ShoreLock®, a Natural Biopolymer Composite with Potential for Use in Mitigating Coastal Erosion and Escarpments

Scott, T.M. and Ross, B.K., 2025. ShoreLock®, a natural biopolymer composite with potential for use in mitigating coastal erosion and escarpments. Journal of Coastal Research, 41(3), 541–549. Charlotte (North Carolina), ISSN 0749-0208. The use of admixtures as soil amendments for dust and erosion control has been implemented since ancient times. In recent years, research has focused on the use of environmentally friendly amendments, including naturally occurring biopolymers. ShoreLock® is a natural biopolymer composite that can be added to beach sand to increase its cohesion and reduce or eliminate erosion escarpments. In laboratory testing, sand treated with ShoreLock exhibited an 85% increase in cohesion as measured in a Sci-Tech Shear Scan Automated Annular Shear Cell. A 65% increase in unconfined yield strength was also observed. ShoreLock had no observable macroscopic or microscopic effect on the surface morphology or (Munsell) color of treated sand. Additionally, when evaluated by ASTM International and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency methodologies, ShoreLock exhibited no cytotoxicity and was nontoxic to marine organisms. In field studies, ShoreLock-treated beaches accreted sand, and erosion escarpments were significantly reduced. Additionally, the treated beaches exhibited no difference in sand temperature, moisture content, or compaction. No differences in micro- or meiofauna were observed. The results highlight the efficacy and safety of ShoreLock biopolymer and its potential for use in extending the life of traditional beach nourishments while significantly reducing the need for the engineered berms (escarpments) often implemented in these projects, which create a public safety hazard on recreational beaches and compromise sea turtle nesting activity.