Hilbertz et al. [54 Method of enhancing the growth of aquatic organisms, and structures created thereby us005543034A buy Patent Number: 5,543,034
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Mẫu-giấy-thi, US5543034
| (ATP) production. ATP is a nucleotide that is of fundamental importance as a carrier of chemical energy in all living organisms. It consists of
50 adenine linked to D-ribose (adenosine); the D-ribose com- ponent bears three phosphate groups, linearly linked together by covalent bonds. These bonds can undergo hydrolysis to yield either a molecule of ADP (adenosine diphosphate) and inorganic phosphate or a molecule of AMP 55 (adenosine monophosphate) and pyrophosphate. Both these reactions yield a large amount of energy (about 30.6 W mol*') that is used to bring about such biological processes as muscle contraction, the active transport of ions and molecules across cell membranes, and the synthesis of 60 biomolecules. The reactions bringing about these processes often involve the enzyme-catalyzed transfer of the phos- phate group to intermediate substrates. Most ATP-mediated reactions require Mg2 ions as cofactors. ATP is regenerated by the rephosphorylation of AMP and ADP using the chemi- 65 cal energy obtained from the oxidation of food. This takes place during glycolysis and the Krebs cycle but, most significantly, is also a result of the reduction-oxidation reactions of the electron transport chain, which ultimately rcduccs molecular oxygen to water (oxidative phosphoryla- tion). (see: Concise Science Dictionary, Oxford University Press, Oxford, 1988). The aforementioned conditions and processes in accor- dance with the present invention preferentially select for enhanced growth of the limestone depositing organisms typical of the coral reef ecological community in compari- son to the non-limestone skeleton depositing organisms typical of stressed or polluted conditions a8ecting reefs as wc11 as shore defence structures and mariculture facilities. C. Accrcted substrate, re-applied substrate, chemical changes, growth of organisms and structures. To illustrate the use of substrate and altered chemical conditions in the substrate and the electrolyte for accelerated and regular growth of organisms to produce useful struc- tures, devices, and installations, examples involving an artificial reef, a coastal defence structure, a device for shellfish cultivation, and a specimen for use in aquaria or for seeding purposes in other arcas will be described. As used herein, “substrate” refers to a nonstructural or structural material, which accrctes on the cathode. It serves to anchor sessile organisms, or provides a surface to rest on, walk on, or cling to. “Substrate” also refers to accreted material which has been taken from a cathode, plasticized, its chemical composition altered, and is reapplied to a cathode. “Substratc” also refers to a mainly calcareous material which provides the natural mineral layer for settlement and growth of organisms which deposit skeletons or shells made of limestone, or which are in part composed of limestone. High pH and high electron conditions are produced at the cathode. Alkaline conditions convert dissolved sea water bicarbonate ions into carbonate ions, thereby causing super- saturation of calcium carbonate, resulting in the deposition of limestone minerals (aragonite and calcite, containing magnesium). Organisms which grow limestone skeletons or shells are more efficient at their formation because less metabolic energy is needed to create the right alkaline conditions at the site of growth. Also, the inventors consider that the same organisms, but equally those without limestone skeletons or shells, may grow faster in or on the substrate or in the vicinity of the cathode because additional electrons are made available to provide energy to cells through the biochemical electron transport chain, increasing the organisms’ metabolic effi- ciency since less organic matter needs to be oxidized in order to provide electrons to furnish biochemical energy for ATP production. Also, in accordance with the invention, all kinds of organisms on the substrate or in the vicinity of the cathode may be more efficient at uptake and internal transport of essential dissolved cations such as calcium, magnesium, and other dissolved elements because of the increased availabil- ity of electrons for co-transport or counter-transport across cell membranes. These described conditions, together with the substrate, generate a dynamic growing limestone structure which is capable of forming an ecosystem, of serving as a coastal defence structure, of providing live marine organisms for aquaria and depleted or destroyed marine habitats, of pro- viding sand for beach renourishment, primarily through the rapid growth and breakup of calcareous algae, and of effecting higher yields in mariculture, or culture of organ- isms in containers or tanks. According to the invention, these structures can cement themselves to the sea iloor are fastened to the sea floor by bolts or pegs; or are ballasted by materials like rocks or stones, or bags filled with sand or other materials. The elevation of the structures and the food provided by 5 the limestone skeleton depositing community provides a preferred shelter for free-swimming organisms such as fish, squid etc. Because the generation of the substrate and the electro- chemical conditions brought about thereby are more similar 10 to a growing natural reef than any other form of artificial reef, it is the most suitable process to construct, restore, repair, and maintain reefs. According to one aspect of the invention, all types of reefs, atolls, barrier reefs, fringing reefs, and patch reefs can 15 be mitigated. Furthermore, according to another aspect of the present invention, reefs can be established in areas where natural reefs did not exist before. Structures can be situated and grown so as to form a 20 hydraulic relief system to absorb the energy of ocean cur- rents and waves. The erosive and destructive energy of a roller at Bikini, for instance, is estimated to be about 500,000 hp. A relatively small artificial reef, as described herein, could absorb most of this energy. 25 If the cathode material does not consist of relatively corrosion-resistant substances (titanium, titanium/mixed metal oxides, carbon, graphite), but, for instance, materials like iron or steel, being galvanized or not, corrosion occurs when electricity is cut off, although accreted minerals 30 around the former cathode maintain for some time alkaline conditions which inhibit oxidation and limit the access of oxygen to the former cathode. When cathodic protection has ceased, oxidation will take place, which can endanger the structural integrity of the reef or other structures and 35 devices. Therefore, according to one aspect of the present invention, an elcctrica1 current can be re-established between the electrodes to re-form the original cathodic material from oxidation products, and to provide again alkaline conditions in the accreted mineral layer. Further- 40 more, the stimulation of marine life in the vicinity of the cathode takes place again. In preferred embodiments of the invention, the anode is situated close to the cathode in order to minimize electrical losses due to the resistance of the electrolyte. However, 45 hydrochloric acid generated at the anode has to be kept from reaching the cathode. Acidic conditions inhibit the growth of aquatic organisms. According to locally prevailing conditions like ocean current and wave patterns, the anode can be bottom-mounted or 50 suspended in the water column, depending also on the desired thickness and composition of the substrate. The anode is preferably located so that any substantial water flows occur from the cathode towards the anode, and not vice versa, in order to mimimize passage of acidic electro- 55 lyte (containing hydrochloric acid in ionic or dissociated form) from the anode to the cathode. Preferably the anode is located above or beside the cathode. When the cathode comprises a structure which encloses a space, the anode should not be located inside that space. 60 “Electrical power supply” implies the provision of the electrodes with direct current from power nets using trans- formers or, according to a preferred aspect of the invention, with electrical current from photovaltaic devices, wind- driven installations, or other energy sources. 65 The DC power range applied to the electrodes is between 0.001 W and 4000 W per square meter cathode metal surface. The current density may suitably be in the range 0.1—30 amperes per square meter cathode metal area. Volt- age is preferably low e.g. above 1.2 volts, preferably in the range 3-15 volts, more preferably 6—12 volts. In performing the invention, there may be periods while no electricity is supplied to the reefs, structures, and devices. Also, electricity can be applied in an intermittent or pulsed manner, preferably at a higher current so that the wattage achieved over a certain time period is generally equivalent to that of a steady current over the same period. FIG. S depicts a sectional view of a rack utilized for cultivation of oyster, mussel, or other shellfish 56. The rack consists of vertical 51 and horizontal 52 cathodic materials on which is mounted a rope construct 53 embodying a light 5 source 54 which attracts food at night. Attached to the construct 53 is the suspension and lifting rope 55. An anode (not shown) is suspended nearby. FIG. 6 shows in a sectional view a specimen consisting of a cathode 61 covered by and containing accreted minerals 62 The method of invention can be used over a wide range 10 of electrolyte temperatures, depending upon the location and the type of aquatic organism whose growth is to be enhanced. Temperatures in the range —5° C. to 50° C. or even 80° C. may be suitable in particular circumstances. For growth of coral, a temperature in the range 12° to 30° C. is 15 preferred, more particularly 20° to 28° C. DESCRIPTION tải về 268.96 Kb. Chia sẻ với bạn bè của bạn:
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