Soil bio-cementation treatment strategies: state-of-the-art review

Bio-cementation is a new sustainable approach that has gained popularity due to its low energy and carbon footprint compared to existing technologies for geotechnical and geoenvironmental engineering applications. Bio-cementation is a soil improvement technique that involves binding the pore space of soil particles with calcium carbonate minerals by microbially induced carbonate precipitation (MICP) and filling the soil pore space. The purpose of this article is to present a current state-of-the-art and comprehensive discussion on the development of bio-cementation for soil improvement/reinforcement. Premixing, injection, immersing, and surface percolation are identified as four distinct bio-cementation treatment techniques. Furthermore, scholars have reported employing ureolytic bacteria such as Sporosarcina pasteurii, Bacillus sphaericus, and Lysinibacillus sphaericus) isolated from corals, limestone caves, soils, waste materials, seawaters, and other sources to accomplish effective bio-cementation Some of the major issues (bacterial cultivation costs and ammonium production) that impede its industrial potential and promising remedial techniques were also discussed. This state-of-the-art review also discussed the benefits and drawbacks of bio-cementation compared to traditional approaches. The significance of enzyme-induced carbonate precipitation as a soil bio-cementation alternative to MICP was also highlighted. Finally, the sustainable procedure, bio-cementation principles, and future implications are discussed.

Automated summary

Bio-cementation is a sustainable approach for geotechnical and geoenvironmental engineering applications, which utilizes microbially induced carbonate precipitation to bind soil particles and fill soil pore space. This article provides a comprehensive discussion on the development, techniques, and challenges of bio-cementation. Different treatment techniques, such as premixing, injection, immersing, and surface percolation, are identified. Various ureolytic bacteria have been employed for effective bio-cementation. The article also discusses the benefits, drawbacks, and alternative approaches to bio-cementation. The significance of enzyme-induced carbonate precipitation is highlighted as a promising soil bio-cementation method.