Table of Contents

Chapter 1: The Problem and it’s Background ........................................................ 1

1.1 Introduction.............................................................................................................. 1
1.2 Statement of the Problem ..................................................................................... 4
1.3 Objectives of the Study ......................................................................................... 4
1.4 Significance of the Study ...................................................................................... 5
1.5 Hypothesis............................................................................................................... 5
1.6 Conceptual Framework ........................................................................................ 6
1.7 Scope & Limitation ................................................................................................ 7
1.8 Assumptions .......................................................................................................... 8
1.9 Definitions of Terms .............................................................................................. 9

Chapter 2: Review of Related Literatures .............................................................. 11

2.1 Review of the Current State of Soil Remediation .......................................... 11
2.1.1 Bio-mediated Soil Improvement ............................................................ 12
2.2 Microbial Induced Calcite Precipitation ........................................................... 13
2.2.1 Microorganism ......................................................................................... 15
2.2.1.1 Bacillus megaterium ………………………………………… 17
2.2.2 Coarsed Grained Soil ............................................................................ 18
2.2.2.1. Unconfined Compression Test ............................................. 19
2.2.2.2 Scan Electron Microscopy ...................................................... 20
2.2.3 Fine Grained Soils ................................................................................... 21
2.2.3.1. Unconfined Compression Test ............................................. 22
2.2.3.2 Scan Electron Microscopy ...................................................... 24
2.3 Factors affecting MICP process ..................................................................... 25
2.3.1. Bacterial Concentration ............................................................. 22
2.3.2 pH Level ........................................................................................ 24
2.3.1. Temperature ............................................................................... 22
2.3.2 Urea and Calcium Concentrations ........................................... 24
Chapter 3: Methodology ............................................................................................. 28
3.1 Materials ............................................................................................................... 28
3.1.1 Retrieval of Sample ................................................................................. 28
3.2 Experiment Procedure ........................................................................................ 28
3.2.1 Soil Characterization................................................................................ 28
3.2.2 Untreated Soil Experiment Procedure ................................................. 29
3.2.3 Treated Soil Experiment Procedure ..................................................... 30
3.2.3.1. Media Preparation .................................................................. 30
3.2.3.2. Sample Preparation and Experiment Procedure ............... 30
3.3 Test for Chemical Properties ............................................................................. 32
3.4 Research Design ................................................................................................. 32
3.5 Analysis Procedure ............................................................................................. 32

Chapter 4: Data Presentation and Analysis .......................................................... 34

4.1 Classification and Identification of Untreated Soil ......................................... 34
4.1.1 Particle Size Analysis ............................................................................. 34
4.1.2 Standard Proctor Test ............................................................................ 36
4.2 Unconfined Compressive Test Results ........................................................... 37
4.3 Scan Electron Microscopy .................................................................................. 40
4.4 Soil Consistency .................................................................................................. 43

Chapter 5: Conclusion and Recommendation ..................................................... 44

5.1 Conclusion ............................................................................................................ 44
5.2 Recommendation ................................................................................................. 45

Bibiliography ................................................................................................................. 47

APPENDIX A - Stress-Strain Curves from UCT.................................................... 48

APPENDIX B - Soil Strength Trials from UCT....................................................... 51
APPENDIX C - Soil Density Observations ............................................................. 52
APPENDIX D - Preparation of Bacterial Solution ............................................... 55
APPENDIX E - Preparation of Soil Samples......................................................... 57
APPENDIX F - Litmus Paper Test ........................................................................... 58
APPENDIX G - Budgetary Expenses...................................................................... 60