A comprehensive review on the application of microbially induced calcite precipitation (MICP) technique in soil erosion mitigation as a sustainable and environmentally friendly approach

Abstract

Erosion is regarded as a significant global concern caused by the inferior engineering characteristics of soils, encompassing their susceptibility to collapse and high porosity as well as their limited strength. These attributes render soils prone to the adverse consequences of erosion, which can have far-reaching implications for the environment, infrastructure, and human settlements. In order to counteract the detrimental effects of erosion, a range of engineering strategies have been devised, with the most innovative and sustainable approach being the microbially induced calcite precipitation (MICP) technique. This review article investigates past studies on the MICP technique as a potential sustainable stabilization method for controlling different kinds of erosion, including wind erosion, rainfall erosion, coastal erosion, internal erosion, and jet erosion. This comprehensive review first examines the various factors that affect the MICP method in controlling soil erosion, underscoring the significance of integrating supplementary chemical, mechanical, and ecological approaches with this biomediated approach. The study then delves into the effectiveness of the MICP method for erosion mitigation through an in-depth discussion of real-world applications and the durability of MICP-treated soils under harsh climatic conditions, such as freeze-thaw and wet-dry cycles. In addition, the study also highlights the existing limitations and challenges associated with stabilizing erosive soils using the MICP technique, including environmental and economic aspects. By identifying these limitations, the review sets the stage for future research opportunities to overcome the current barriers and further advance the application of MICP for effective soil erosion mitigation. The current research contributes to advancing MICP as an effective and sustainable solution for soil erosion control.