Electricity can “save” the coast

With around 40% of the world’s population living in coastal areas, coastal erosion is a pressing global issue. However, researchers from Northwestern University in the US have discovered that applying gentle electric currents to beach sand could create a natural, sustainable defence against the relentless onslaught of waves and rising sea levels.

Erosion along Australia's Gold Coast

According to the results of the study, recently published on StudyFinds, applying an electric current to seawater-saturated sand leads to the formation of mineral deposits that bind the sand grains together. Lower voltages (2.0-3.0V) mainly produce calcium carbonate, while higher voltages (4.0V) facilitate the formation of magnesium hydroxide and hydromagnesite. The treated sand showed a significant increase in strength, with some samples becoming as hard as young concrete.

The process also significantly reduces the permeability of the sand, making it more water-resistant. While the study has some limitations, it does introduce a new approach to mitigating coastal erosion that could be more sustainable, cost-effective, and adaptable than traditional methods.

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Source: https://www.sggp.org.vn/dien-co-the-cuu-bo-bien-post756005.html