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Microbially induced calcite precipitation using Bacillus velezensis with guar gum
Rashmi Dikshit1, Animesh Jain1, Arjun Dey2
1Department of Mechanical Engineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, India.
Plos One
|August 14, 2020
Summary
Researchers explored microbially induced calcite precipitation (MICP) using Bacillus velezensis and guar gum. Guar gum enhanced MICP by two-fold, yielding more stable calcite, showing potential for biomineralization applications.
Area of Science:
- Geochemistry
- Microbiology
- Biotechnology
Background:
- Microbially induced calcite precipitation (MICP) is a significant biomineralization process with diverse applications.
- Identifying efficient bacterial strains and optimizing MICP conditions are crucial for practical use.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the MICP efficiency of a locally isolated bacterial strain.
- To evaluate the role of guar gum, a natural polymer, in enhancing MICP.
Main Methods:
- Isolation and screening of urease-positive bacteria from soil.
- Identification of the potent strain as Bacillus velezensis using 16S rRNA gene sequencing.
- Assessing MICP activity in media supplemented with varying concentrations of guar gum (0.25%-1% w/v).
- Biochemical analysis (pH, ammonium, reducing sugar) and microstructural characterization (SEM, XRD).
Main Results:
- Bacillus velezensis was identified as an effective MICP agent.
- Guar gum supplementation significantly increased calcium carbonate precipitation by two-fold.
- Optimal MICP activity and ammonium ion concentration were observed with 1% guar gum.
- SEM and XRD confirmed increased stable calcite formation in guar gum-supplemented media.
Conclusions:
- The isolated Bacillus velezensis strain efficiently induces calcite precipitation.
- Guar gum acts as an effective carbon source, significantly enhancing MICP.
- This study demonstrates the potential of combining specific bacterial strains with natural polymers for improved biomineralization processes.
