Harnessing Natural Microbial Communities for Coastal Protection

Harnessing Natural Microbial Communities for Coastal Protection

Engineering

Bio-geoengineering

Finn Sabin

2025

British Geological Survey

The bio-cementation of sands and other porous media using microbially induced carbonate precipitation (MICP) is of particular interest in various geotechnical applications. The microbial production of carbonates by the breakdown of urea using the urease biochemical pathway results in production of carbonate minerals which means the grains become cemented together giving the material improved compressive strength, shear strength, and stiffness and thus reducing the risk of erosion and failure. The engineering geology and geomicrobiology groups at the British Geological Survey are involved in research into role of bioprecipitation of minerals to mitigate geohazards, which includes work on slope stability, coastal erosion and heritage conservation.