Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 20, 2025

Microbiologically Induced Calcite Precipitation Mediated by Sporosarcina pasteurii
Published on: April 16, 2016
Biocementation of Pyrite Tailings Using Microbially Induced Calcite Carbonate Precipitation
Bo Kang1, Fusheng Zha1, Weihao Deng1,2
1School of Resource and Environmental Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei 230009, China.
Abstract:
Tailing sand contains a large number of heavy metals and sulfides that are prone to forming acid mine drainage (AMD), which pollutes the surrounding surface environment and groundwater resources and damages the ecological environment. Microbially induced calcium carbonate precipitation (MICP) technology can biocement heavy metals and sulfides in tailing sand and prevent pollution via source control. In this study, through an unconfined compressive strength test, permeability test, and toxic leaching test (TCLP), the curing effect of MICP was investigated in the laboratory and the effect of grouting rounds on curing was also analyzed. In addition, the curing mechanism of MICP was studied by means of Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), X-ray diffraction spectroscopy (XRD), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The experimental results showed that MICP could induce calcium carbonate precipitation through relatively complex biochemical and physicochemical reactions to achieve the immobilization of heavy metals and sulfides and significantly reduce the impact of tailing sand on the surrounding environment.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Precipitation and Co-precipitation
Factors Affecting Solubility
Washing, Drying, and Ignition of Precipitates
Hydration of Cement
Bioremediation
Carbonation Shrinkage
The concrete's permeability is slightly reduced as calcium carbonate produced during the reaction fills its pores. Furthermore, its strength is slightly enhanced as the water released during the reaction...

