Device and method for alleviating coral bleaching and restoring peatlands

Abstract

The present invention discloses a device and method for alleviating coral bleaching and repairing peatland. The device is a porous frame-type cube, which is surrounded by a group of facades 1 and a group of top surfaces 2; the facade 1 is provided with a connecting device 3, the connecting device 3 is connected to a seaweed box 4, and the seaweed box 4 is filled with a seaweed growth base 4-2; the lower surface of the top surface 2 is connected to a biofilm airbag 7, and a speaker connecting rod 5 is fixedly inserted from top to bottom on the top surface, and an underwater speaker 6 is installed on the top of the speaker connecting rod 5. The method is simple and convenient, and has strong operability. The present invention combines the problems of repairing peatlands and restoring coral bleaching by using native seaweed, so that seaweed, peatlands and corals form an ecological restoration system.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a device and a method for alleviating coral bleaching and repairing peatland, belonging to the technical field of ecological restoration. Background Art

[0002] Despite covering less than 2% of the seafloor, coral reefs are one of the richest ecosystems on Earth, providing food and shelter for about a quarter of all known marine species. In recent years, environmental changes around the world, rising temperatures and increasing acidification of seawater have seriously threatened the health of corals, and the trend of coral bleaching has increased significantly.

[0003] Peatlands are a type of wetland. Peatlands are organic deposits composed of partially decayed plant matter that have accumulated over hundreds of years under water. Peatlands are found on all continents of the Earth and are known as peat swamp forests, bogs or mires.

[0004] At present, coral restoration has received people's attention, but the existing technology is mainly to set up "undersea coral tree nurseries" on the seabed to repair the broken coral limbs and remains. The measures are relatively passive, and the bleaching of corals is generally considered to be dead and irreparable. However, corals that are experiencing bleaching or may face the risk of bleaching have not received good attention and protection. It is necessary to study a complementary technology to alleviate or prevent normal coral bleaching, so as to provide a low-cost and popular restoration guarantee for corals.

[0005] The technical facilities that use existing factors in the natural environment to intervene in the bleaching trend of corals have not received people's attention and popularization. The existing technical equipment is either unreasonable in design or single in function, and cannot meet the needs of long-term restoration. Summary of the invention

[0006] Purpose of the invention: In order to overcome the deficiencies in the prior art, the present invention provides a device and method for alleviating coral bleaching and repairing peatlands, which further improves and reintegrates the existing equipment and facilities for repairing coral reefs, and through integration enables it to be used for multiple purposes, effectively coping with adverse factors such as seabed acidification.

[0007] Technical solution: In order to solve the above technical problems, the present invention provides a device for alleviating coral bleaching and repairing peatlands. The device is a porous frame-type cube, and the cube is surrounded by a group of facades 1 and a group of top surfaces 2; the facade 1 is provided with a connecting device 3, and the connecting device 3 is connected to a seaweed box 4, and the seaweed box 4 is filled with a seaweed growth base 4-2; the lower surface of the top surface 2 is connected to a biofilm airbag 7, and a speaker connecting rod 5 is fixedly inserted from top to bottom on the top surface, and an underwater speaker 6 is installed on the top of the speaker connecting rod 5.

[0008] Furthermore, the facade 1 is divided into a group of unit frames 1-2 by a plurality of dividing bars 1-1, and the sides of the unit frames 1-2 are provided with unit gaps 1-3.

[0009] Furthermore, the biofilm airbag 7 is provided with an air port 7 - 1 , which can be inflated when opened and can be connected to the lower surface of the top surface 2 when closed.

[0010] Furthermore, connecting pieces 4-1 adapted to the connecting device 3 are provided on opposite sides of the seaweed box 4, and the connecting pieces 4-1 are detachably connected to the connecting device 3. With this design, both sides of the seaweed box can be connected to the porous frame cube, and one seaweed box can be connected to two frame cubes at most; if the seaweed species needs to be changed, the detachable connection allows the seaweed box to be used twice.

[0011] Furthermore, the biofilm airbag 7 is made of a degradable material, polylactic acid (PLA), which has excellent biodegradability, compatibility and absorbency. Polylactic acid is a non-toxic, non-irritating synthetic polymer material. PLA is insoluble in water and has good transparency, certain toughness, biocompatibility and heat resistance. Product model: 500-mesh polylactic acid screen silk membrane; manufacturer: LACTEL biodegradable polymer from the United States, and the Chinese agent is Shandong Xinfu Industrial Co., Ltd.; the molecular gap of the degradable material is smaller than the diameter of zooxanthellae, which is about 5 to 6 μm, and larger than the size of the microorganisms and dissolved glucose and other nutrients eaten by the coral polyps, not exceeding 0.7 nm. This size setting can prevent the zooxanthellae from leaving, but does not affect the feeding of the coral polyps, and the biofilm airbag is made of a special degradable material to prevent the underwater pressure from increasing and exploding in advance.

[0012] A method for mitigating coral bleaching and restoring peatlands, comprising the following steps:

[0013] Step 1: Install the four facades in a circle and install the seaweed boxes on their outer surfaces; go to step 2;

[0014] Step 2, open the air port of the biofilm airbag, inflate it, close the air port after the inflation is completed, and then install the air port on the lower surface of the top surface; go to step 3;

[0015] Step 3, install the top surface with the biofilm airbag installed to the top of the facade, so that the facade and the top surface form a cube with an open bottom; go to step 4;

[0016] Step 4: Fix a speaker connecting rod through the top surface from top to bottom, and install the underwater speaker on the top of the speaker connecting rod; go to step 5;

[0017] Step 5: Place the installed frame cube on the seabed and cover the coral. When the biofilm airbag explodes under pressure when it touches the coral reef, and the film is reversely wrapped on the surface of the coral reef, the installation is completed.

[0018] Furthermore, a seaweed growth base is placed in the seaweed box in advance, and seaweed is planted in the growth base. The seaweed species are selected based on the principle that they are suitable for local growth and can absorb acid roots in the water.

[0019] In a healthy coral reef ecosystem, there are abundant species of fish, shrimp and shellfish. Coral reefs provide a living environment, fish and shrimp provide nutrition for coral polyps, and studies have shown that healthy corals will emit specific sounds to attract fish and shrimp. This application simulates specific sounds through underwater speakers to attract organisms.

[0020] After the introduction of fish and other organisms, the device in this application serves as an artificial coral reef, taking on some of the functions of the damaged coral reef. The large gaps in the porous frame facade allow normal-sized reef fish to pass through, and the small gaps on the sides provide living space for smaller organisms.

[0021] The macro-level factors of coral bleaching are caused by the acidification of seawater. Studies have shown that seagrass can play a limited, local role in alleviating ocean acidification in coastal ecosystems. By using different spaces created by the device, large seagrasses such as native Sargassum can be transplanted into seagrass boxes and then moved into the coral ecosystem. Seagrass can absorb carbonate as a nutrient element, which increases the pH of the microenvironment around the coral.

[0022] The microscopic factors of coral bleaching are caused by the escape of zooxanthellae in the coral polyps due to external environmental stimuli (such as temperature changes, pH changes, etc.). The equipment uses physical means to use biofilm air cells as a barrier between the zooxanthellae and the outside world, temporarily preventing the escape of the zooxanthellae and helping to alleviate the bleaching problem.

[0023] According to the distribution of the coral reefs that need to be repaired, plan the combined layout of the equipment and leave space for seaweed to grow. After the biofilm airbags are inflated and placed on the top of the inner side of the porous frame, the porous frame cubes are placed one by one on the seabed, covering the corals; during the downward placement process, the biofilm airbags are blown up by pressure when they touch the coral reefs, and the membrane is reversely wrapped around the part of the coral reef, becoming a diaphragm between the zooxanthellae and the outside world, which can temporarily prevent the zooxanthellae from escaping. After the porous frame cubes are fixed, the seaweed box filled with seaweed seeds is connected to allow the seaweed to grow around the corals and improve the local microenvironment of the coral reefs; the number and placement of underwater speakers are set according to the number of devices placed and the damage to the corals.

[0024] The time when the device in this application works is determined by the effect produced. When the local coral reefs are significantly improved and the species richness of the coral reef ecosystem increases, the biofilm gradually degrades, the porous frame cube remains here to become an artificial coral reef, and the underwater speaker is removed. At this time, the ecosystem returns to a normal state from a protected state.

[0025] Working principle: Native seaweeds, represented by Sargassum, can absorb acid radicals in the water and increase the local pH value of seawater. Using the acid produced by native tree species and placing it in the seaweed growth base can provide a good growth environment for seaweed. Placing seaweed and coral together can improve the acidification of seawater around corals and alleviate the degree of coral bleaching, and both can provide an ideal living environment for organisms. After the coral bleaching problem is improved, seaweed can extract sodium alginate to prepare peat moss propagules, and finally use the propagules to repair peatlands using existing technology.

[0026] Beneficial effects: (1) Native seagrasses are used to combine the restoration of peatlands and the restoration of coral bleaching, so that seagrasses, peatlands and corals form an ecological restoration system. (2) The device of the present application is a physical model that can be placed in a submarine coral reef area, can regulate the coral ecosystem and cultivate seagrasses. The proposed restoration strategy can be implemented through this device. (3) The device is simple, low-cost and highly operable. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the device in this application.

[0028] Figure 2 An exploded view of the device in this application.

[0029] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the facade in this application.

[0030] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the seaweed box in this application.

[0031] Figure 5 Schematic diagram of the structure of the biofilm airbag in this application.

[0032] Figure 6 Schematic diagram of the installation of the biofilm airbag and the top surface in this application.

[0033] Figure 7 Site map placed into the seabed for this application.

[0034] Figure 8 This is the schematic diagram of the construction of this application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0035] The present invention will be further described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0036] Example

[0037] A device for alleviating coral bleaching and repairing peatlands, the device is a porous frame-type cube, the cube is surrounded by a group of facades 1 and a group of top surfaces 2; the facade 1 is provided with a connecting device 3, the connecting device 3 is connected to a seaweed box 4, and the seaweed box 4 is filled with a seaweed growth base 4-2; the lower surface of the top surface 2 is connected to a biofilm airbag 7, and a speaker connecting rod 5 is fixedly inserted into the top surface from top to bottom, and an underwater speaker 6 is installed on the top of the speaker connecting rod 5.

[0038] The facade 1 is divided into a group of unit frames 1-2 by a plurality of dividing strips 1-1, and the side of the unit frame 1-2 is provided with a unit gap 1-3. The biofilm airbag 7 is provided with an air port 7-1, which can be inflated when opened and can be connected to the lower surface of the top surface 2 when closed. Connectors 4-1 adapted to the connecting device 3 are provided on opposite sides of the seaweed box 4, and the connectors 4-1 are detachably connected to the connecting device 3. With such a design, both sides of the seaweed box can be connected to the porous frame cube, and a seaweed box can be connected to two frame cubes at most; if the seaweed species needs to be replaced, the detachable connection can make the seaweed box reusable. The biofilm airbag 7 is made of a degradable material, polylactic acid, and the molecular gap of the degradable material is smaller than the diameter of the zooxanthellae and larger than the size of the microorganisms that the coral polyps eat. This size setting can prevent the zooxanthellae from leaving, but does not affect the feeding of the coral polyps, and the biofilm airbag is made of a special degradable material to prevent the underwater pressure from increasing and exploding in advance.

[0039] A method for mitigating coral bleaching and restoring peatlands, comprising the following steps:

[0040] Step 1: Install the four facades in a circle and install seaweed boxes on the outer surface; place the seaweed growth base in the seaweed box in advance and plant seaweed in the growth base. The selection of seaweed varieties should be based on the principle that they are suitable for local growth and can absorb acid roots in the water.

[0041] Go to step 2;

[0042] Step 2, open the air port of the biofilm airbag, inflate it, close the air port after the inflation is completed, and then install the air port on the lower surface of the top surface; go to step 3;

[0043] Step 3, install the top surface with the biofilm airbag installed to the top of the facade, so that the facade and the top surface form a cube with an open bottom; go to step 4;

[0044] Step 4: Fix a speaker connecting rod through the top surface from top to bottom, and install the underwater speaker on the top of the speaker connecting rod; go to step 5;

[0045] Step 5: Place the installed frame cube on the seabed and cover the coral. When the biofilm airbag explodes under pressure when it touches the coral reef, and the film is reversely wrapped on the surface of the coral reef, the installation is completed.

[0046] This application takes into account different ecological and environmental issues in the same site, combines bleached corals belonging to different ecosystems with damaged peatlands, and designs a coral bleaching mitigation device by finding the associated species in the two ecosystems - seaweed, to associate the two problems and achieve simultaneous restoration; this application currently has no relevant research cases, and there are few existing studies on peatland restoration. This research project is cutting-edge, and the research results of this project can provide new ideas and solutions for ecological restoration problems in other regions. The facilities of this application play a pivotal role in all aspects of aquatic and terrestrial ecological environments. Efficient placement of the device can not only enable the device to maximize its coral reef bleaching restoration and transformation function, but also save a lot of manpower and material resources for the construction of artificial reefs.

[0047] This embodiment takes the Greater Bay Area as an example, and forms a new ecological restoration system through several environmental problems existing in the Greater Bay Area. This ecological system will link the value of coastal marine ecological products and the development of agricultural and forestry industries in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. Figure 8 : Extracting palmitic acid from the fruits of native palm trees as a nutrient for seaweed culture medium, and transplanting native seaweed into coral ecosystems can not only absorb nitrogen pollution from evolving seawater, but also improve the local environment of corals, and thus improve the environment of coral ecosystems such as fish and shrimp; at the same time, artificially extracting sodium alginate from seaweed to prepare peat moss propagules can eventually repair damaged peatlands. Through this principle, the rate of coral bleaching can be reduced, species richness can be increased, and the coral ecosystem can be significantly improved; the existing local palm ecological resources are maximized to repair peatlands; in addition to improving the local environment of corals, the increased seaweed can also absorb nitrogen pollution from the ocean coastline.

[0048] The above shows and describes the basic principles, main features and advantages of the present invention. Those skilled in the art should understand that the above embodiments do not limit the present invention in any form, and any technical solution obtained by equivalent replacement or equivalent transformation falls within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A device for alleviating coral bleaching and restoring peatlands, characterized in that The device is a porous frame-type cube, which is surrounded by a group of facades (1) and a group of top surfaces (2); the facade (1) is provided with a connecting device (3), the connecting device (3) is connected to a seaweed box (4), and the seaweed box (4) is filled with a seaweed growth base (4-2); the lower surface of the top surface (2) is connected to a biofilm airbag (7), and the biofilm airbag (7) is provided with an air port (7-1), and the air port (7-1) can be inflated when opened, and can be connected to the lower surface of the top surface (2) when closed; the biofilm airbag (7) is made of a degradable material, and the molecular gap of the degradable material is smaller than the diameter of zooxanthellae and larger than the size of coral polyps eating microorganisms and dissolving glucose; the degradable material is polylactic acid; a speaker connecting rod (5) is fixedly inserted from top to bottom on the top surface, and an underwater speaker (6) is installed on the top of the speaker connecting rod (5).

2. The device for alleviating coral bleaching and restoring peatlands according to claim 1, characterized in that: The facade (1) is divided into a group of unit frames (1-2) by a plurality of dividing strips (1-1), and the side edges of the unit frames (1-2) are provided with unit gaps (1-3).

3. The device for alleviating coral bleaching and restoring peatlands according to claim 1, characterized in that: Connecting pieces (4-1) adapted to the connecting device (3) are arranged on opposite sides of the seaweed box (4); the connecting pieces (4-1) are detachably connected to the connecting device (3).

4. A method for alleviating coral bleaching and restoring peatlands, using the device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that The steps include: Step 1: Install the four facades in a circle and install the seagrass boxes on their outer surfaces; go to step 2; Step 2, open the air port of the biofilm airbag, inflate it, close the air port after the inflation is completed, and then install the air port on the lower surface of the top surface; go to step 3; Step 3, install the top surface with the biofilm airbag installed to the top of the facade, so that the facade and the top surface form a cube with an open bottom; go to step 4; Step 4: Fix a speaker connecting rod through the top surface from top to bottom, and install the underwater speaker on the top of the speaker connecting rod; go to step 5; Step 5: Place the installed frame cube on the seabed and cover the coral. When the biofilm airbag explodes under pressure when it touches the coral reef, and the film is reversely wrapped on the surface of the coral reef, the installation is completed.

5. A method for alleviating coral bleaching and restoring peatlands according to claim 4, characterized in that: A seaweed growth base is placed in advance inside the seaweed box, and seaweed is planted in the growth base.

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