Circular biocementation via waste-derived urease: maize root residue as a sustainable enzyme source for EICP

This study introduces a sustainable biocementation strategy that valorizes agricultural residues as urease sources for enzyme-induced carbonate precipitation (EICP). While EICP offers a low-carbon alternative to traditional cement, reliance on food-grade proteins like soybeans limits its scalability. Here, maize (Zea mays) root residue is employed as a novel, non-food enzyme source. Active urease extracted via ammonium sulfate precipitation maintained 82% function over 4 weeks and facilitated dense calcite formation, confirmed by XRD and SEM. Industrial-scale modeling indicates that this waste-derived EICP can achieve a carbon footprint 90% lower than Portland cement, even under fossil fuel-dependent energy grids. Substituting food-competing proteins with agricultural waste reduces environmental pressure and enables a cost-effective, circular industrial process. Beyond soil stabilization, this approach extends to eco-construction, crack remediation, and carbon immobilization. This work establishes a scalable framework for harnessing waste-derived urease in environmentally benign biocementation, advancing sustainable construction and green technology integration in the built environment.