Sea grass bed prefabricated blanket capable of being degraded in seawater environment

Abstract

The utility model discloses a sea grass bed prefabricated blanket capable of being degraded in a seawater environment, which comprises a bast fiber supporting fiber layer, a geotextile layer for ecological slope protection and beach protection, a bentonite layer, a bast fiber flocculus layer, a citrate-soluble fertilizer layer and a subbase layer, the bast fiber supporting fiber layer, the geotextile layer for ecological slope protection and beach protection, the bentonite layer, the bast fiber flocculus layer, the citrate-soluble fertilizer layer and the subbase layer are sequentially connected from top to bottom. Pre-cultivation is carried out in an offshore shallow water area, the survival rate of a sea grass bed is remarkably improved, the subbase layer of the prefabricated blanket is made of degradable regenerated cellulose fibers, degradation products of the subbase layer can provide a necessary carbon source for plant growth, and meanwhile better air permeability and water retention are achieved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of marine ecological environment protection technology, specifically to a prefabricated seagrass bed that is biodegradable in the seawater environment. Background Technology

[0002] Seagrass beds are unique ecosystems constructed by seagrass, which have a profound impact on marine biodiversity and are a vital component of the Earth's ecosystem. Seagrass is the only higher angiosperm on Earth that can survive entirely in seawater, and it has important ecological functions, including purifying water, stabilizing coastlines, reducing the risk of natural disasters, and having a strong carbon storage capacity, hence it is known as "underwater forest" or "underwater grassland".

[0003] Seagrass beds have a complex structure, consisting of leaves, rhizomes, and roots, with the root system being particularly intricate. This allows them to anchor themselves firmly in the sediment and extract nutrients and minerals. Seagrass reproduces in various ways, including both sexually and asexually, which contributes to the stability and resilience of seagrass beds. The rich and diverse microhabitats within seagrass beds provide habitats and food resources for different species of marine life, playing a crucial role in maintaining marine biodiversity.

[0004] However, seagrass beds face the risk of degradation, primarily due to habitat loss and destruction caused by human activities, mechanical damage, decreased water transparency, and rising water temperatures. These factors seriously threaten the health and stability of seagrass beds. Currently, the protection and restoration of seagrass beds has become an indispensable part of global ecological conservation efforts.

[0005] Traditional seagrass bed restoration methods mainly include artificial sowing and transplantation, but these methods suffer from low survival rates and high construction difficulty. Artificially sown seagrass seeds are easily eroded by water currents and affected by marine life, resulting in a low survival rate; while transplanting seagrass requires significant manpower and resources, and the process can easily damage the seagrass, affecting its growth and survival. Therefore, there is an urgent need for a novel seagrass bed restoration technology to improve the restoration effect and survival rate.

[0006] Currently, there is a lack of prefabricated seagrass mats that are fully biodegradable in marine environments. Utility Model Content

[0007] The purpose of this invention is to provide a prefabricated seagrass bed blanket that is completely biodegradable in a marine environment.

[0008] To address the problems of existing technologies, the present invention adopts the following technical solution: A prefabricated seagrass bed that is biodegradable in a seawater environment comprises a hemp support fiber layer, a geotextile layer for ecological slope and beach protection, a bentonite layer, a hemp fiber wadding layer, a citrate-soluble fertilizer layer, and a subbase layer. The hemp support fiber layer, the geotextile layer for ecological slope and beach protection, the bentonite layer, the hemp fiber wadding layer, the citrate-soluble fertilizer layer, and the subbase layer are connected sequentially from top to bottom.

[0009] Furthermore, the geotextile layer used for ecological slope and beach protection features an increased number of optimized-sized hidden pores on its surface, allowing easy penetration by plant roots and stems. It is biodegradable, does not produce microplastics, and has a specific surface roughness, providing sufficient tensile strength for large-area mechanized construction.

[0010] Furthermore, the nutrient base layer can provide a gradient of nutrients and beneficial microorganisms for different stages of seaweed growth and development.

[0011] Furthermore, the bast fiber wadding layer and the subbase layer are made of biodegradable regenerated cellulose fibers. The subbase layer can retain nutrients in the nutrient base layer without loss, improve the seaweed's implantation rate, and has better air permeability, water retention, and an appropriately increased thickness.

[0012] Beneficial effects: This invention significantly improves the survival rate of seagrass beds by pre-cultivating them in shallow nearshore waters. The base layer of the prefabricated blanket is made of biodegradable regenerated cellulose fibers, whose degradation products can provide the necessary carbon source for plant growth, while also having better air permeability and water retention.

[0013] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following advantages:

[0014] (1) Improve the survival rate of seagrass beds: By pre-cultivating in shallow waters near the coast, the prefabricated blanket of this utility model can significantly improve the survival rate of seagrass beds, thereby improving the effect of seagrass bed restoration.

[0015] Environmentally friendly: The prefabricated blankets are made of biodegradable, high-strength, environmentally friendly materials that do not produce microplastics, are harmless to the marine environment, and help protect and restore the marine ecological environment.

[0016] Structural optimization: The upper layer of the precast blanket has optimized pore size and quantity, as well as specially treated surface roughness. These designs help to fix seagrass seeds or seedlings and prevent them from shifting under the action of water flow, while maintaining sufficient tensile strength to meet the requirements of large-area mechanized construction.

[0017] Innovation of the nutrient base layer: The nutrient base layer is composed of citric acid-soluble fertilizer, hemp fiber flocs and bentonite, which can provide the nutrients needed for seagrass growth, while promoting nutrient exchange and biodiversity, and enhancing structural stability and mechanical support.

[0018] Improved hydrodynamics: The design of prefabricated mats can change the flow pattern of water, reduce the flow velocity, provide a more stable growth environment for seagrass, and improve nutrient utilization efficiency.

[0019] Improved construction efficiency: Precast blankets are needle-punched and rolled into rolls, which facilitates transportation, storage and construction installation, greatly improving construction efficiency.

[0020] Protecting seagrass from physical damage: The design of prefabricated blankets helps resist the scouring of water currents and the impact of waves, protecting seagrass from physical damage.

[0021] Promoting the establishment of beneficial microbial communities: The porous structure of hemp fiber flocs provides habitats for small marine organisms, increasing biodiversity. At the same time, as an attachment substrate for microorganisms, it promotes the establishment of beneficial microbial communities and contributes to the healthy growth of seagrass.

[0022] Biodegradability: The base layer of the prefabricated blanket is made of biodegradable regenerated cellulose fibers, whose degradation products provide an essential carbon source for plant growth, while also offering better air permeability and water retention. This not only contributes to the restoration of seagrass beds and the protection of marine biodiversity, but also plays a role in global climate regulation through the carbon storage capacity of seagrass beds, while reducing the ecological and economic losses caused by seagrass bed degradation. Attached Figure Description

[0023] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0024] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the prefabricated seaweed bed blanket of this utility model.

[0025] Figure 2 This is a biodegradable virtual macropore vegetation distribution diagram of this utility model;

[0026] The structure consists of: 1. Hemp fiber support layer; 2. Geotextile layer for ecological slope and beach protection; 3. Bentonite layer; 4. Hemp fiber flocculent layer; 5. Citrate-soluble fertilizer layer; and 6. Subbase. Detailed Implementation

[0027] To make the technical problems, technical solutions, and beneficial effects of this application clearer, the following detailed description is provided in conjunction with embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative and not intended to limit the scope of this application. Example

[0028] This invention relates to a prefabricated seagrass bed substrate that is biodegradable in a marine environment. The substrate comprises a hemp support fiber layer 1, a geotextile layer 2 for ecological slope and beach protection, a bentonite layer 3, a hemp fiber wadding layer 4, a citrate-soluble fertilizer layer 5, and a subbase layer 6. These layers are sequentially connected from top to bottom. The hemp support fiber layer 1, bentonite layer 3, hemp fiber wadding layer 4, citrate-soluble fertilizer layer 5, and subbase layer 6 are all commercially available. The geotextile layer for ecological slope and beach protection has been disclosed in application number 201320627374.7.

[0029] The geotextile layer 2 used for ecological slope and beach protection features an increased number of optimized-sized hidden pores that are easily penetrated by plant roots. It is biodegradable, does not produce microplastics, and has a specific surface roughness, providing sufficient tensile strength for large-area mechanized construction.

[0030] The nutrient base layer can provide a gradient of nutrients and beneficial microorganisms for different stages of seaweed growth and development.

[0031] The hemp fiber wadding layer 4 and the sub-base layer 6 are made of biodegradable regenerated cellulose fibers. The sub-base layer can retain the nutrients in the nutrient base layer without loss, improve the seaweed's implantation rate, and has better air permeability, water retention, and an appropriately increased thickness.

[0032] Preparation of the upper geotextile layer 2 for ecological slope and beach protection: Biodegradable polylactic acid fibers are carefully selected and manufactured using a specific advanced process to create a "hidden pore" vegetation fabric with optimized pore size and quantity, followed by surface roughening treatment. During the manufacturing process, process parameters are strictly controlled to ensure that the tensile strength of the vegetation fabric meets the requirements of mechanized construction.

[0033] Nutritional substrate configuration: Through in-depth research into the different growth stages of seaweed, and through scientific analysis and experimentation, a variety of nutrients are precisely configured to form a gradient nutrient supply system, with the addition of beneficial microorganisms. This ensures that the nutritional substrate can provide seaweed with comprehensive and sufficient nutrients to meet the needs of each stage of seaweed growth and development.

[0034] Substrate layer 6 is constructed using polylactic acid spunbond nonwoven fabric, which effectively prevents nutrient loss. The structure of the substrate layer is modified to improve its breathability and water retention, while its thickness is appropriately increased. This ensures that substrate layer 6, while preserving nutrients, can naturally degrade over time, providing a carbon source for seagrass growth.

[0035] Needle-punched composite: The needle-punched composite process is used to tightly bond the upper geotextile layer 2 (used for ecological slope and beach protection), the nutrient base layer, and the subbase layer together to form a precast blanket. The precast blanket is then rolled into rolls for easy handling and storage during construction and installation.

[0036] Precast carpet installation: Follow the installation method described above. From site preparation to transportation, unfolding, splicing, and fixing, ensure quality and effectiveness at every stage. During installation, closely monitor changes in the seabed environment and the condition of the precast carpet, and adjust construction methods promptly to ensure smooth installation.

[0037] In practical applications, the prefabricated seagrass mats of this invention are laid in shallow nearshore waters, allowing seagrass seeds or seedlings to grow and develop stably on the mats. This significantly improves the survival rate and restoration effect of seagrass beds, playing a positive role in the restoration and protection of the marine ecological environment.

[0038] The basic principle of carbon storage in seagrass beds

[0039] Seagrass absorbs atmospheric carbon dioxide through photosynthesis and converts it into organic carbon. Some of this organic carbon is used for its own growth and respiration, while the rest is stored in the seagrass tissue and surrounding sediment. The complex root structure of seagrass beds helps stabilize sediment, reduce water disturbance and resuspension of carbon, thereby enhancing the long-term carbon storage capacity.

[0040] Quantitative study of carbon storage capacity

[0041] Carbon storage per unit area: Studies have found that the carbon storage per unit area varies among different types of seagrass beds. For example, some studies investigating seagrass beds dominated by Zostera marina have found carbon storage ranging from several kilograms to tens of kilograms per square meter, and this carbon storage gradually increases with the age of the seagrass bed and the accumulation of biomass. Globally, comprehensive data from numerous seagrass beds indicate that they store a considerable amount of carbon, making them important carbon reservoirs.

[0042] Carbon burial rate: Scientists determine carbon burial rates by analyzing seagrass bed sediments. Studies show that the carbon burial rate of seagrass beds typically ranges from a few grams to tens of grams per square meter per year. This rate is influenced by a variety of factors, including seagrass species, water flow velocity, sedimentation environment, and surrounding human activities. For example, in some protected bay seagrass beds with gentle currents and rich organic matter input, the carbon burial rate is higher.

[0043] The foregoing has shown and described the basic principles, main features, and advantages of this utility model. Those skilled in the art should understand that this utility model is not limited to the above embodiments. The embodiments and descriptions in the specification are merely illustrative of the principles of this utility model. Various changes and modifications can be made to this utility model without departing from its spirit and scope. The scope of protection of this utility model is defined by the appended claims, specification, and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A prefabricated seagrass mat that is biodegradable in a marine environment, characterized in that: The biodegradable seagrass bed prefabricated blanket in the marine environment includes a hemp support fiber layer (1), a geotextile layer for ecological slope protection and beach protection (2), a bentonite layer (3), a hemp fiber floc layer (4), a citric acid soluble fertilizer layer (5), and a base layer (6), which are connected sequentially from top to bottom.

2. The prefabricated seagrass bed substrate that is biodegradable in a marine environment according to claim 1, characterized in that: The geotextile layer (2) used for ecological slope protection and beach protection has an increased number of hidden holes with optimized pore size that are easily penetrated by plant roots and stems.

3. The prefabricated seagrass bed substrate that is biodegradable in a marine environment according to claim 1, characterized in that: The hemp fiber floc layer (4) is a biodegradable regenerated cellulose fiber.

4. The prefabricated seagrass bed substrate that is biodegradable in a marine environment according to claim 1, characterized in that: The substrate (6) is a biodegradable regenerated cellulose fiber.

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