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Carbonates

Electric Stimulation Boosts Calcification in Marine Life

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Marine organisms, particularly coral reefs, are vulnerable to the effects of climate change, which can impair their ability to produce calcium carbonate. To counter this, researchers explored the potential of low-voltage electric stimulation to enhance calcification in species like Amphistegina lobifera, a type of marine foraminifera. Funded by the German Research Foundation and the European Union's Pon React-eu program, this study revealed promising results, suggesting that low electric current can indeed support reef resilience.

Key Takeaways:

  • Low-voltage electric stimulation shows promise in enhancing calcification in marine organisms, particularly in foraminifera species like Amphistegina lobifera.
  • The study, conducted by researchers from the University of Urbino, found that electric stimulation did not induce mortality in the LBF species and had no significant impact on photosynthetic efficiency or pigment content.
  • The experiments revealed a positive growth response in all treatments, with the highest growth and chamber formation rate achieved at current densities of 1 and 1.43 A/cm2.
  • The study highlights the need for further investigation into the optimal conditions necessary for significant enhancement of foraminiferal growth through low electric current.
  • The research does not directly assess the effects of electric stimulation on coral reefs, but its findings contribute to the exploration of novel approaches to support reef resilience.

Statistics:

  • The study used two 30-day experiments with LBF species Amphistegina lobifera to assess the effects of low electric current densities on calcification.
  • The maximum quantum yield and total pigment content were measured using Pulse-Amplitude Modulation (PAM) fluorometry and a plate reader, respectively.
  • The growth of new chambers was analyzed using the fluorogenic dye calcein, with the results showing positive growth in all treatments.
  • The study found a positive growth response, with optimal growth achieved at current densities of 1 and 1.43 A/cm2.

Sources:

  • NewsRx. New Findings in Life Sciences Described from University of Urbino (Effects of low-level electric current on the growth of Amphistegina lobifera and its photosynthetic diatom endosymbionts). Life Science Weekly. November 4, 2025; p 3026.
  • Effects of low-level electric current on the growth of Amphistegina lobifera and its photosynthetic diatom endosymbionts. PeerJ, 2025, 13(): e20160. (PeerJ - https://peerj.com/)
  • PeerJ Inc., the publisher for PeerJ. A free version of the journal article is available at https://doi-org.sdpl.idm.oclc.org/10.7717/peerj.20160.

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