Symmetry, Vol. 18, Pages 106: Analysis of Wind Erosion Resistance Enhancement of Aeolian Sand by Microbially Induced Carbonate Precipitation Technology

Symmetry doi: 10.3390/sym18010106

Authors:
Fangcan Ji
Junhui Zhang
Weiming Guan
Hui Chen
Xin Wang
Meng Xie
Haosen Wang
Defeng Hou

Aeolian sand in arid mining regions is highly susceptible to wind erosion, posing serious threats to ecological stability and surface engineering safety. To enhance its resistance, this study applied the microbially induced carbonate precipitation (MICP) technique and conducted wind tunnel experiments combined with SEM and XRD analyses to examine the effects of cementing solution type and concentration, bacteria-to-cementation-solution ratio (B/C ratio), and spraying volume on the wind erosion behavior of MICP-treated aeolian sand. Results show that the cementing solution type and concentration jointly control erosion resistance. The MgO-based system exhibited the best performance at a B/C ratio of 1:2, reducing erosion loss by 47.2% compared with the CaCl2 system, while a 1.0 mol/L concentration further decreased loss by 97.4% relative to 0.5 mol/L. Increasing the spraying volume from 0.6 to 1.2 L/m2 reduced erosion loss by 70–99%, and a moderate B/C ratio (1:2) ensured balanced microbial activity and uniform CaCO3 deposition. Microstructural observations confirmed that MICP strengthened the sand through CaCO3 crystal attachment, pore filling, and interparticle bridging, forming a dense surface crust with enhanced integrity. From a symmetry perspective, the microbially induced mineralization process promotes a more symmetric and spatially uniform distribution of carbonate precipitates at particle contacts and within pore networks. This symmetry-enhanced microstructural organization plays a key role in improving the macroscopic stability and wind erosion resistance of aeolian sand. Overall, MICP improved wind erosion resistance through a coupled biological induction–chemical precipitation–structural reconstruction mechanism, providing a sustainable approach for eco-friendly sand stabilization and wind erosion control in arid mining regions.

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Fangcan Ji www.mdpi.com