Improvement of sand properties using biotechnological precipitation of calcite cement (CaCO3)

Being able to exist in a wide range of conditions, microorganisms inhabit almost all elements of the geological environment and function as various components of the ecosystem. Biotechnologies used to control microbiological processes can under certain conditions help improve soil characteristics. We treated sands using a biotechnological approach to modify their geotechnical properties and permeability characteristics during calcite (CaCO3) bioprecipitation. The study involved a set of laboratory tests along with an in situ field test, including the use of bioaugmentation and biostimulation techniques. The data demonstrate that biotechnological calcite precipitation improves the characteristics of sandy soils and can potentially be used for sand strengthening and other applied purposes.