Sand Foreshore Slope Stability and Erosion Mitigation Based on Microbiota and Enzyme Mix–Induced Carbonate Precipitation
Publication: Journal of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering
Volume 148, Issue 8
Abstract
To mitigate foreshore erosion, it is necessary to find effective and environmentally friendly interventions to stabilize slopes. In this study, the microbiota and enzyme mix–induced carbonate precipitation (MEMCP) method was proposed to improve foreshore slopes’ stability and mitigate erosion. In the tests, the volume ratio of bacterial suspension (BS) and urease solution (US) varied to obtain the optimum condition. The angles of slopes, accumulative soil loss weights, surface strengths, and calcium carbonate () contents were used to evaluate the treating effect. The results showed that the slopes treated with microbially induced carbonate precipitation still experienced a drastic collapse. The slopes treated with enzyme-induced carbonate precipitation had higher stability at the beginning; however, the slopes were still damaged in subsequent tidal cycles. However, with MEMCP treatment, the slopes’ stability was significantly improved, especially for the slopes with the volume ratio of BS to US equaling . The angle of these slopes almost did not change, and a small amount of sand was washed out by tidal cycles. Moreover, these slopes had higher surface strengths and contents. In addition, the increase in content resulted in an exponential increase of surface strength, regardless of volume ratios of BS and US. The MEMCP method applied in this study for foreshore slope stabilization has shown a success. The research lays a solid foundation for the application for foreshore surface erosion mitigation.
Get full access to this article
View all available purchase options and get full access to this article.
Data Availability Statement
Some or all data, models, or code that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.
Acknowledgments
The authors thank the valuable comments from the reviewers. This study was funded by National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No. 51578147), Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities (Grant No. 2242020R20025), Science and Technology Department of Ningxia (Grant No. 2020BFG02014), and the Transportation Department of Ningxia (Grant No. 202000173).
References
Agassi, M., and H. Ben. 1992. “Stabilizing steep slopes with soil conditioners and plants.” Soil Technol. 5 (3): 249–256. https://doi.org/10.1016/0933-3630(92)90025-V.
Almajed, A., H. Tirkolaei, E. Kavazanjian, and N. Hamdan. 2019. “Enzyme induced biocementated sand with high strength at low carbonate content.” Sci. Rep. 9 (1): 1–7. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-018-38361-1.
Amos, C., M. Brylinski, S. Lee, and D. O’Brien. 1996. Littoral mudflat stability monitoring, the number estuary. Ottawa: Geological Survey of Canada.
Braissant, O., G. Cailleau, C. Dupraz, and E. Verrecchia. 2003. “Bacterially induced mineralization of calcium carbonate in terrestrial environments: The role of exopolysaccharides and amino acids.” J. Sediment. Res. 73 (3): 485–490. https://doi.org/10.1306/111302730485.
Cheng, L., M. Shahin, and J. Chu. 2019. “Soil bio-cementation using a new one-phase low-pH injection method.” Acta Geotech. 14 (3): 615–626. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11440-018-0738-2.
Chin, W., and W. Kroontje. 1962. “Conductivity method for estimation of enzyme activity.” Agric. Food Chem. 10 (4): 347–348. https://doi.org/10.1021/jf60122a024.
Chu, J., V. Ivanov, M. Naeimi, V. Stabnikov, and H. Liu. 2014. “Optimization of calcium-based bioclogging and biocementation of sand.” Acta Geotech. 9 (2): 277–285. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11440-013-0278-8.
Clifford, J. 1996. “Advances in coastal structures and breakwaters—Design and construction of the Groyne at Corinto, Nicaragua.” Adv. Coastal Struct. Breakwaters 10 (Apr): 110–123. https://doi.org/10.1680/aicsab.25097.
Collins, B., and N. Sitar. 2009. “Geotechnical properties of cemented sands in steep slopes.” J. Geotech. Geoenviron. Eng. 135 (10): 1359–1366. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)GT.1943-5606.0000094.
Conley, D., and D. Inman. 1994. “Ventilated oscillatory boundary layers.” J. Fluid Mech. 273 (Apr): 261–284. https://doi.org/10.1017/S002211209400193X.
Dakhane, A., S. Das, H. Hansen, S. O’Donnell, F. Hanoon, A. Rushton, P. Carlos, and N. Narayanan. 2018. “Crack healing in cementitious mortars using enzyme-induced carbonate precipitation: Quantification based on fracture response.” J. Mater. Civ. Eng. 30 (4): 04018035. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)MT.1943-5533.0002218.
El Mountassir, G., R. Lunn, H. Moir, and E. MacLachlan. 2014. “Hydrodynamic coupling in microbially mediated fracture mineralization: Formation of self-organized groundwater flow channels.” Water Resour. Res. 50 (1): 1–16. https://doi.org/10.1002/2013WR013578.
Eltarahony, M., S. Zaki, A. Kamal, and D. Abd-El-Haleem. 2019. “Calcite and vaterite biosynthesis by nitrate dissimilating bacteria in carbonatogenesis process under aerobic and anaerobic conditions.” Biogeosci. Discuss. https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-2019-444.
Erşan, Y., E. Gruyaert, G. Louis, C. Lors, N. De Belie, and N. Boon. 2015. “Self-protected nitrate reducing culture for intrinsic repair of concrete cracks.” Front. Microbiol. 6 (Nov): 1228. https://doi.org/10.3389/fmicb.2015.01228.
Esnault-Filet, A., J. Gadret, M. Loygue, and S. Borel. 2012. “Biocalcis and its application for the consolidation of sands.” In Grouting and deep mixing geotechnical. Edited by L. F. Johnsen, D. A. Bruce, and M. J. Byle, 1767–1780. Reston, VA: ASCE.
Fang, H., and G. Wang. 2000. “Three-dimensional mathematical model of suspended-sediment transport.” J. Hydraul. Eng. 126 (8): 578–592. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)0733-9429(2000)126:8(578).
Fidaleo, M., and R. Lavecchia. 2003. “Kinetic study of enzymatic urea hydrolysis in the pH range 4–9.” Chem. Biochem. Eng. Q. 17 (4): 311–318.
Fredrickson, J., M. Fletcher, J. Frederickson, and M. Fletcher. 2001. Subsurface microbiology and biogeochemistry. New York: Wiley.
Haller, M., D. Honegger, and P. Catalan. 2014. “Rip current observations via marine radar.” J. Waterway, Port, Coastal, Ocean Eng. 140 (2): 115–124. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)WW.1943-5460.0000229.
Hamdan, N. 2015. Applications of enzyme induced carbonate precipitation (EC) for soil improvement. Tempe, AZ: Arizona State Univ.
Hamdan, N., E. Kavazanjian, B. Rittmann, and I. Karatas. 2017. “Carbonate mineral precipitation for soil improvement through microbial denitrification.” Geomicrobiol. J. 34 (2): 139–146. https://doi.org/10.1080/01490451.2016.1154117.
Hamdan, N. E., and J. Kavazanjian. 2016. “Enzyme-induced carbonate mineral precipitation for fugitive dust control.” Géotechnique 66 (7): 546–555. https://doi.org/10.1680/jgeot.15.P.168.
Ivanov, V., and J. Chu. 2008. “Applications of microorganisms to geotechnical engineering for bioclogging and biocementation of soil in situ.” Rev. Environ. Sci. Biotechnol. 7 (2): 139–153. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11157-007-9126-3.
Khan, M., G. Amarakoon, S. Shimazaki, and S. Kawasaki. 2015. “Coral sand solidification test based on microbially induced carbonate precipitation using ureolytic bacteria.” Mater. Trans. 56 (10): 1725–1732. https://doi.org/10.2320/matertrans.m-m2015820.
Liu, D., and Y. Li. 2003. “Mechanism of plant roots improving resistance of soil to concentrated flow erosion.” J. Soil Water Conserv. 17 (3): 34–37.
Liu, J., B. Shi, H. Jiang, H. Huang, G. Wang, and T. Kamai. 2011. “Research on the stabilization treatment of clay slope topsoil by organic polymer soil stabilizer.” Eng. Geol. 117 (Oct): 114–120. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enggeo.2010.10.011.
Mahawish, A., A. Bouazza, and W. Gates. 2018. “Effect of particle size distribution on the bio-cementation of coarse aggregates.” Acta Geotech. 13 (4): 1019–1025. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11440-017-0604-7.
Mehmannavaz, T., M. Bhutta, S. Sumadi, and M. Sajjadi. 2012. “Stabilization of desert sand in Iran using cement and microsilice.” In Proc., AES-ATEMA 10th Int. Conf. on Advances and Trends in Engineering Materials and Their Applications. Montreal: Ground Improvement.
Miao, L., L. Wu, X. Sun, X. Li, and J. Zhang. 2020. “Method of solidifying desert sands with enzyme-catalysed mineralization.” Land Degrad. Dev. 31 (11): 1317–1324. https://doi.org/10.1002/ldr.3499.
Moravej, S., G. Habibagahi, E. Nikooee, and A. Niazi. 2018. “Stabilization of dispersive soils by means of biological calcite precipitation.” Geoderma 315 (11): 130–137. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.geoderma.2017.11.037.
Mortensen, B., M. Haber, J. DeJong, L. Caslake, and D. Nelson. 2011. “Effects of environmental factors on microbial induced calcium carbonate precipitation.” J. Appl. Microbiol. 111 (2): 338–349. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2672.2011.05065.x.
Nemati, M., and G. Voordouw. 2003. “Modification of porous media permeability, using calcium carbonate produced enzymatically in situ.” Enzyme Microb. Technol. 33 (5): 635–642. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0141-0229(03)00191-1.
Neupane, D., H. Yasuhara, N. Kinoshita, and T. Unno. 2013. “Applicability of enzymatic calcium carbonate precipitation as a soil-strengthening technique.” J. Geotech. Geoenviron. Eng. 139 (12): 2201–2211. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)GT.1943-5606.0000959.
Neupane, D., H. Yasuhara, N. Kinoshita, and T. Unno. 2015. “Distribution of mineralized carbonate and its quantification method in enzyme mediated calcite precipitation technique.” Soils Found 55 (2): 447–457. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sandf.2015.02.018.
Omoregie, A., G. Khoshdelnezamiha, N. Senian, D. Ong, and P. Nissom. 2017. “Experimental optimisation of various cultural conditions on urease activity for isolated Sporosarcina pasteurii strains and evaluation of their biocement potentials.” Ecol. Eng. 109 (Sep): 65–75. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecoleng.2017.09.012.
Oti, J., and J. Kinuthia. 2012. “Stabilised unfired clay bricks for environmental and sustainable use.” Appl. Clay Sci. 58 (Jan): 52–59. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clay.2012.01.011.
Qabany, A., K. Soga, and C. Santamarina. 2012. “Factors affecting efficiency of microbially induced calcite precipitation.” J. Geotech. Geoenviron. Eng. 138 (8): 992–1001. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)GT.1943-5606.0000666.
Saffari, R., G. Habibagahi, E. Nikooee, and A. Niazi. 2017. “Biological stabilization of a swelling fine-grained soil: The role of microstructural changes in the shear behavior.” Iran. J. Sci. Technol. Trans. Civ. Eng. 41 (4): 405–414. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40996-017-0066-z.
Saffari, R., E. Nikooee, G. Habibagahi, and M. van Genuchten. 2019. “Effects of biological stabilization on the water retention properties of unsaturated soils.” J. Geotech. Geoenviron. Eng. 145 (7): 04019028. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)GT.1943-5606.0002053.
Salifu, E., E. Maclachlan, K. Iyer, C. Knapp, and A. Tarantino. 2015. “Application of microbially induced calcite precipitation in erosion mitigation and stabilisation of sandy soil foreshore slopes: A preliminary investigation.” Eng. Geol. 201 (4): 96–105. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enggeo.2015.12.027.
Shahrokhi-Shahraki, R., S. Zomorodian, A. Niazi, and B. O’Kelly. 2015. “Improving sand with microbial-induced carbonate precipitation.” Proc. Inst. Civ. Eng. Ground Improv. 168 (3): 217–230. https://doi.org/10.1680/grim.14.00001.
Soon, N., L. Lee, T. Khun, and H. Ling. 2013. “Improvements in engineering properties of soils through microbial-induced calcite precipitation.” KSCE J. Civ. Eng. 17 (4): 718–728. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12205-013-0149-8.
Stocks-Fischer, S., J. Galinat, and S. Bang. 1999. “Microbiological precipitation of CaCO3.” Soil Biol. Biochem. 31 (11): 1563–1571. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0038-0717(99)00082-6.
Sun, X., L. Miao, T. Tong, and C. Wang. 2018. “Improvement of microbial-induced calcium carbonate precipitation technology for sand solidification.” J. Mater. Civ. Eng. 30 (11): 04018301. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)MT.1943-5533.0002507.
Sun, X., L. Miao, T. Tong, and C. Wang. 2019. “Study of the effect of temperature on microbially induced carbonate precipitation.” Acta Geotech. 14 (3): 627–638. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11440-018-0758-y.
Sun, X., L. Miao, H. Wang, W. Yin, and L. Wu. 2021a. “Mineralization crust field experiment for desert sand solidification based on enzymatic calcification.” J. Environ. Manage. 287 (Jun): 112315. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvman.2021.112315.
Sun, X., L. Miao, L. Wu, and H. Wang. 2021b. “Theoretical quantification for cracks repair based on microbially induced carbonate precipitation (MICP) method.” Cem. Concr. Compos. 118 (Apr): 103950. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cemconcomp.2021.103950.
Sun, X., L. Miao, J. Yuan, H. Wang, and L. Wu. 2020. “Application of enzymatic calcification for dust control and rainfall erosion resistance improvement.” Sci. Total Environ. 759 (3): 143468. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.143468.
Tziviloglou, E., V. Wiktor, H. Jonkers, and E. Schlangen. 2016. “Bacteria-based self-healing concrete to increase liquid tightness of cracks.” Constr. Build. Mater. 122 (Sep): 118–125. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2016.06.080.
Ulusay, R., and Z. Erguler. 2012. “Needle penetration test: Evaluation of its performance and possible uses in predicting strength of weak and soft rocks.” Eng. Geol. 149 (Nov): 47–56. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enggeo.2012.08.007.
Van Paassen, L., R. Ghose, T. van der Linden, W. van der Star, and M. van Loosdrecht. 2010. “Quantifying biomediated ground improvement by ureolysis: Largescale biogrout experiment.” J. Geotech. Geoenviron. Eng. 136 (12): 1721–1728. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)GT.1943-5606.0000382.
Van Paassen, L., M. Harkes, G. Van Zwieten, W. Van der Zon, W. Van der Star, and M. Van Loosdrecht. 2009. “A biological ground reinforcement method.” In Proc., 17th Int. Conf. of Soil Mechanical and Geotechnical Engineering, 2328–2333. Bushey, UK: MillPress Science.
Whiffin, V. 2004. Microbial CaCO3 precipitation for the production of biocement. Perth, Australia: Murdoch Univ.
Whiffin, V., L. Paassen, and M. Harkes. 2007. “Microbial carbonate precipitation as a soil improvement technique.” Geomicrobiol. J. 24 (5): 417–423. https://doi.org/10.1080/01490450701436505.
Information & Authors
Information
Published In
Journal of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering
Volume 148 • Issue 8 • August 2022
Copyright
© 2022 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Jun 6, 2021
Accepted: Apr 4, 2022
Published online: May 18, 2022
Published in print: Aug 1, 2022
Discussion open until: Oct 18, 2022
Authors
Metrics & Citations
Metrics
Citations
Download citation
If you have the appropriate software installed, you can download article citation data to the citation manager of your choice. Simply select your manager software from the list below and click Download.
Cited by
- Jiaming Zhang, Yuhao Li, Yi Luo, Yanjun Li, Qinggang Yang, Zijian Shen, An experimental study of mitigating coastal dune erosion by using bio-carbonization of reactive magnesia cement, Marine Georesources & Geotechnology, 10.1080/1064119X.2022.2154182, (1-15), (2022).