Microbial-induced carbonate precipitation for coastal erosion mitigation of sandy slopes

This paper proposes the use of microbial-induced carbonate precipitation (MICP) for coastal protection against coastal erosion of sandy slopes subjected to wave attack. Bio-cementation through MICP is a new emerging technique for soil stabilisation using the metabolic functions of microorganisms (bacteria), by inducing the formation of calcium carbonate precipitates that bridge soil particles together, leading to increased soil strength and reduced soil erodibility. An experimental approach was carried out to investigate the feasibility of MICP for preventing coastal erosion in shallow waters. A set of six sand samples sloped at 45 degrees was prepared in an acrylic flume apparatus and tested against erosional and accretional surging waves, and the results showed that MICP was able to limit soil erosion to less than 5% for both wave types.