Preliminary research for identification of bacteria useful in microbially induced calcium carbonate precipitation

Abstract

MICP (Microbially Induced Calcite Precipitation) is a new biological method in soil stabilization. This cheap and eco-friendly technique improves strength parameters of the ground such as shear strength and decreases the permeability of gravelly and sandy soil. There are variety of microorganisms that can be used in calcite precipitation. The most popular method is precipitation of calcium carbonate by bacteria. The main purpose of the article is to present the results from Gram staining of bacteria isolated from construction sites, which is the first step of their identification. Gram’s method allows to find out which morphological groups of bacteria are adapted to conditions present in soil from construction sites and therefore are potentially able to produce calcite. The article describes the methodology of isolation, staining and determination of morphological types of bacteria.