What is MICP?
Microbially Induced Calcite Precipitation (MICP) is a biomediated solution to the soil cementation process. Sporocarcina pasteurii is a naturally present bacteria in soil, that under the right conditions hydrolyzes urea through the secretion of an enzyme, urease. The process of ureolysis leads to the formation of calcium carbonate precipitates. (Basically, MICP is the process that stimulates naturally occurring bacteria to a pH of 9 so that the urea in the presence of calcium can create calcium carbonate and strength and cement the soil.)
Out of this process, we get strengthen soil samples that are essentially bricks. With this, we can help strengthen the soils across the nation and reduce the damage from earthquakes.
Why is MICP important?
The effects of liquefaction are very dangerous. This is where the soil basically gives out due to the shaking of the ground from an Earthquake. There are ways to prevent this from happening in an area near you. It is a simple process that is fun to test.
How do I get involved?
What a great question! Contact Mary Roth at rothm@lafayette.edu or Laurie Caslake at caslakel@lafayette.edu for more information š
MICP References
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- Published Papers
- Good website for more information on MICP Castro-Alonso, M. J., MontaƱez-Hernandez, L. E., Sanchez-MuƱoz, M. A., Macias Franco, M. R., Narayanasamy, R., & Balagurusamy, N. (2019). Microbially Induced Calcium Carbonate Precipitation (MICP) and Its Potential in Bioconcrete: Microbiological and Molecular Concepts. Frontiers in Materials, 6. https://doi.org/10.3389/fmats.2019.00126.