Wind erosion control using inoculation of aeolian sand with cyanobacteria

Wind erosion is a natural phenomenon that has been increasing due to anthropogenic activities. Wind erosion has detrimental consequences on the environment, and its prevention is a critical issue in many arid regions of the world. The topic of this study was an artificial formation of biocrusts to diminish wind erosion by inoculation of the aeolian sand by two filamentous cyanobacteria ofNostoc punctiformeandMicrocoleus vaginatus. The erodibility of the sand was examined in a wind-tunnel equipped with a sand particle counter (SPC). The erosion rate, number of emitted particles, and flux of eroded mass from the surface of the sand were measured as indicators of the erodibility at five wind velocities of 6, 10, 15, 20, and 25 m/s. Results suggested that biocrust ofM. vaginatushad thicker interparticle bonding and more resistance than biocrust ofN. punctiformeagainst wind erosion; however, both of cyanobacterial crust reduced the erodibility indicators by two to three orders of magnitude.