Abstract: A method of enhancing growth of aquatic organisms in an aqueous mineral-containing electrolyte such as sea water which comprises:(a) installing a cathode and an anode in the electrolyte,(b) applying a steady, pulsed or intermittent direct electric current across the cathode and the anode to effect electrolysis,(c) providing accreted mineral material on the cathode,(d) recruiting aquatic organisms on or in the vicinity of the cathode, and(e) creating by electrolysis conditions of higher alkalinity in the electrolyte in the vicinity of the cathode than in the electrolyte remote from the cathode to cause growth of the aquatic organisms in the conditions in the vicinity of the cathode, the placement of the anode being done in such a way as to minimize the effects of hydrochloric acid produced at the anode.The method is particularly described with reference to the growth of organisms which deposit calcareous substances, such as corals, for the creation of artificial reefs or coastal defence structures.

Abstract: By establishing a direct electrical current between electrodes in an electrolyte like seawater, brine or brackish water, calcium carbonates, magnesium hydroxides, and hydrogen are precipitated at the cathode, while at the anode, oxygen and chlorine are produced. The electrochemical precipitation of minerals at the surface, to form a coating, or internally, to mineralize, of organic fibrous material, such as wood, is utilized to prevent attack by fouling and boring organisms, and to improve structural characteristics of the material.To provide a mineral coating on a structure made of a fibrous material, one or more cathodes are inserted in the structure, which is disposed in an electrolyte such as seawater, brine, or brackish water. One or more anodes are disposed in proximity to the structure, and a direct electrical current is established between the electrodes for a period of time sufficient to coat the structure and/or mineralize the fibrous material.

Abstract: By establishing a direct electrical current between electrodes in an electrolyte, such as seawater or fresh water containing minerals in solution, calcium carbonates, magnesium hydroxides, and hydrogen are precipitated at the cathode, while at the anode, oxygen and chlorine are produced. The electrochemical precipitation of minerals at and in the vicinity of metal reinforcement in a reinforced concrete structure is utilized to repair damaged portions thereof, for example, fractures, cracks, fissures, and voids.To repair reinforced concrete structures, the structure is disposed in a volume of electrolyte. The metal reinforcement is made a cathode by connection to the negative terminal of a suitable DC power supply. One or more anodes are disposed in proximity to the structure, and a direct electrical current is established between the electrodes for a period of time sufficient to fill by accretion cracks, fissures or voids in the concrete body of the structure.

Abstract: By establishing a direct electrical current between electrodes in an electrolyte like seawater, calcium carbonates, magnesium hydroxides, and hydrogen are precipitated at the cathode, while at the anode, oxygen and chlorine are produced. The electrodeposition of minerals is utilized to construct large surface area (i.e. greater than 100 square feet) structures, building components and elements of a hard, strong material (i.e. 1000-8000 P.S.I. compression strength). To make a large surface area structure, building component or element of hard, strong material, a preshaped form of electrically conductive material is disposed in a volume of electrolyte, such as seawater, to serve as a cathode, one or more are anodes disposed in proximity to the form, and a direct electrical current is established between the electrodes for a period of time sufficient to accrete a solid covering of material on the form.