The January 17 issue of “Australian Doctor” told of the use of electricity to create a base that coral could grow on. Dr Karl Kruszenelnicki’s “Wierd Science” column tells how magnesium and calcium-based minerals build up when electricity is passed through sea water. A layer of minerals 20cm thick took three years to build up. These acted as a base for corals and other animals to attach to. This mineral accumulation works on old cars, seals off potential toxins and heavy metals, and attracts fish. It is thought that the mineral build up could be harvested as a cheap alternative to concrete blocks. Dr K is the Julius Sumner Miller Fellow at the University of Sydney.
By David Muirhead
David is a long-serving member of the Marine Life Society of South Australia. He has dived and snorkeled in South Australian waters for around five decades and has a particular interest in bony fishes. David has made the greatest single contribution to the society's Photo Index of local marine species.