Work

Utilizing natural reservoir water for cultivation of Sporosarcina pasteurii in seepage control and reinforcement of earth-rock dams: Feasibility, mechanisms, and field verification

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Seepage is a prevalent defect in earth-rock dams, typically mitigated through methods such as curtain grouting. However, conventional curtain grouting depends on pressurized injection, where low pressure often results in insufficient grout penetration, while excessive pressure can fracture the dam body, leading to leakage and reduced efficiency. Compared to traditional grouting, the microbially induced calcium carbonate precipitation (MICP) technique provides significant advantages, including a distinctive cementation mechanism and low slurry viscosity, enabling both pressurized and unpressurized applications. However, the dependence on distilled water for culturing Sporosarcina pasteurii ( S. pasteurii ) considerably elevates operational costs, limiting large-scale field implementation. This study introduces and validates an innovative approach utilizing natural reservoir water as a substitute for distilled water to culture S. pasteurii for seepage control and reinforcement of earth-rock dams. Laboratory experiments systematically examine the effects of key water quality parameters ( C a 2 + , Mg 2 + , turbidity, and dissolved organic carbon) on bacterial growth, urease activity, and CaC O 3 precipitation efficiency. The results indicated that moderate ultraviolet (UV) sterilization (≥30 min) optimizes the culture environment, while the natural components present in reservoir water, such as suspended particles and ions, enhance urease activity and CaC O 3 precipitation efficiency. A three-step field-scale cultivation method is developed and successfully implemented at the Anmiaoqian Reservoir. Following MICP treatment, the permeability coefficient of the dam body decreases by nearly two orders of magnitude, demonstrating an environmentally friendly and effective alternative for seepage reinforcement in earth-rock dams.

Source: Journal of Cleaner Production

DOI: 10.1016/j.jclepro.2026.148161

Authors: Chaohui Zhou, Zhankuan Mi, Kuangmin Wei, Ren Chen, Ling Tan, Yang Jiao

Institutions: Hohai University, Nanjing Hydraulic Research Institute, PowerChina Kunming Engineering Corporation Limited (China)

Language: English

Topic: Microbial Applications in Construction Materials

Subfield: Environmental Engineering

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Clean water and sanitation, Zero hunger

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $4,660