Low-pH biomineralization of calcareous sand mediated by seawater-based soybean urease

Abstract

Enzyme induced carbonate precipitation (EICP) technology is a promising method for enhancing the properties of calcareous sand. The one-phase-low-pH injection method will be helpful for the biocementation. However, many studies are mainly based on the freshwater and the effect of low-pH biomineralization on the calcareous sand under seawater environments is still unclear. This paper aims to investigate the mineralization of calcareous sand treated by seawater-based EICP technology under different low-pH conditions. Herein, the low-pH conditions are achieved by cementation solution with increasing chemical concentrations, and by adjusting initial pH of soybean urease and cementation solution, i.e., urea and calcium chloride, respectively. A series of tests, such as sand column tests and scanning electron microscope observation, are conducted. Test results indicate that the seawater-based soybean enzyme has a decrease trend in urease activity under low pH conditions and it will be inactive until the pH is lower than 4.0. Under the optimal chemical concentration of cementation solution (CCS), i.e., CCS = 1.0 mol/L, the strength of calcareous sand treated by low-pH cementation solution based EICP technology is relatively higher at similar calcium carbonate content. Meanwhile, a higher calcium ion conversion efficiency is maintained by adjusting pH of cementation solution when CCS is relatively high. This indicates that the pH adjustment of cementation solution will be more effective than pH adjustment of urease solution at appropriate CCS.

Graphical abstract

Keywords

low-pH conditions / seawater-based soybean enzyme / biomineralization / calcareous sand

References

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