MICP-Based Indian Desert Sand Stabilization

This study investigates MICP's efficacy in reducing wind-induced sand erosion in Indian desert sand. The sand was treated with S. pasteurii bacterial solution and cementation solution via spray application at 45 °C for 7 and 14 days. Wind tunnel tests at speeds of 5 m/s, 15 m/s, and 25 m/s assessed erosion, while the pocket penetrometer measured crust strength. Calcite formation was gauged with a calcimeter, and microcharacterization was done with SEM and EDX analysis. Results indicate significant erosion in untreated sand with increasing wind speed, contrasting with minimal erosion in biotreated sand. Compressive strength and calcite content rose with treatment duration, supported by calcium peaks in EDX analysis and observed bond formation in SEM images.