Efficiency of Microbial-Induced Carbonate Precipitation on Surface Strength of Jabalkandi Dune Sand

By approaching towards Urmia Lake, the potential source of sand dust originating from the sand dunes can be clearly observed. Wind erosion causes soil and environmental degradation. The high cost of petroleum mulches and their destructive effects on the environment have led to the use of environmentally friendly and cheaper materials. In this study, the control of surface erosion of sand dust in the Jabalkandi region has been investigated by enhancing its surface strength by microbial-induced carbonate precipitation. An aerobic sporosarcina pasteurii bacteria, which exists pervasively in natural soil deposits was utilized to control soil erosion. The industrial corn extract has been used to cultivate this bacterium. To evaluate the effect of bacteria, the undrained shear strength of the soil was measured using insitu vane shear apparatus. The evaluated parameters included the bacteria concentration, retention time, effect of double injection with 7 days delay period, effect of environmental conditions on the bacteria functionality and the rate of gain of surface strength. The results showed improvement of the soil shear strength with time. The resulted maximum soil shear strength was 0.65 kg/cm2. The results indicated that the reinjection of the bacteria solution and cementation resulted in 60 % extra surface strength gain of the soil compared to one time injection.