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Native Bacterial Community Convergence in Augmented and Stimulated Ureolytic MICP Biocementation
Charles M R Graddy1, Michael G Gomez2, Jason T DeJong3
1Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Davis 95616, California, United States.
Environmental Science & Technology
|July 19, 2021
Summary
Bioaugmentation with Sporosarcina pasteurii was less effective than biostimulation for soil improvement. Native soil microbes dominated, outcompeting introduced bacteria in microbially induced calcite precipitation.
Area of Science:
- Biomineralization and Geomicrobiology
- Soil Science and Geotechnical Engineering
Background:
- Microbially induced calcite precipitation (MICP) is crucial for soil improvement and civil engineering.
- Ureolytic bacteria play a key role in MICP by precipitating calcium carbonate.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the efficacy and microbial dynamics of bioaugmentation versus biostimulation for MICP in soil.
- To investigate the competitive interactions between augmented and native ureolytic bacteria.
Main Methods:
- Replicate soil columns were treated using bioaugmentation with Sporosarcina pasteurii and biostimulation of native bacteria.
- High-throughput 16S rDNA sequencing analyzed microbial community composition in suspended and attached phases.
- Bulk ureolytic rates and calcite content were measured to assess treatment efficacy.
Main Results:
- Biostimulation enriched native Firmicutes, with Sporosarcina and Lysinibacillus dominating the microbial community.
- Augmented S. pasteurii decreased to undetectable levels, indicating poor competitiveness against native bacteria.
- Both methods yielded similar bulk ureolytic rates and calcite content, suggesting comparable soil improvement.
Conclusions:
- Native soil microbial communities can effectively outcompete augmented strains in MICP processes.
- Biostimulation is a viable alternative to bioaugmentation for achieving desired soil properties via MICP.
- The uncharacterized attached microbial community significantly influences bulk MICP behavior.
