Abstract
Implication of ureolytic biocalcification process as an efficient carbon dioxide sequestration technology was evaluated with Bacillus megaterium culture growing in a closed environment system. In three experimental sets containing either 35 % v/v CO2 in headspace (set 1) or 50 mM urea in solution (set 3) or both (set 2), change in headspace CO2, soluble calcium, and pH were monitored during 8 days of incubation. In absence of urea, headspace CO2 content continued to increase in set 1 (up to 48 % v/v) without any carbonate precipitation. However, carbonate precipitation were obvious in urea containing sets (sets 2 and 3) utilizing all the added calcium (25 mM) in just 2 and 6 days, respectively. No headspace CO2 could be detected in set 2 at the end of experimental period, and analysis suggested that this was majorly (>53 %) attributed to the solubility trapping phenomenon. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis revealed that the precipitates were made up of calcite and major fraction of vaterite polymorph of CaCO3.
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Acknowledgement
This study was financially supported by NRF on development of biomimetic technology for acid soil rehabilitation using biocalcification process along with partial contribution of INHA University Research Grant.
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Lee, J., Kim, C.G. & Mahanty, B. Mineralization of Gaseous CO2 by Bacillus megaterium in Close Environment System. Water Air Soil Pollut 225, 1787 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11270-013-1787-7
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11270-013-1787-7