Microbiologically-Induced Soil Stabilization: Application of Sporosarcina pasteurii for Fugitive Dust Control

In this study, we have introduced a biological dust control technique utilizing a naturally occurring soil microorganism, Sporosarcina pasteurii, which is capable of inducing calcium carbonate precipitation in the environment. To evaluate the dust suppressive potential of this microbial calcite, S. pasteurii was suspended in medium and applied to locally available sand. The treated soil samples were tested via a wind tunnel at intervals and mass losses were measured. In order to identify the optimum conditions of microbial dust suppression, we examined the effects of: a) the concentration of S. pasteurii, b) the temperature and humidity, and c) the soil preparation method (washed or unwashed). Both types of the soil samples treated with S. pasteurii formed a crust-like layer on the surface and showed a significant reduction in mass loss. Our study demonstrated the potential of this microbially-mediated process as an effective, environmentally friendly means of airborne fugitive dust control.