Biorock Process

Inspired by nature, the Biorock method takes a radically different approach to marine habitat restoration and shoreline protection than any other conventional or popular method. Unlike other approaches, Biorock initiates a process that literally creates an active eco-system existing in a state of constant flux.

Biorock, accretion, minera, sample, Gili, Meno, Indonesia, TPS, coral, restoration Different by design.

Powered by low voltage electrical currents the patented Biorock method induces the formation of a hard limestone coating onto steel surfaces by precipitating natural minerals found in seawater. The dissolved minerals crystallize onto segments of Biorock structures, "growing" a hard shell similar to the material that forms reefs, coral skeletons, mollusks  and makes tropical white sand beaches.

Biorock sample from Gili Meno, Indonesia
Photo: TPS

Due to the active nature of the process, every steel element of a Biorock structure is in a state of "growth" as minerial deposits accumulate at a controlled rate of up to 50mm per annum.

Biorock, steel, accretion, night, Malaysia, Tioman, MNS, coral, reef, restoration Philippines, biorock, mineral, accretion, coral, restoration, Mindoro, Philippines, Oriental
Accretion on Biorock after 1st night
Photo: TPS
Accretion 21 days. Oriental Mindoro, Ph.
Photo: R.Ingebo

Amazingly, Biorock structures are able to self-heal themselves! Preferentially channeling the formation of new material to damaged areas any breaks or cracks are quickly "Seamented" and sealed in. The resulting “growth” of new material insures that there is always a fresh surface layer of CaC03 forming on the entire structure.

Biorock, self-repair, accretion, mineral, Bali, Pemuteran, Indonesia, Morrow-Wuigk Morrow-Wuigk, Biorock, mineral, accretion, technology, restoration, Bali, Indonesia, coral
April 22, 2011 Pemuteran Bali, Indonesia
Photo: R.Morrow-Wuigk
March 25, 2012 Pemuteran Bali, Indonesia
Photo: R.Morrow-Wuigk

Functions of “growth”, accumulation of mass over time and self-repair are exclusive properties belonging to the Biorock process alone; these unique features help make Biorock the best investment solution for a number of marine applications.

accretion, sample, electron, microscope, biorock, coral, reef, restoration, medium, structure

The precipitated coating of material resembles the rigid skeletons naturally formed by marine organisms such as corals and mollusks. Studies have shown that coral larvae prefer to settle on clean limestone surfaces over any other naturally occurring or artificial construct.

Biorock projects can be powered by a wide range of electrical sources including renewable energy devices such as windmills, photovoltaic panels, tidal and wave current generators. Although generally a more expensive alternative, renewable energy power sources allow for the deployment of Biorock sites in areas where conventional electric power is unavailable.