The influence of soil physical properties on bio-stimulated MICP across an Amazonian Soil Profile

Microbially Induced Carbonate Precipitation (MICP) is a biogeochemical process that forms calcium carbonate as a binder between soil grains, enhancing soil strength. Traditionally, MICP studies have focused on bioaugmentation using ureolytic bacteria in temperate climates. However, biocementation offers broader applications utilizing different microbial pathways for carbonate precipitation. Recent studies suggest that stimulating native soil bacteria (bio-stimulation) can effectively induce MICP, although its efficiency depends on soil properties and environmental conditions. This study investigates how the stimulation of bio-weathering affects the unconfined compressive strength, focusing on how the soil physical properties across an Amazonian soil profile influence the effect of bio-stimulation. Soil samples collected at three depths were treated with a bio-stimulation solution, and their unconfined compressive strength (UCS) was evaluated. Results indicate that bio-stimulation improved UCS more significantly at 1.0m depth. The findings provide insights into the influence of soil characteristics on bio-stimulated MICP, contributing to the broader understanding of this sustainable geotechnical solution.