What is Microbially Induced Calcite Precipitation (MICP)?

MICP is a bioengineering technique that uses specific bacteria to create sandstone from loose sand, strengthening coastlines against erosion.

How does MICP help with coastal erosion?

MICP employs bacteria to form calcite in sand, hardening it into sandstone, which significantly improves its resistance to wave and rainfall erosion.

Is MICP a sustainable solution for coastal protection?

Yes, MICP is presented as a sustainable, economical, and eco-friendly alternative to traditional engineering methods for mitigating coastal erosion.

Home / Environment / Bacteria Turn Sand to Stone, Saving Coastlines

Bacteria Turn Sand to Stone, Saving Coastlines

17 Mar

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Summary

Bio-engineering uses bacteria to create sandstone from sand.
This method strengthens coastlines against erosion.
It offers a sustainable alternative to traditional methods.

Bacteria Turn Sand to Stone, Saving Coastlines

A groundbreaking bioengineering method, Microbially Induced Calcite Precipitation (MICP), is revolutionizing coastal erosion control. This innovative technique employs specific bacteria to strengthen sand, transforming it into durable sandstone within approximately two weeks. Laboratory experiments and patent filings have paved the way for outdoor commercial testing of this promising nature-based solution.

Developed at IIT Indore, MICP utilizes Sporosarcina pasteurii bacteria, which produce urease, to facilitate bio-mediated calcite formation. Treated sand samples demonstrate significantly enhanced resistance to erosion caused by rainfall and wave action. This development is crucial given that nearly 34% of India's extensive coastline is vulnerable to erosion.