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

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

Answer: (a) Restoration of damaged coral reefs

Notes:

  • The Zoological Survey of India (ZSI), with help from Gujarat’s forest department, is attempting for the first time a process to restore coral reefs using bio rock or mineral accretion technology. A bio rock structure was installed one nautical mile off the Mithapur coast in the Gulf of Kachchh.
    • Bio rock is the name given to the substance formed by electro accumulation of minerals dissolved in seawater on steel structures that are lowered onto the sea bed and are connected to a power source, in this case solar panels that float on the surface.
    • The technology works by passing a small amount of electrical current through electrodes in the water. When a positively charged anode and negatively charged cathode are placed on the sea floor, with an electric current flowing between them, calcium ions combine with carbonate ions and adhere to the structure (cathode). This results in calcium carbonate formation. Coral larvae adhere to the CaCO3 and grow quickly.

N-Treat technology

  • N-Treat is a seven-stage process for waste treatment that uses screens, gates, silt traps, curtains of coconut fibres for filtration, and disinfection using sodium hypochlorite.
  • According to the detailed project report for N-Treat, it is a natural and environment friendly way for sewage treatment.
  • It’s set up takes place within the nullah channels that is through the in-situ or on-site method of treatment, and does not require additional space.