BIOTECHNOLOGICAL SYSTEM FOR LANDSLIDE CONTROL USING BACILLUS SUBTILIS AND SPOROSARCINA PASTEURII

Abstract

This invention describes a biotechnological system designed for landslide control by applying specific bacterial strains, namely Bacillus subtilis and Sporosarcina pasteurii, as soil reinforcement. The system leverages the unique properties of these bacteria to enhance soil stability and reduce the risk of landslides. Bacillus subtilis contributes to soil fortification by producing extracellular enzymes and biopolymers that bind soil particles, while Sporosarcina pasteurii facilitates the precipitation of calcium carbonate, by strengthening the soil matrix. This innovative approach combines microbial activity with soil mechanics to create a sustainable and eco-friendly solution for landslide mitigation. The system offers a novel, biologically driven method for improving soil integrity and stability, potentially transforming current landslide prevention and control practices.

Specification

Description:FIELD OF INVENTION
[001] The present invention relates to Geotechnical engineering, Environmental engineering, and Biotechnology.
BACKGROUND AND PRIOR ART
[002] Landslides pose significant risks to infrastructure, property, and human safety, prompting the development of various stabilization techniques to mitigate their impact. Traditional landslide control methods include the use of retaining walls, drainage systems, and soil stabilization agents such as cement or geosynthetics. However, these approaches often entail high costs, environmental disruption, and limited long-term effectiveness.
[003] Recent advancements in environmental and geotechnical engineering have explored biotechnological solutions to enhance soil stability. Microbial-induced calcite precipitation (MICP) has emerged as a promising technique, leveraging the natural processes of bacteria to precipitate calcium carbonate and strengthen soil.
[004] Despite these advancements, existing methods often focus on conventional methods or specific applications, and there is a need for more integrated and effective biotechnological systems for comprehensive landslide mitigation. The invention described herein seeks to address this gap by assessing the strengths of Bacillus subtilis and Sporosarcina pasteurii in a novel system for enhanced soil reinforcement and landslide prevention.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[005] This invention introduces a novel method for controlling landslides through a biotechnological approach that employs the selected bacterial strains. The system enhances soil strength by harnessing Bacillus subtilis to produce natural agents that help bind soil particles, while Sporosarcina pasteurii promotes the formation of calcium carbonate, which stabilizes the soil. This integrated approach provides a sustainable, environmentally friendly alternative to traditional soil stabilization techniques, offering improved soil reinforcement and reducing the risk of landslides.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[006] The invention pertains to a biotechnological method for mitigating landslides through the application of specific bacterial strains, namely Bacillus subtilis and Sporosarcina pasteurii, to enhance soil stability and prevent slope failure. This approach leverages the natural abilities of these bacteria to improve soil cohesion and structural integrity, offering a novel and eco-friendly solution to traditional landslide control methods.
[007] Microbial Agents: Bacillus subtilis: This bacterium is known for its ability to produce various extracellular enzymes and biopolymers that contribute to soil stabilization. When introduced into the soil, Bacillus subtilis secretes enzymes such as proteases and polysaccharide-degrading enzymes, which facilitate the formation of biopolymer matrices. These matrices bind soil particles together, thereby increasing soil cohesion and resistance to erosion leading to slope failure. The biopolymers produced also enhance soil aggregate stability, reducing the likelihood of soil displacement during heavy rainfall or other destabilizing events.
[008] Sporosarcina pasteurii: This bacterium is well-documented for its role in microbial-induced calcite precipitation (MICP). It promotes the enzymatic conversion of urea into carbonate ions, which then react with calcium ions present in the soil to form calcium carbonate (CaCO₃) precipitates. These precipitates act as a natural binding agent within the soil matrix, reinforcing soil particles and increasing overall soil strength. The calcium carbonate deposits enhance soil compaction and reduce permeability, contributing to slope stability.
[009] Method of Application: Preparation and Inoculation: The bacterial cultures are prepared in a suitable growth media to ensure high cell density. These cultures are then introduced into the soil through drenching or incorporation into soil amendments.
[010] Soil Treatment: Once inoculated, the bacteria are allowed to colonize the soil and initiate their respective biochemical processes. Bacillus subtilis starts producing binding agents. Sporosarcina pasteurii catalyzes the precipitation of calcium carbonate. The treatment duration can vary but typically spans several days to allow for optimal bacterial activity and soil reinforcement.
[011] Monitoring and Maintenance: Post-application, the soil is monitored for changes in strength, cohesion, and stability. Regular assessments may be conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of the bacterial treatment and ensure that the soil remains reinforced. Additional treatments or adjustments to the bacterial inoculation process are made based on observed performance.
[012] In summary, this invention represents a significant advancement in landslide prevention and soil stabilization by integrating the strengths of Bacillus subtilis and Sporosarcina pasteurii into a cohesive biotechnological solution. By enhancing soil properties through natural microbial processes, the method provides an innovative, sustainable, and effective approach to addressing the challenges of soil stability and landslide mitigation. , C , Claims:1. A method for controlling landslides, comprising:
a. Introducing Bacillus subtilis into the soil to produce extracellular enzymes and biopolymers that enhance soil cohesion and structural integrity; and
b. Introducing Sporosarcina pasteurii into the soil to induce microbial-induced calcite precipitation (MICP) and generate calcium carbonate deposits that strengthen the soil.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein Bacillus subtilis generates biopolymers selected from polysaccharides, proteins, or their combinations, which aid in binding soil particles and improving soil structure, and wherein Sporosarcina pasteurii facilitates the conversion of urea into carbonate ions, which then react with calcium ions in the soil to form calcium carbonate.
3. The method of claim 1, wherein the bacteria are introduced into the soil using techniques selected from soil drenching, or incorporation with soil amendments.
4. The method of claim 1, wherein bacterial cultures are grown in a nutrient-rich medium to ensure high cell density and activity before soil application.
5. The method of claim 1, wherein the soil is periodically assessed for changes in strength and stability, with additional bacterial treatments applied based on performance evaluations.
6. The method of claim 1, wherein the bacterial treatment is maintained for a period ranging from several days to several weeks, depending on soil characteristics and stabilization needs.
7. The method of claim 1, wherein the soil stabilization is applied to areas such as construction sites, natural slopes, or embankments.
8. A composition for soil stabilization, comprising a blend of Bacillus subtilis and Sporosarcina pasteurii suspended in a carrier medium suitable for soil application.
9. The composition of claim 8, wherein the carrier medium is selected from water, soil amendments, or nutrient solutions that support bacterial survival and effectiveness.
10. The method of claim 1, wherein the Bacillus subtilis and Sporosarcina pasteurii strains used are either naturally occurring or genetically modified to enhance their soil reinforcement properties.

Documents