A hydrogel microparticle based on alginate encapsulation for microbial dust suppression: Enhancing control of...

This study addresses the issue of unsuitable storage and application of liquid microbial dust suppressants in open-pit coal mines by employing microbial encapsulation technology. Sodium alginate-encapsulated dust suppression hydrogel microparticles with a diameter of ~2.57 mm were prepared, which solidify the dust suppressant, enhancing storage, transport, and application. These hydrogel microparticles demonstrate resistance to fracture force (up to 0.724 N) and springiness (0.516 mm). X-ray Diffraction analysis shows that the microparticles promote calcite-type CaCO₃ nucleation and growth, exhibiting greater thermal stability and higher residual mass compared to liquid cultures. Dust suppression experiments reveal that hydrogel microparticles significantly improve coal dust consolidation, reducing dust dispersion. X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy and quantum chemical analysis show weak van der Waals interactions between the hydrogel and oxygen atoms on coal dust, with hydroxyl groups forming hydrogen bonds with urea molecules to promote urea aggregation. The carboxylate groups in sodium alginate facilitate calcium ion adsorption, serving as nucleation sites for calcium carbonate. This continuous calcium carbonate growth consolidates the hydrogel microparticles with coal dust, forming a mineralized layer that effectively suppresses dust.