Effects of cementation reagent on the precipitation of calcium carbonate induced by Bacillus Megaterium

Abstract

A laboratory experiment was carried out to determine the concentration of cementation reagent that will produce the maximal amount of calcium carbonate induced by Bacillus Megaterium. The optimum condition for calcium carbonate precipitation was evaluated for its application in improving the geotechnical properties of soil. The process was studied using the test-tube experiment and evaluating the amount of calcium carbonate precipitated and subsequently verified using X-ray diffraction test. Five different concentrations of cementation reagent (0.25, 0.5, 0.75, 1.0 and 1.5M) were used in the study. Results showed calcium carbonate was higher with increase in concentration of cementation reagent irrespective of the curing period. Furthermore, the XRD scan confirmed the precipitate formed was calcium carbonate. Calcite formed acts ad bio-cement which is responsible for improving the geotechnical properties of various soil.