The role of biocementation in addressing soil stabilization and carbon sequestration issues

Microbiologically induced carbonate precipitation (MICP) is an environmentally friendly and promising technology for soil stabilization, based on the activity of microorganisms such as Sporosarcina pasteurii, which promote the precipitation of calcium carbonates. This process involves the biological interaction of bacteria with chemical compounds such as urea and calcium ions, resulting in the formation of calcite deposits that reinforce soil structure by increasing its strength, reducing permeability, and improving erosion resistance. The article discusses the types and mechanisms of biocementation, as well as key factors affecting the efficiency of MICP, including the selection of microorganisms, environmental conditions, and soil composition. Methods for optimizing biocementation to achieve maximum efficiency are described, along with various applications of the technology, such as the improvement of sandy and weak clay soils. Special attention is given to environmental aspects, particularly the use of MICP for carbon sequestration, which contributes to long-term carbon storage in soils and helps mitigate climate change. The conclusion discusses prospects for further research and possible directions for expanding the application of this technology in construction and geotechnics.

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