In Germany, Space Daily reported that researchers at the Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research have evaluated Xiriton, a construction material incorporating local grasses and seawater, for its suitability in coastal and tidal habitat restoration.
Xiriton consists of chopped dried grass, volcanic pozzolan, slaked lime, shells, sand, and seawater. The team tested the material in salt marsh environments to determine effectiveness as a substrate for shellfish reefs and salt marsh restoration.
During field trials at Yerseke, blocks of Xiriton placed on tidal flats were inundated twice daily. “After a year, every block was around 70% covered with life such as oysters, mussels and algae,” said PhD candidate Victoria Mason.
The team used locally sourced cordgrass and Elephant grass to manufacture the blocks, though other grasses could also serve as input as long as they are sustainably harvested, according to the report.
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