Bio-mediated soil improvement: An introspection into processes, materials, characterization and applications

Ning Jun Jiang*, Yi Jie Wang*, Jian Chu, Satoru Kawasaki, Chao Sheng Tang, Liang Cheng, Yan Jun Du, Bettadapura S. Shashank, Devendra N. Singh, Xiao Le Han, Yu Ze Wang

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

85 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

For a long time in the practice of geotechnical engineering, soil has been viewed as an inert material, comprising only inorganic phases. However, microorganisms including bacteria, archaea and eukaryotes are ubiquitous in soil and have the capacity and capability to alter bio-geochemical processes in the local soil environment. The cumulative changes could consequently modify the physical, mechanical, conductive and chemical properties of the bulk soil matrix. In recent years, the topic of bio-mediated geotechnics has gained momentum in the scientific literature. It involves the manipulation of various bio-geochemical soil processes to improve soil engineering performance. In particular, the process of microbial-induced calcium carbonate precipitation (MICP) has received the most attention for its superior performance for soil improvement. The present work aims to shape a comprehensive understanding of recent developments in bio-mediated geotechnics, with a focus on MICP. Referring to around one hundred studies published over the past five years, this review focuses on popular and alternative MICP processes, innovative raw materials and additives for MICP, emerging tools and testing methodologies for characterizing MICP at multi-scale, and applications in emerging and/or unconventional geotechnical fields.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)68-93
Number of pages26
JournalSoil Use and Management
Volume38
Issue number1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Jan 2022
Externally publishedYes

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© 2021 British Society of Soil Science

ASJC Scopus Subject Areas

  • Agronomy and Crop Science
  • Pollution
  • Soil Science

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