Abstract and References
Transactions on Science and Technology Vol. 5, No. 4, 245 - 256, 2018

Microbially Induced Carbonate Precipitation Via Ureolysis Process: A Mini-Review

Armstrong Ighodalo Omoregie, Runnie Henry Ginjom, Peter Morin Nissom

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ABSTRACT
Microbially induced carbonate precipitation is a relatively new technology that uses biocementation treatment method for the improvement of soils. This process which relies on microbial and chemical reactions to produce biominerals, has drawn the interest of scientists, engineers and entrepreneurs. MICP can be employed for numerous biotechnological and engineering applications. Biocementation is often used as an alternative to conventional chemical treatment techniques (i.e. lime, asphalt, sodium silicate, and cement) for soil enhancement or embarkment. This eco-friendly and energy saving method binds soil particles together at ambient temperature through biominerals (such a calcium carbonate), thereby leading to enhanced strength and stiffness soils. In this review, the fundamentals of MICP, its metabolic processes and its applications are discussed. The challenges facing this technology and recently reported attempts to solve the problems are also discussed.

KEYWORDS: Biocementation; Sporosarcina pasteurii; Calcium carbonate; Soil treatment; Urease

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