Bacteria-induced cementation process in loose sand medium

Abstract

Several conventional methods for treatment of soil are available for engineers. The most widely used method includes solution/grout, but they alter the ground pH level and could be toxic. In order to avoid the potential environmental harms and make use of naturally occurring microorganisms, biological methods to improve the engineering properties of soils have been intensely studied. This article presents the results of a research project in which Sporosarcina pasteurii (formerly known as Bacillus pasteurii) was used to induce biological cementation in loose sand medium. The bacteria was injected into sand, which led to the development of cementation (calcium carbonate crystal) between sand grains. The calcification was observed using a scanning electron microscope (SEM).