The Queen's Steps will have artificial reefs to regenerate the seabed

The artificial coral reefs of the University of Alicante will be moved to the Queen's Steps. The change of location comes after showing, for two years, the effectiveness of these structures with electrolytic technology in the city's Port. This way, they will help mitigate the impact of organic load in the area's waters.

These lightweight metal structures with porous calcareous coating have been developed by a multidisciplinary group of researchers from the academic institution. This material promotes the adhesion of organisms such as marine invertebrate larvae and algae spores, allowing the process of electrolysis, that is, decomposing water into oxygen and hydrogen by means of an electric current.

During the process, harmless chemical substances for the marine habitat are released into the environment that promote the deposition of calcium carbonate and the development of phytoplankton, detailed the researchers. Thus, UA's artificial reefs allow regenerating the seabed through habitat restoration and water purification, as well as coastal protection.

The city of Alicante is a pioneer in using tropical reefs in Spain, thanks to the collaboration between UA and the Port which has been recognized by the 'Ports 4.0' fund for its innovative solutions to the port community value chain. These structures are also used in tropical seas with degraded areas.

Researchers from this multidisciplinary group clarify that with these electrolytic artificial reefs "a greater diversity of marine species is achieved". Additionally, the large volume of the structure creates spaces that facilitate protection and development for numerous organisms. Another innovative aspect is that these underwater structures can have any geometric shape, like those developed by UA in fish form.

Studies conducted by UA researchers confirm that the system does not release any contaminant or toxic substance into the marine environment and both during manufacturing and service life, it contributes to CO2 fixation.

This technology is registered with the Spanish Patent and Trademark Office under the title 'System for forming artificial reefs and underwater structures with calcareous coating induced by electrolysis' and international intellectual property extension has been requested.