NEW STUDY. From Northwestern University on August 22nd, 2024.
Thanks to John Ullom for sending me article links to the latest in electrodeposition science. As Coastside Buzz covers both the Princeton Harbor Army Corp CAP 111 Shoreline Mitigation and the Surfer’s Beach Dredge and Sand Replenishment Project, it is clear that Sea Level Rise Erosion mitigation science is evolving and construction costs for grant hunting, permitting and construction are exorbitant. This may be another solution as it is cheap, proven and undoable (you can remove the electric effect and sand will return to normal) ~ Michelle Dragony, Chief Buzz Officer
Original Northwestern University Study
From Northwestern University‘s Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering Department’s Subsurface Opportunities and Innovation Laboratory – SOIL: “Electrodeposition of calcareous cement from seawater in marine silica sands”, published August 22nd, 2024.
Andony Landivar Macias, Steven D. Jacobsen & Alessandro F. Rotta Loria
Communications Earth & Environment volume 5, Article number: 442 (2024)
Abstract
The erosion of marine sediments is a pressing issue for coastal areas worldwide. Established methods to mitigate coastal erosion fail to provide lasting and sustainable solutions to protect marine ecosystems. Here we demonstrate the application of mild electrical stimulations to precipitate calcareous mineral binders from seawater in the pores of marine soils via electrodeposition, an alternative approach to mitigating coastal erosion. Results of electrochemical laboratory experiments unveil that the polymorphs, precipitation sites, intrusion mechanisms, and effects of electrodeposited minerals in marine sands vary as a function of the magnitude and duration of applied voltage, soil relative density, and electrolyte ionic concentration. Surprisingly, in addition to the precipitation of calcium carbonate and magnesium hydroxide, the formation of hydromagnesite is also observed due to electrically driven fluctuations in the local . These electrodeposits lead to enhanced mechanical and hydraulic properties of the marine sands, indicating that electrodeposition routes could be developed to reinforce marine soils in coastal areas that more closely mimic natural systems. >> READ FULL STUDY
Other Articles
“How electrified beaches could save our shores from devastating erosion” from Study Finds on August 24th, 2024. This article summarizes the Northwestern Study and the process of electrodeposition and what will be required to scale up.
“Saving our coasts: Cementing beach sand with electricity may help prevent erosion” from Ceramic Tech Today on October 8th, 2024. This article includes the long history of electrically induced soil stabilization which started in the mid-1800s.
“New study suggests electrified sand could be a game changer for battling coastal erosion” from Courthouse News Service on October 22nd, 2024. “The applications of this approach are countless,” Rotta Loria said. “We can use it to strengthen the seabed beneath sea walls or stabilize sand dunes and retain unstable soil slopes. We could also use it to strengthen protection structures, marine foundations and so many other things. There are many ways to apply this to protect coastal areas.” Northwestern professor Alessandro Rotta Loria, Leader of the Study.
Author: mdrag
x
