Lactose mother liquor as an alternative nutrient source for microbial concrete production by Sporosarcina pasteurii

Abstract

Microbiologically induced calcite precipitation by the bacterium Sporosarcina pasteurii (NCIM 2477) using the industrial effluent of the dairy industry, lactose mother liquor (LML) as growth medium was demonstrated for the first time in this study. The urease activity and the calcite precipitation by the bacterium was tested in LML and compared with the standard media like nutrient media and yeast extract media. Calcite constituted 24.0% of the total weight of the sand samples plugged by S. pasteurii and urease production was found to be 353 U/ml in LML medium. The compressive strength of cement mortar was increased by S. pasteurii in all the media used compared to control. No significant difference in the growth, urease production and compressive strength of mortar among the media suggesting LML as an alternative source for standard media. This study demonstrates that microbial calcite acts as a sealing agent for filling the gaps or cracks and fissures in constructed facilities and natural formations alike.