Recent developments and future prospects of micro-organisms in enhancement of soil for geotechnical engineering applications: A review

Abstract

Microbially Induced Carbonate Precipitation (MICP) is a promising and adaptable technology with numerous applications in geotechnical engineering promoting cleaner technology via the utilization of microbes. Microbial metabolic processes mediate the process resulting in the precipitation of calcium carbonate. The review presented here gives an in-depth examination of MICP, delving into its underlying mechanisms, key influencing factors, and prospects. It addresses the important elements shaping the MICP technique such as microbial strains, soil properties and its geometry, optimization of cementation solution, and the surrounding conditions including pH and temperature, etc. The various application methods of these microbial strains to the soil have been incorporated in this paper offering insights into their application process tailored to different soil and surrounding conditions. The paper further highlights the benefits of utilizing micro-organisms in soil improvement to potentially replace the conventional methods, partially or fully. Along with its intended uses, MICP's drawbacks and restrictions like microbial viability and the carbonate precipitates long-term stability are examined. Additionally, the financial implication of the utilization of micro-organisms in the improvement of geotechnical enhancement of soil has also been shed light upon. The analysis goes into great detail and provides additional information on possible future opportunities. It also effectively highlights current advancements in the field of MICP, harnessing its full potential and contributing toward a wholesome understanding of the microbiological process (MICP) in improving the behaviour of soils for geotechnical applications.