We are launching a Ph.D. research looking at the effect of salinity and temperate increase on the bioerosion rates in coral reefs in the northern Persian Gulf. In doing so, artificial and natural blocks will be submerged along a gradient of salinity and temperature where hypersaline water from the desalination plant discharges into the sea. We are planning to use two types of natural and artificial blocks including (1) natural blocks by segmenting dead massive corals (e.g., Platygyra sp.); and (2) artificial blocks made of carbonate calcium.
But wonder how to make artificial blocks that need to be identical to natural blocks in terms of porosity and texture. Can we use crushed dead corals that have been blocked by a glue? If yes? What type of glue?
Wondering if anyone has experience in making such artificial blocks.
Best regards
Mohammad
If I'm not wrong... to be comparable to other studies use a recipe of plaster/gypsum. Forget the porosity, it will be more important to have a standardised process for reference.
Ref.:
https://epdf.pub/current-developments-in-bioerosion.html
Article Water motion on coral reefs: evaluation of the 'clod card' technique
Fabricius & De'ath 1997
Dear Antonio,
Thanks very much for the papers and your note about using plaster/gypsum. We will take your recommendations into account.
Best regards
Mohammad
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