Evaluation of the Potential of Biocementation in Clayey and Sandy Soils for Foundations Using Fish Viscera Waste
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Faced with the dual challenges of rapid urbanization on unsuitable soils and the environmental burden of organic waste from the fishing industry, Peru urgently needs innovative and sustainable engineering solutions. A biotechnological alternative is introduced for soil improvement based on Microbial-Induced Calcite Precipitation (MICP), using Sporosarcina pasteurii bacteria nourished with nutrient-rich extracts from the viscera of horse mackerel, mullet, and bonito. Bacterial cultures were prepared in a solution of urea-ammonium, distilled water, and Tris buffer, with parameters such as bacterial concentration (1.10E7 to 1.30E7 CFU/ml), viscera extract volume (3–9 ml), and temperature (25–35 °C) optimized for maximum calcium carbonate precipitation. Under optimal conditions (1.30E7 CFU/ml, 9 ml, 35 °C), CaCO₃ production reached 0.0194 g. Soil treatment trials demonstrated significant engineering benefits: in low-plasticity clay, allowable bearing capacity increased by 80% and deformation was reduced by 68.5%; in poorly graded sand with gravel, capacity rose by 20% and deformation decreased by 35.1%. Clay-sand mixtures showed capacity gains up to 31% and deformability reductions of 55.7%. The results are attributed to the formation of calcium carbonate bridges, which enhance particle cohesion and stiffness. Technical and environmental feasibility of revalorizing fish viscera as a nutrient source for biocementation, offering a low-cost and sustainable strategy for urban soil stabilization.
Authors: Gerardo Alfredo Vilcas Ramos, Dajhana Rubi Berrios Gozar, Diego Estiben Guerreros Taipe
Institution: Universidad Continental
Language: English
Subfield: Environmental Engineering
Field: Environmental Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
OpenAlex ID: W4414851381
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