Progress in Bioremediation of Heavy Metal Contamination: Based on Microbially-induced Carbonate Precipitation Technology

doi:10.11924/j.issn.1000-6850.casb2024-0790

Abstract

Abstract:

To effectively address the escalating heavy metal contamination in water bodies and soils, microbial-induced carbonate precipitation (MICP) technology, based on biomineralization, has recently garnered significant attention for remediating heavy metal pollution. Compared to conventional removal methods, MICP aims to induce calcium carbonate precipitation through microbial activity, offering cost-effectiveness and robust stability. This approach not only immobilizes heavy metals but also enhances the quality of contaminated matrices, demonstrating promising application prospects. This paper reviews recent advances in MICP and its applications in environmental engineering, encompassing mineral precipitation mechanisms, metabolic pathways, influencing factors, and progress in heavy metal remediation. Furthermore, it discusses the potential for large-scale implementation and three suggestions are put forward. Firstly, the internal and external factors of MICP process should be optimized to determine the optimal process conditions for microbial growth and mineral formation; the second is to further improve the treatment method of NH₄⁺ produced in the urea hydrolysis process of MICP to reduce the negative impact on the environment; the third is to optimize the process and automation steps to reduce the cost of MICP technology and realize the large-scale application of MICP. The research is expected to provide theoretical insights to advance MICP technology in environmental restoration and biomaterial synthesis.

Key words: heavy metal pollution, heavy metal ion, bioremediation, microbial-induced carbonate precipitation, urea hydrolysis, urease

WANG Kaiyu, WANG Zhaoxuan, AO Guoxu, GE Jingping, LING Hongzhi, SUN Shanshan. Progress in Bioremediation of Heavy Metal Contamination: Based on Microbially-induced Carbonate Precipitation Technology[J]. Chinese Agricultural Science Bulletin, 2025, 41(17): 62-71.

Figures/Tables 4

References 75

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