• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.22 no.11
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• pp.1568-1574
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• 2012

Microbiological calcium carbonate precipitation (MCCP) has been investigated for its ability to improve the durability of cement mortar. However, very few strains have been applied to crack remediation and strengthening of cementitious materials. In this study, we report the biodeposition of Bacillus subtilis 168 and its ability to enhance the durability of cement material. B. subtilis 168 was applied to the surface of cement specimens. The results showed a new layer of deposited organic-inorganic composites on the surface of the cement paste. In addition, the water permeability of the cement paste treated with B. subtilis 168 was lower than that of non-treated specimens. Furthermore, artificial cracks in the cement paste were completely remediated by the biodeposition of B. subtilis 168. The compressive strength of cement mortar treated with B. subtilis 168 increased by about 19.5% when compared with samples completed with only B4 medium. Taken together, these findings suggest that the biodeposition of B. subtilis 168 could be used as a sealing and coating agent to improve the strength and water resistance of concrete. This is the first paper to report the application of Bacillus subtilis 168 for its ability to improve the durability of cement mortar through calcium carbonate precipitation.

• Microbiology and Biotechnology Letters
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• v.40 no.3
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• pp.169-179
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• 2012

Microbiological calcium carbonate precipitation (MCCP) is being applied for the aesthetic restoration of cement buildings destroyed by biochemical processes and to block water penetration into the cement's inner structure. After determining the advantages of this technique, many related studies in the area of architecture concerning the application of microorganisms to improve construction material have been reported in both America and Europe. The techniques compatibility with cement material is especially interesting because of the needed screening of various calcium carbonate forming-bacteria and the required development of their application methods. The purpose of this review is to describe the mechanism of MCCP and related researches with eco-friendly construction materials. Mainly, we describe the methodological studies focused on biodeposition on the surface of building materials and the research trends concerning the addition of microorganisms to improve the durability of cement structures. Additionally, the concepts and technical aspects focused on the development of self-healing smart concrete, with the use of multi-functional bacteria, have been considered.

• Korean Journal of Ecology and Environment
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• v.43 no.3
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• pp.369-376
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• 2010

A novel or canal-type continuous removal of organic matter (C-CROM) with combined freshwater bivalves (Unio douglasiae and Anodonta woodiana) was developed to improve the water quality (IWQ) of eutrophic reservoirs. The first experiment was performed for 12 days to measure the IWQ using 256 individuals of combined bivalves (ca. 7:3), at the same density that distributed in the collection stream. The second experiment was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of IWQ with the addition of each 30% of two mussels for 14 days. Results indicated that a novel C-CROM significantly decreased suspended solids, chlorophyll-$\alpha$, transparency, total nitrogen and phosphorus, and increased ammonium and biodeposition (t-test, P<0.001 for all), while other dissolved inorganic nutrients such as $NO_2$, $NO_3$, and SRP did not change (t-test, P>0.5). Daily IWQ performances of C-CROM with combined mussels was about two times higher to the previous studies using single species where less suspended inorganic nutrients were released except for ammonia. Collectively, a C-CROM is more strategic to the water quality improvement of eutrophic lake.