Breakthrough Study Shows Mild Electric Current Can Fortify Coastlines for Generations

Researchers from Northwestern University have demonstrated that a mild electrical current can significantly enhance coastal resilience, potentially protecting shorelines from erosion caused by climate change and rising sea levels. Inspired by the natural processes of clams and mussels, the team used electrical energy to convert dissolved minerals in seawater into a natural cement, effectively turning marine sand into a solid, rock-like material.

Published in *Communications Earth & Environment*, the study reveals that applying a mild electric current to seawater-soaked sand transforms it into a durable substance similar to rock. This approach offers a sustainable and cost-effective alternative to traditional coastal protection methods, which often involve expensive sea walls or cement injections.

Alessandro Rotta Loria, the lead researcher and assistant professor at Northwestern’s McCormick School of Engineering, explains, “Our method avoids the need for large-scale protective structures or external binders. Instead, we use electricity to trigger chemical reactions that solidify the sand with naturally occurring minerals.” This process, which involves applying 2 to 4 volts of electricity, can produce calcium carbonate or magnesium hydroxide, both effective at binding sand particles together.

The technique not only strengthens coastal substrates but also offers a reversible solution. If needed, switching the electrodes’ polarity can dissolve the formed minerals, undoing the solidification. This flexibility, combined with the process’s low cost—ranging from $3 to $6 per cubic meter compared to up to $70 for traditional methods—makes it a promising option for long-term coastal defense.

Rotta Loria’s team also anticipates applications beyond coastline protection, including reinforcing seabed structures, stabilizing soil slopes, and repairing damaged concrete infrastructures. With plans to test the technology in real-world conditions, this innovation could provide a valuable tool in combating the impacts of climate change on coastal environments.