“Biorock technology” is talked about in which one of the following situations ?

(a) Restoration of damaged coral reefs ✓ UPSC's answer
(b) Development of building materials using plant residues
(c) Identification of areas for exploration/extraction of shale gas
(d) Providing salt licks for wild animals in forests/protected areas

Why the answer is (a)

• Biorock (mineral accretion) technology passes a low-voltage electric current through steel frames placed in seawater; dissolved minerals crystallise on the frame as limestone, creating a growing substrate on which coral fragments are attached and grow several times faster — option (a).

• It is used to restore reefs damaged by bleaching and storms; India's Zoological Survey and Gujarat forest department have trialled it at Mithapur in the Gulf of Kutch.

• The technique also strengthens corals against warming and acidification.

• It has nothing to do with building materials, shale-gas exploration or salt licks.

• Hence option (a).

Why the other options are wrong

(b) Development of building materials using plant residues: Biorock is not about plant-residue building materials.
(c) Identification of areas for exploration/extraction of shale gas: It has no role in shale-gas exploration.
(d) Providing salt licks for wild animals in forests/protected areas: It is unrelated to salt licks for wildlife.

Asked in the GS Paper I of the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2022, held on 5 June 2022. Question and answer key: Union Public Service Commission. Explanation: UPSC Answer Check.