Biocementation of soil by calcite/aragonite precipitation using and derived enzymes.

Microbial geotechnology is the use of microorganisms and/or their derivatives to alter engineering properties of soil for improving its stability, strength and stiffness. Ureases hydrolyze urea in the soil leading to CaCO precipitation, which binds soil particles together (biocementation). In the present study, nine Egyptian soils were screened for urease-producing bacteria, 15 isolates were obtained, and optimum urease producers were identified.