Applications of microbially induced calcium carbonate precipitation in civil engineering practice: A state-of-the-art review

Microbially induced calcium carbonate deposition is a ubiquitous phenomenon observed in nature. Adhering to the principle of “learning from nature and incorporating it into practice”, the innovative technology of microbially induced calcium carbonate precipitation (MICP) has been employed in the field of civil engineering to address limitations associated with traditional cementitious materials. By manipulating the microbial metabolic processes, MICP technology offers solutions for mitigating these inherent drawbacks. Extensive research has demonstrated that this technology possesses numerous advantages, including cost-effectiveness, environmental sustainability, low energy requirements, and controllable processes. As a result, it has emerged as a prominent and captivating area of study within the civil engineering field in recent years, representing a significant advancement in the development of modern cementitious materials. Building upon the current research progress in this field, this paper provides a systematic summary of the fundamental principles of microbial-induced calcium carbonate precipitation. It also discusses and summarizes the engineering properties of microbial mineralization and the current status of its application in the field of civil engineering.