Bio-Gel Formation Through Enzyme-Induced Carbonate Precipitation for Dust Control in Yellow River Silt
This study explored the enzymatic formation of gel-like polymeric matrices through carbonate precipitation for dust suppression in Yellow River silt. The hydrogel-modified EICP method effectively enhanced the compressive strength and resistance to wind–rain erosion by forming a reinforced bio-cement...
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| Main Authors: | , , , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
MDPI AG
2025-06-01
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| Series: | Gels |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/2310-2861/11/6/452 |
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| Summary: | This study explored the enzymatic formation of gel-like polymeric matrices through carbonate precipitation for dust suppression in Yellow River silt. The hydrogel-modified EICP method effectively enhanced the compressive strength and resistance to wind–rain erosion by forming a reinforced bio-cemented crust. The optimal cementation solution, consisting of urea and CaCl<sub>2</sub> at equimolar concentrations of 1.25 mol/L, was applied to improve CaCO<sub>3</sub> precipitation uniformity. A spraying volume of 4 L/m<sup>2</sup> (first urea-CaCl<sub>2</sub> solution, followed by urease solution) yielded a 14.9 mm thick hybrid gel-CaCO<sub>3</sub> crust with compressive strength exceeding 752 kPa. SEM analysis confirmed the synergistic interaction between CaCO<sub>3</sub> crystals and the gel matrix, where the hydrogel network acted as a nucleation template, enhancing crystal bridging and pore-filling efficiency. XRD analysis further supported the formation of a stable gel-CaCO<sub>3</sub> composite structure, which exhibited superior resistance to wind–rain erosion and mechanical wear. These findings suggest that gel-enhanced EICP represents a novel bio-gel composite technology for sustainable dust mitigation in silt soils. |
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| ISSN: | 2310-2861 |