PRODUCTION OF BIO-CEMENT BY USING LIMESTONE AND AGRICULTURAL WASTE AS SUBSTRATE FROM FUNGAL ISOLATES

Abstract

This invention provides a method for producing bio-cement using limestone and lignocellulosic agricultural waste substrates, facilitated by fungal isolates. The process harnesses microbial-induced carbonate precipitation, offering an eco-friendly and self-healing alternative to traditional cement. The bio-cement formulation is suitable for applications in construction, soil stabilization, and environmental restoration, contributing to sustainable building practices.

Specification

Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to sustainable construction materials and microbiology, specifically focusing on a method for producing bio-cement using fungal isolates. The invention utilizes limestone and agricultural waste as substrates to create a sustainable and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional Portland cement, addressing both resource efficiency and carbon reduction in construction materials.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Portland cement, a primary material in modern construction, is known for its carbon-intensive production process and susceptibility to structural vulnerabilities such as cracking. The high energy demands and significant CO2 emissions associated with Portland cement contribute to environmental degradation and climate change. Additionally, concrete structures made with Portland cement are prone to issues like alkali-silica reaction and environmental stress-induced cracking, which compromise durability and increase maintenance costs. This invention introduces bio-cement produced via microbial-induced carbonate precipitation (MICP), which utilizes lignocellulosic waste and limestone substrates. Bio-cement production not only sequesters CO2, reducing greenhouse gas emissions but also provides self-healing capabilities through microbial activity, enhancing structural resilience. The process offers a low-energy, eco-friendly alternative to traditional cement, supporting sustainable construction practices and promoting environmental conservation.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts, in a simplified format, that are further described in the detailed description of the invention.
This summary is neither intended to identify key or essential inventive concepts of the invention and nor is it intended for determining the scope of the invention.
To further clarify advantages and features of the present invention, a more particular description of the invention will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof, which is illustrated in the appended drawings. It is appreciated that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope. The invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail with the accompanying drawings.
The invention provides a method for producing bio-cement using agricultural waste, specifically lignocellulosic materials such as rice husk and limestone, as a calcium source. The process involves selecting a high-potential fungal strain capable of optimizing the breakdown of lignocellulosic waste to facilitate carbonate precipitation. The bio-cement is produced by mixing the fungal strain with soil, a calcium source, and urea, resulting in a material with self-healing properties and reduced carbon footprint. This bio-cement formulation can be scaled for applications such as bio-brick production, soil stabilization, and the creation of sustainable building materials, offering an innovative alternative to conventional cement.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The detailed description of various exemplary embodiments of the disclosure is described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the embodiments are described herein in such details as to clearly communicate the disclosure. However, the amount of details provided herein is not intended to limit the anticipated variations of embodiments; on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.
It is also to be understood that various arrangements may be devised that, although not explicitly described or shown herein, embody the principles of the present disclosure. Moreover, all statements herein reciting principles, aspects, and embodiments of the present disclosure, as well as specific examples, are intended to encompass equivalents thereof.
The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of example embodiments. As used herein, the singular forms "a"," "an" and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms "comprises," "comprising," "includes" and/or "including," when used herein, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components and/or groups thereof.
It should also be noted that in some alternative implementations, the functions/acts noted may occur out of the order noted in the figures. For example, two figures shown in succession may, in fact, be executed concurrently or may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality/acts involved.
In addition, the descriptions of "first", "second", "third", and the like in the present invention are used for the purpose of description only, and are not to be construed as indicating or implying their relative importance or implicitly indicating the number of technical features indicated. Thus, features defining "first" and "second" may include at least one of the features, either explicitly or implicitly.
Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which example embodiments belong. It will be further understood that terms, e.g., those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.
The production of bio-cement using fungal isolates involves multiple stages, beginning with the selection and isolation of a fungal strain capable of inducing carbonate precipitation. Alkaline soil samples from various regions are screened to identify high-potential fungal strains that demonstrate optimal bio-cement production capabilities. Once selected, these strains are cultured in a medium containing lignocellulosic waste, such as rice husk, to enhance fungal biomass growth. This biomass acts as a medium for microbial-induced carbonate precipitation, a process by which microbes facilitate the formation of calcium carbonate (CaCO3) by reacting with calcium ions in the presence of urea.
The bio-cement production process also includes the preparation of agricultural waste substrates, particularly rice husk, which undergoes treatment to optimize lignocellulosic breakdown. The treated lignocellulosic waste is mixed with limestone, which serves as a calcium source, and combined with the fungal culture. Urea is added to the mixture to stimulate the precipitation process, resulting in the formation of bio-cement. The bio-cement can be cast into bricks or other shapes, making it suitable for a variety of construction applications, including bio-brick manufacturing, soil stabilization, and ground improvement.
This bio-cement formulation demonstrates unique self-healing properties, as the microbial components continue to interact with environmental calcium sources over time, filling micro-cracks and enhancing durability. Additionally, the bio-cement production process requires significantly lower energy input and generates minimal emissions compared to traditional cement, offering a sustainable, eco-friendly alternative. The end product is suitable for use in civil engineering projects, where it can contribute to reducing the environmental footprint of construction activities.
, Claims:1. A method for producing bio-cement using fungal isolates, wherein limestone and lignocellulosic agricultural waste serve as substrates, providing an eco-friendly alternative to traditional cement.
2. The method as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the fungal strain is selected and isolated from alkaline soil, optimized for microbial-induced carbonate precipitation (MICP) for bio-cement production.
3. The method as claimed in Claim 1, wherein lignocellulosic waste such as rice husk is treated and used as a medium for fungal growth, promoting resource efficiency in the bio-cement formulation.
4. The method as claimed in Claim 1, wherein urea is added to initiate carbonate precipitation, resulting in the formation of calcium carbonate for cementation.
5. A bio-cement composition produced by the method as claimed in Claim 1, exhibiting self-healing properties through ongoing microbial activity that enables structural crack repair.
6. The bio-cement as claimed in Claim 1, wherein it is utilized for bio-brick manufacturing, soil stabilization, and environmental conservation applications.
7. The method as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the production of bio-cement requires lower energy inputs and produces minimal carbon emissions, providing a sustainable construction material.

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