14
Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong, PRC

dmbaker at hku.hk<mailto:dmbaker at hku.hk>

www.thelifeisotopic.com<http://www.thelifeisotopic.com>