Innovative multi-layered biocement development and marine implementation research that contributes to the creation of resilient eelgrass beds

Eelgrass (Zostera marina) beds are important sites of marine biodiversity. Professor Masataka Kusube, National Institute of Technology, Wakayama College, Japan, has extensive experience in this area of research. He focuses on the development of bio-cements created from locally sourced sea sand and bacteria and collaborates with chemicals and plastics manufacturers and local governments in his research on eelgrass meadows. Hydrogen sulfide interferes with cellular respiration and is therefore toxic to humans and animals. Recent research has suggested toxicity to plants, and it could be linked with a recent widespread decline in eelgrass meadows. Kusube has been developing bio-cements and utilises scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to visually examine its surface structure, as well as using PCR (polymerase chain reaction), 16S multigenomic sequencing, SYBR green staining and cell counts to further investigate and gather data on the growth and germination rates of eelgrass with and without his interventions. In the creation of bio-cements, Kusube and his team used urea-degrading bacteria isolating strains of bacteria that were able to provide the functions required. Using urea-degrading bacteria meant that the researchers could easily isolate them with phenol red staining as these colonies break down urea to produce ammonia, generating a distinct red colouration around colonies when using this indicator. So far, the team has found that water temperature and oxygen concentration can significantly affect germination rates, while Eelgrass growth can be promoted in the presence of organic matter and iron. This suggests the potential to enhance growth by manipulating these elements.