Investigating the Effects of Nano-calcite on Microbially Induced Calcium Carbonate Precipitation to Enhance Soil-Sand Bio-Cementation

Incorporating eco-friendly techniques to stabilize soft or loose sandy soils in areas with steep ground slopes and high rainfall levels is imperative to uphold sustainable development principles. Bacterial mineralization, achieved through bio-cementation, is an effective solution that utilizes ureolytic bacteria to decompose urea and precipitate calcium carbonate. This study explores the potential enhancement of bio-cementation by incorporating nano calcite as nucleation sites. The microstructure of the precipitate and its microbially induced calcium carbonate precipitation capacity was analyzed using microscopic, SEM/EDS, and X-ray diffraction analyses to identify and characterize the mineral compositions. In addition, a simulated rainfall model and wind flow were established to assess the erosion resistance of the sand samples.