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Bhurtel A, Salifu E, Siddiqua S. Composite biomediated engineering approaches for improving problematic soils: Potentials and opportunities. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 914:169808. [PMID: 38184265 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.169808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2023] [Revised: 12/10/2023] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/08/2024]
Abstract
Several conventional chemical stabilizers are used for soil stabilization, among which cement is widely adopted. However, the high energy consumption and environmental challenges associated with these stabilizers have necessitated the transition toward the adoption/deployment of eco-friendly approaches for soil stabilization. Biomediated techniques are sustainable soil improvement methods adopting less toxic microorganisms, enzymes, or polymers for cementing soil. However, these processes also have several drawbacks, such as slow hardening, environmental impact, high cost, and lack of compatibility with different types of soils. It is hypothesized that these limitations may be overcome by exploring the prospects and opportunities offered by hybrid technological approaches involving the integration of nontraditional stabilizers and microbial-induced biomineralization processes for improving problematic soils. This paper discusses selected previous studies integrating different technologies and their benefits and challenges. The emerging fungi-based bio-mediation techniques and the possibility of forming sustainable fungal-based biocomposites to improve problematic soils are also highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akanksha Bhurtel
- School of Engineering, University of British Columbia, Kelowna, BC V1V 1V7, Canada.
| | - Emmanuel Salifu
- School of Sustainable Engineering and the Built Environment, Center for Bio-Mediated and Bio-Inspired Geotechnics, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287-3005, United States of America.
| | - Sumi Siddiqua
- Faculty of Applied Science, School of Engineering, University of British Columbia, Kelowna, BC V1V 1V7, Canada.
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Zhang K, Tang CS, Jiang NJ, Pan XH, Liu B, Wang YJ, Shi B. Microbial‑induced carbonate precipitation (MICP) technology: a review on the fundamentals and engineering applications. ENVIRONMENTAL EARTH SCIENCES 2023; 82:229. [PMID: 37128499 PMCID: PMC10131530 DOI: 10.1007/s12665-023-10899-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Accepted: 04/08/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
The microbial‑induced carbonate precipitation (MICP), as an emerging biomineralization technology mediated by specific bacteria, has been a popular research focus for scientists and engineers through the previous two decades as an interdisciplinary approach. It provides cutting-edge solutions for various engineering problems emerging in the context of frequent and intense human activities. This paper is aimed at reviewing the fundaments and engineering applications of the MICP technology through existing studies, covering realistic need in geotechnical engineering, construction materials, hydraulic engineering, geological engineering, and environmental engineering. It adds a new perspective on the feasibility and difficulty for field practice. Analysis and discussion within different parts are generally carried out based on specific considerations in each field. MICP may bring comprehensive improvement of static and dynamic characteristics of geomaterials, thus enhancing their bearing capacity and resisting liquefication. It helps produce eco-friendly and durable building materials. MICP is a promising and cost-efficient technology in preserving water resources and subsurface fluid leakage. Piping, internal erosion and surface erosion could also be addressed by this technology. MICP has been proved suitable for stabilizing soils and shows promise in dealing with problematic soils like bentonite and expansive soils. It is also envisaged that this technology may be used to mitigate against impacts of geological hazards such as liquefaction associated with earthquakes. Moreover, global environment issues including fugitive dust, contaminated soil and climate change problems are assumed to be palliated or even removed via the positive effects of this technology. Bioaugmentation, biostimulation, and enzymatic approach are three feasible paths for MICP. Decision makers should choose a compatible, efficient and economical way among them and develop an on-site solution based on engineering conditions. To further decrease the cost and energy consumption of the MICP technology, it is reasonable to make full use of industrial by-products or wastes and non-sterilized media. The prospective direction of this technology is to make construction more intelligent without human intervention, such as autogenous healing. To reach this destination, MICP could be coupled with other techniques like encapsulation and ductile fibers. MICP is undoubtfully a mainstream engineering technology for the future, while ecological balance, environmental impact and industrial applicability should still be cautiously treated in its real practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kuan Zhang
- School of Earth Sciences and Engineering, Nanjing University, 163 Xianlin Avenue, Nanjing, 210023 China
| | - Chao-Sheng Tang
- School of Earth Sciences and Engineering, Nanjing University, 163 Xianlin Avenue, Nanjing, 210023 China
| | - Ning-Jun Jiang
- Institute of Geotechnical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, 211189 China
| | - Xiao-Hua Pan
- School of Earth Sciences and Engineering, Nanjing University, 163 Xianlin Avenue, Nanjing, 210023 China
| | - Bo Liu
- School of Earth Sciences and Engineering, Nanjing University, 163 Xianlin Avenue, Nanjing, 210023 China
| | - Yi-Jie Wang
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Hawaii, Manoa, Honolulu, HI 96822 USA
| | - Bin Shi
- School of Earth Sciences and Engineering, Nanjing University, 163 Xianlin Avenue, Nanjing, 210023 China
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Park G, Kim Y, Lee HH, Lee OM, Park J, Kim YJ, Lee KM, Heo MS, Son HJ. Characterization and applicability of novel alkali-tolerant carbonatogenic bacteria as environment-friendly bioconsolidants for management of concrete structures and soil erosion. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2022; 321:115929. [PMID: 35985272 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2022.115929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2022] [Revised: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 07/31/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Cracking and erosion are critical factors that reduce the mechanical properties and stability of concrete structures and soil, respectively. They are recognized worldwide as severe disasters causing the collapse of many structures including stone heritage and dams, and landslides. Therefore, it is essential to propose effective and environment-friendly management methods to prevent them. Carbonatogenesis has recently received considerable attention as a reliable biological process for remediating cracks in calcareous structures, stabilizing loose soils, and sequestering CO2 in the environment. Isolating and characterizing carbonatogenic bacteria with excellent performance is crucial for applying this process to the field of environmental and civil engineering. The aim of this study was to isolate new CaCO3-precipitating bacteria and investigate various properties for their use as bioconsolidants. Furthermore, the possibility of restoring damaged structures and stabilizing loose sandy soil using isolated strain was investigated. Strain LC13 with urease and CaCO3-precipitating activity was isolated from limestone cave soil in Korea and identified as Arthrobacter sulfureus by phenotypic characterization and 16S rRNA gene analysis. Although cell growth was observed after an adaptation period at pH 11, strain LC13 grew well at pH 7-11, indicating alkali tolerance. The optimal conditions for CaCO3 precipitation were 1.0% yeast extract, 2.5% urea, 0.35% NaHCO3, and 400 mM CaCl2, with an initial pH of 6.5 at 30 °C. Under optimized conditions, maximal CaCO3 (22.92 ± 0.14 g/l) precipitated after 3 days, which was 10.8-fold higher than the value in a urea-CaCl2 medium. CaCO3 precipitation by strain LC13 was associated with an increased pH due to ureolysis and protein deamination. Using an optimized medium as a cementation solution, strain LC13 completely remediated 340-760 μm wide cracks over 3 days, and also restored the spalling of concrete surfaces. Furthermore, the sand treated with LC13 solidified with a surface strength of 14.9 kPa. Instrumental analysis confirmed that the crystals precipitated were a mixture of CaCO3 polymorphs composed of rhombohedral calcite and spherical vaterite. These results suggest that A. sulfureus LC13 may be useful for implementing sustainable biorestoration and environmental management technologies such as the in situ remediation of structural cracks and in situ prevention of soil erosion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gyulim Park
- Department of Life Science and Environmental Biochemistry/Life and Industry Convergence Research Institute, Pusan National University, Miryang, 50463, Republic of Korea
| | - Yerin Kim
- Department of Life Science and Environmental Biochemistry/Life and Industry Convergence Research Institute, Pusan National University, Miryang, 50463, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyun Ho Lee
- Department of Life Science and Environmental Biochemistry/Life and Industry Convergence Research Institute, Pusan National University, Miryang, 50463, Republic of Korea
| | - O-Mi Lee
- Avian Disease Division, Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency, Gimcheon, 39660, Republic of Korea
| | - Jinkuk Park
- Department of Marine Life Science, Jeju National University, Jeju, 63243, Republic of Korea
| | - Yu-Jin Kim
- Department of Life Science and Environmental Biochemistry/Life and Industry Convergence Research Institute, Pusan National University, Miryang, 50463, Republic of Korea
| | - Kwang Min Lee
- Department of Life Science and Environmental Biochemistry/Life and Industry Convergence Research Institute, Pusan National University, Miryang, 50463, Republic of Korea
| | - Moon-Soo Heo
- Department of Marine Life Science, Jeju National University, Jeju, 63243, Republic of Korea
| | - Hong-Joo Son
- Department of Life Science and Environmental Biochemistry/Life and Industry Convergence Research Institute, Pusan National University, Miryang, 50463, Republic of Korea.
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Saif A, Cuccurullo A, Gallipoli D, Perlot C, Bruno AW. Advances in Enzyme Induced Carbonate Precipitation and Application to Soil Improvement: A Review. MATERIALS 2022; 15:ma15030950. [PMID: 35160900 PMCID: PMC8840754 DOI: 10.3390/ma15030950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2021] [Revised: 01/07/2022] [Accepted: 01/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Climate change and global warming have prompted a notable shift towards sustainable geotechnics and construction materials within the geotechnical engineer’s community. Earthen construction materials, in particular, are considered sustainable due to their inherent characteristics of having low embodied and operational energies, fire resistance, and ease of recyclability. Despite these attributes, they have not been part of the mainstream construction due to their susceptibility to water-induced deterioration. Conventional soil improvement techniques are generally expensive, energy-intensive, and environmentally harmful. Recently, biostabilization has emerged as a sustainable alternative that can overcome some of the limitations of existing soil improvement methods. Enzyme-induced carbonate precipitation (EICP) is a particularly promising technique due to its ease of application and compatibility with different soil types. EICP exploits the urease enzyme as a catalyst to promote the hydrolysis of urea inside the pore water, which, in the presence of calcium ions, results in the precipitation of calcium carbonate. The purpose of this paper is to provide a state-of-the-art review of EICP stabilization, highlighting the potential application of this technique to field problems and identifying current research gaps. The paper discusses recent progress, focusing on the most important factors that govern the efficiency of the chemical reactions and the precipitation of a spatially homogenous carbonate phase. The paper also discusses other aspects of EICP stabilization, including the degree of ground improvement, the prediction of the pore structure of the treated soil by numerical simulations, and the remediation of potentially toxic EICP by-products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahsan Saif
- Université de Pau et des Pays de l’Adour, E2S UPPA, SIAME, 64600 Anglet, France; (A.C.); (C.P.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Alessia Cuccurullo
- Université de Pau et des Pays de l’Adour, E2S UPPA, SIAME, 64600 Anglet, France; (A.C.); (C.P.)
| | - Domenico Gallipoli
- Dipartimento di Ingegneria Civile, Chimica e Ambientale, Università degli Studi di Genova, 16145 Genoa, Italy; (D.G.); (A.W.B.)
| | - Céline Perlot
- Université de Pau et des Pays de l’Adour, E2S UPPA, SIAME, 64600 Anglet, France; (A.C.); (C.P.)
- Institut Universitaire de France (IUF), CEDEX 05, 75231 Paris, France
| | - Agostino Walter Bruno
- Dipartimento di Ingegneria Civile, Chimica e Ambientale, Università degli Studi di Genova, 16145 Genoa, Italy; (D.G.); (A.W.B.)
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Zhong M, Liu B, Zhang L, Wang J, Chen J, Li J, Liu Y, Ming L. Experimental Study on Microbial Induced Calcium Carbonate Precipitation to Enhance Reservoir Recovery. IRANIAN JOURNAL OF BIOTECHNOLOGY 2022; 20:e3024. [PMID: 35891956 PMCID: PMC9284243 DOI: 10.30498/ijb.2021.279942.3024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Background Bacillus subtilis can produce urease in the presence of urea as the main carbon source and induce mineralization in the presence of precipitable cations. Objectives The objective of our study was to demonstrate that Bacillus subtilis catabolizes glucose first in the presence of both glucose and urea carbon sources. Using its feature of catabolizing glucose first to delay the mineralization time, it proved its potential application in enhancing the recovery of heterogeneous reservoirs. Material and Methods The metabolic process of Bacillus subtilis was monitored by changing the glucose content in the bacterial medium by UV spectrophotometer and pH meter. Using a non-homogeneous physical model, experiments were conducted to improve reservoir recovery by microbial mineralization after polymer oil drive. Results The higher the glucose content in the medium, the longer the time for the pH of the bacterial solution to reach 7 and the longer the end of the logarithmic phase of growth. the glucose content of the 48 h medium was significantly correlated with the consumption of the bacteria and the quality of the precipitation. In the oil drive experiment the permeability of the high permeability model was reduced from 1200 md to 136 md with a reduction rate of 88.6 %, and the permeability of the low permeability model was reduced by 22 md, and the crude oil recovery was increased by 7.9 %. Conclusions It was demonstrated that the addition of glucose to the culture medium retarded the mineralization of bacteria. Only 0.2 times the pore volume of the bacterial solution and the cementing solution is required to form an effective seal, thus improving the recovery of crude oil.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming Zhong
- Key Laboratory of Exploration Technologies for Oil and Gas Resources (Yangtze University), Ministry of education, Wuhan, 430100,China
| | - Baolei Liu
- Key Laboratory of Exploration Technologies for Oil and Gas Resources (Yangtze University), Ministry of education, Wuhan, 430100,China,
Department of Petroleum Engineering,Leak Resistance & Sealing Technology Research Department National Engineering Laboratory of Petroleum Drilling Technology, Yangtze University, Wuhan Hubei China, 430100,
Key Laboratory of Drilling and Production Engineering for Oil and Gas,Hubei Province,Wuhan Hubei China, 430100
| | - Lianfeng Zhang
- Petroleum Exploration and Development Research Institute, Henan Oilfield Branch Company, Sinopec, Nanyang, Henan 473132, P R of China,
Henan EOR Key Laboratory, Nanyang, Henan 473132, P R of China
| | - Jiamngtao Wang
- Key Laboratory of Exploration Technologies for Oil and Gas Resources (Yangtze University), Ministry of education, Wuhan, 430100,China
| | - Jun Chen
- Key Laboratory of Exploration Technologies for Oil and Gas Resources (Yangtze University), Ministry of education, Wuhan, 430100,China
| | - Jinyang Li
- Key Laboratory of Exploration Technologies for Oil and Gas Resources (Yangtze University), Ministry of education, Wuhan, 430100,China
| | - Yaru Liu
- Key Laboratory of Exploration Technologies for Oil and Gas Resources (Yangtze University), Ministry of education, Wuhan, 430100,China
| | - Liting Ming
- Key Laboratory of Exploration Technologies for Oil and Gas Resources (Yangtze University), Ministry of education, Wuhan, 430100,China
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Su F, Yang YY. Microbially induced carbonate precipitation via methanogenesis pathway by a microbial consortium enriched from activated anaerobic sludge. J Appl Microbiol 2020; 131:236-256. [PMID: 33187022 DOI: 10.1111/jam.14930] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2020] [Revised: 10/14/2020] [Accepted: 11/04/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Various applications of microbially induced carbonate precipitation (MICP) has been proposed. However, most studies use cultured pure strains to obtain MICP, ignoring advantages of microbial consortia. The aims of this study were to: (i) test the feasibility of a microbial consortium to produce MICP; (ii) identify functional micro-organisms and their relationship; (iii) explain the MICP mechanism; (iv) propose a way of applying the MICP technique to soil media. METHODS AND RESULTS Anaerobic sludge was used as the source of the microbial consortium. A laboratory anaerobic sequencing batch reactor and beaker were used to perform precipitation experiment. The microbial consortium produced MICP with an efficiency of 96·6%. XRD and SEM analysis showed that the precipitation composed of different-size calcite crystals. According to high-throughput 16S rRNA gene sequencing, the functional micro-organisms included acetogenic bacteria, acetate-oxidizing bacteria and archaea Methanosaeta and Methanobacterium beijingense. The methanogenesis acetate degradation provides dissolved inorganic carbon and increases pH for MICP. A series of reactions catalysed by many enzymes and cofactors of methanogens and acetate-oxidizers are involved in the acetate degradation. CONCLUSION This work demonstrates the feasibility of using the microbial consortium to achieve MICP from an experimental and theoretical perspective. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY A method of applying the microbial-consortium MICP to soil media is proposed. It has the advantages of low cost, low environmental impact, treatment uniformity and less limitations from natural soils. This method could be used to improve mechanical properties, plug pores and fix harmful elements of soil media, etc.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Su
- School of Engineering and Technology, China University of Geosciences (Beijing), Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Y Y Yang
- School of Engineering and Technology, China University of Geosciences (Beijing), Beijing, P. R. China
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Naveed M, Duan J, Uddin S, Suleman M, Hui Y, Li H. Application of microbially induced calcium carbonate precipitation with urea hydrolysis to improve the mechanical properties of soil. ECOLOGICAL ENGINEERING 2020; 153:105885. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoleng.2020.105885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/28/2023]
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Investigating Ammonium By-product Removal for Ureolytic Bio-cementation Using Meter-scale Experiments. Sci Rep 2019; 9:18313. [PMID: 31797962 PMCID: PMC6892930 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-54666-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2019] [Accepted: 11/19/2019] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Microbially Induced Calcite Precipitation (MICP), or bio-cementation, is a promising bio-mediated technology that can improve the engineering properties of soils through the precipitation of calcium carbonate. Despite significant advances in the technology, concerns regarding the fate of produced NH4+ by-products have remained largely unaddressed. In this study, five 3.7-meter long soil columns each containing one of three different soils were improved using ureolytic bio-cementation, and post-treatment NH4+ by-product removal was investigated during the application of 525 L of a high pH and high ionic strength rinse solution. During rinsing, reductions in aqueous NH4+ were observed in all columns from initial concentrations between ≈100 mM to 500 mM to final values between ≈0.3 mM and 20 mM with higher NH4+ concentrations observed at distances furthest from the injection well. In addition, soil Vs measurements completed during rinse injections suggested that no significant changes in cementation integrity occurred during NH4+ removal. After rinsing and a 12 hour stop flow period, all column solutions achieved cumulative NH4+ removals exceeding 97.9%. Soil samples collected following rinsing, however, contained significant sorbed NH4+ masses that appeared to have a near linear relationship with surrounding aqueous NH4+ concentrations. While these results suggest that NH4+ can be successfully removed from bio-cemented soils, acceptable limits for NH4+ aqueous concentrations and sorbed NH4+ masses will likely be governed by site-specific requirements and may require further investigation and refinement of the developed techniques.
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