Effect of Bacillus megaterium on the Physio-Chemical and Compaction Characteristics of Silty Sand
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1816-1828
Digital Object Identifier:
10.58578/ajstea.v3i5.7478
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Authors:
Onah O. Mary1*, A. O. Eberemu2, K. J. Osinubi3 
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Abstract
Silty soil obtained from Wudil Local Government Area, Kano State—classified as A-3(0) under the AASHTO system and SP-SM under the Unified Soil Classification System (USCS)—was treated using the Microbial-Induced Calcite Precipitation (MICP) technique to enhance its geotechnical properties. The study investigated the effects of varying concentrations of Bacillus megaterium (0, 1.5 × 10⁸, 6.0 × 10⁸, 1.2 × 10⁹, 1.8 × 10⁹, and 2.4 × 10⁹ cells/ml) on the compaction and index properties of the soil. A premixing method was employed, and treated samples were prepared using bacterial suspension-to-cementation reagent ratios of 25:75, 50:50, and 75:25, with the control sample comprising 100% cementation solution. Results showed that the maximum dry density (MDD) was achieved at a bacterial concentration of 6.0 × 10⁸ cells/ml, corresponding with an optimum moisture content (OMC), indicating improved soil densification. The findings suggest that MICP treatment, particularly at optimal bacterial concentrations and reagent ratios, can enhance the compaction characteristics of silty sand, with implications for sustainable ground improvement techniques in civil engineering applications.
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