Biomineralization of an artificial beachrock based on urease microbial activities for coastal risk prevention

Abstract

We investigated the occurrence and precipitation of cementation carbonate based on rock materials, then we applied to make artificial with biocementation microbes as reagent. The microbial induced carbonate precipitation (MICP) comprised of Pararodhobacter sp. and Oceanicspherea sp. The measurements of pH and calcium ion consumption were necessary after the nutrient was added into the medium. All bacteria species were originally isolated from Okinawa Island Sea-Shoreline Area. After the precipitation of calcium ion on the artificial beachrock, the strength of rock was measured using a needle, then compared to the natural beachrock. Microcrystalline calcium carbonate fibrous forming cementation was observed similar to the strength with natural beachrock between 4 MPa to 8 MPa, depending on the duration time and number colony of bacteria. The purpose of this study was to prevent destruction along shoreline for reclamation of erosional beach damage and prevent the coral reef contamination. Nevertheless, as the waves approached the coastline, it lost its energy as the result of the increasing friction against the seabed. The overall studies will contribute to the application of a new technique to sand improvement and bio-stimulation.