A research team from Amirkabir University of Technology in Iran has developed a sponge designed to prevent seabed subsidence and protect coral reefs in the Persian Gulf.

The tubular sponge system, designed with living organisms in mind, not only helps preserve the marine ecosystem but also reduces dredging costs, according to Massoumeh Hashempoura postdoctoral researcher at Amirkabir University of Technology in an interview with IRNA, a partner of TV BRICS. The research team focused on controlling and improving the transport of sediments and pollutants, and evaluated the impact of their concept on flow hydrodynamics.

Approximately 19 million people live within 30 kilometres of coastal reefs in the Gulf, which is renowned for its oil and gas reserves. The realisation of this project will noticeably help in protecting the marine environment of the region.

Photo: iStock