Northwestern University researchers have discovered a method to create natural cement at beaches to prevent erosion by zapping sand with electricity. Technically speaking, they applied a mild electrical current that instantaneously changed the structure of marine sand, transforming it into a rock-like, immovable solid.
Building protection structures like sea walls, or injecting cement into the ground to strengthen marine substrates, are extremely expensive and do not last. Seawater already contains a host of ions and dissolved minerals, so when a mild electrical current (2 to 3 volts) is applied, it triggers chemical reactions, converting some of these constituents into solid calcium carbonate. The ultimate goal is to use this natural cement strategy for a lasting, inexpensive and sustainable solution for strengthening global coastlines.
- POWERFUL JBL ORIGINAL PRO SOUND: Feel your music. Flip 5's all new racetrack-shaped driver delivers bold JBL signature sound. Enjoy booming bass in a...
- PORTABLE DESIGN: Slip this little speaker onto your wrist and get grooving. Its durable fabric material and rugged rubber housing keep the Flip 5 safe...
- 12 HOURS OF PLAYTIME: Don't sweat the small stuff like charging your battery. Flip 5 gives you up to 12 hours of playtime. Keep the music going longer...
My aim was to develop an approach capable of changing the status quo in coastal protection — one that didn’t require the construction of protection structures and could cement marine substrates without using actual cement. By applying a mild electric stimulation to marine soils, we systematically and mechanistically proved that it is possible to cement them by turning naturally dissolved minerals in seawater into solid mineral binders — a natural cement,” said Northwestern’s Alessandro Rotta Loria, who led the study.
