3D-Printed Pods Help Restore Seagrass in Thailand

Topic: Environment

Scientists at Murdoch University and Walailak University are working together to restore seagrass meadows in Thailand using 3D-printed biodegradable pods. The project aims to protect young seagrass transplants from waves, sediment movement, and grazing animals. If successful, this technology could help restore seagrass ecosystems across Southeast Asia.

A new research project is underway to restore seagrass meadows in Thailand using 3D-printed biodegradable pods. The seagrass meadows around Koh Lidi, a pair of islands inside Mu Ko Phetra National Park in Satun Province, are home to shrimp, crabs, and fish that sustain nearby coastal fishing communities.

Seagrass is also the primary food source of Thailand's declining dugong population. In recent years, many dugongs have washed up dead along Thailand's Andaman Coast due to the loss of seagrass meadows. The project aims to protect young seagrass transplants from waves, sediment movement, and grazing animals until they can establish roots.

The biodegradable pods are made from a plastic called polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA). PHA is produced through bacterial fermentation using locally sourced microbial strains in Western Australia. The pods have a protective dome-and-anchor design that allows roots to grow outward while shielding the plant from predators.

The project is being led by Ph.D. candidates Patsakorn Jeenchuay and Leoniel Jude Giray at Walailak University, along with Dr. Alexandra Gulizia and Professor Andrew Macrae from Murdoch University's Bioplastics Innovation Hub.

Why It Matters

This technology could help restore seagrass ecosystems across Southeast Asia, which is crucial for the survival of many marine species and coastal communities in India who rely on these ecosystems for fishing and tourism.

Key Facts

• The project aims to restore seagrass meadows in Thailand using 3D-printed biodegradable pods.
• Seagrass is the primary food source of Thailand's declining dugong population.
• The biodegradable pods are made from polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA), a plastic produced through bacterial fermentation.
• The project is led by Ph.D. candidates Patsakorn Jeenchuay and Leoniel Jude Giray at Walailak University.
• The technology could help restore seagrass ecosystems across Southeast Asia.

Key Terms

Polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA)

A biodegradable plastic produced through bacterial fermentation.

Implications

This technology could help restore seagrass ecosystems across Southeast Asia, which is crucial for the survival of many marine species and coastal communities in India who rely on these ecosystems for fishing and tourism.