Evaluation of microbially induced desaturation and precipitation (MIDP) using semi-batch columns
Evaluation of microbially induced desaturation and precipitation (MIDP) using semi-batch columns
To evaluate the performance of Microbially Induced Desaturation and Precipitation (MIDP) via denitrification as a method to mitigate earthquake-induced soil liquefaction, four semi-batch columns filled with poorly graded sand were subjected to two substrate flushes of a 50-mmol L-1 nitrate and 50-mmol L-1 acetate treatment solution over a 120-day period. Two different water sources were used to prepare the treatment solution to simulate either freshwater or saline conditions. The chemical concentrations relevant to MIDP (e.g., nitrate, organic carbon, inorganic carbon) were measured from liquid and soil samples collected during and after the experimental period. Denitrification occurred for both settings, the saline condition generated sulfide and less N2, and N2 generation was not sufficient to mitigate liquefaction in either case. These findings provide insights into factors affecting the process kinetics of MIDP, including the role of inoculum size on the rate of denitrification, the impact of sulfate reduction on the degree of denitrification, and possible inhibition by high salt concentration or hydrogen sulfide in saline-water settings.
Katherine M. Currier; Caitlyn A. Hall; E. Bruce Rittmann; E. Kavazanjian Jr.
2025 International Conference on Bio-mediated and Bio-inspired Geotechnics (ICBBG2025)
General session: Bio-mediated methods for hazard mitigation
https://doi.org/10.53243/ICBBG2025-156
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