Document of bibliographic reference 340010

BibliographicReference record

Type

Bibliographic resource

Type of document

Journal article

BibLvlCode

AS

Title

Effect of 3D printer enabled surface morphology and composition on coral growth in artificial reefs

Abstract

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to prove and qualify the influence of textured surface substrates morphology and chemical composition on the growth and propagation of transplanted corals. Use additive manufacturing and silicone moulds for converting three-dimensional samples into limestone mortar with white Portland cement substrates for coral growth.Design/methodology/approachTiles samples were designed and printed with different geometries and textures inspired by nature marine environment. Commercial coral frag tiles were analysed through scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to identify the main chemical elements. Raw materials and coral species were selected. New base substrates were manufactured and deployed into a closed-circuit aquarium to monitor the coral weekly evolution process and analyse the results obtained.FindingsExperimental results provided positive statistical parameters for future implementation tests, concluding that the intensity of textured surface, interfered favourably in the coralline algae biofilm growth. The chemical composition and design of the substrates were determinant factors for successful coral propagation. Recesses and cavities mimic the natural rocks aspect and promoted the presence and interaction of other species that favour the richness of the ecosystem.Originality/valueAdditive manufacturing provided an innovative method of production for ecology restoration areas, allowing rapid prototyping of substrates with high complexity morphologies, a critical and fundamental attribute to guarantee coral growth and Crustose Coralline Algae. The result of this study showed the feasibility of this approach using three-dimensional printing technologies.

WebOfScience code

https://www.webofscience.com/wos/woscc/full-record/WOS:000636407000001

Bibliographic citation

Matus, I.V.; Lino Alves, J.; Góis, J.; Barata da Rocha, A.; Neto, R.; Da Silva Mota, C. (2021). Effect of 3D printer enabled surface morphology and composition on coral growth in artificial reefs. Rapid Prototyping Journal 27(4): 692-706. https://dx.doi.org/10.1108/rpj-07-2020-0165

Topic

Marine

Is peer reviewed

true