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An Experimental Study to Improve the Nutrients and the Mechanical Properties of Copper Tailings Sand in China’s Arid Zone by Biomineralization of Locally Isolated Urease-Producing Bacteria

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  • Jianmin Yue

    (Breeding Base for State Key Laboratory of Land Degradation and Ecological Restoration in Northwestern China, Yinchuan 750021, China
    Key Laboratory of Restoration and Reconstruction of Degraded Ecosystems in Northwestern China of Ministry of Education, Yinchuan 750021, China
    School of Ecology and Environment, Ningxia University, Yinchuan 750021, China)

  • Naiping Song

    (Breeding Base for State Key Laboratory of Land Degradation and Ecological Restoration in Northwestern China, Yinchuan 750021, China
    Key Laboratory of Restoration and Reconstruction of Degraded Ecosystems in Northwestern China of Ministry of Education, Yinchuan 750021, China
    School of Ecology and Environment, Ningxia University, Yinchuan 750021, China)

  • Chen Meng

    (Breeding Base for State Key Laboratory of Land Degradation and Ecological Restoration in Northwestern China, Yinchuan 750021, China
    Key Laboratory of Restoration and Reconstruction of Degraded Ecosystems in Northwestern China of Ministry of Education, Yinchuan 750021, China
    School of Ecology and Environment, Ningxia University, Yinchuan 750021, China)

  • Li Xie

    (Breeding Base for State Key Laboratory of Land Degradation and Ecological Restoration in Northwestern China, Yinchuan 750021, China
    Key Laboratory of Restoration and Reconstruction of Degraded Ecosystems in Northwestern China of Ministry of Education, Yinchuan 750021, China
    School of Ecology and Environment, Ningxia University, Yinchuan 750021, China)

  • Daoqin Chang

    (Breeding Base for State Key Laboratory of Land Degradation and Ecological Restoration in Northwestern China, Yinchuan 750021, China
    Key Laboratory of Restoration and Reconstruction of Degraded Ecosystems in Northwestern China of Ministry of Education, Yinchuan 750021, China
    School of Ecology and Environment, Ningxia University, Yinchuan 750021, China)

Abstract

Microbially induced carbonate precipitation (MICP) technology is an environmentally friendly technique that can contribute to tailings consolidation and ecosystem restoration. Our study found that local MICP bacteria, Lysinibacillus fusiformis , could remediate copper tailings pollution at different slope positions (K1, K2, and K3) in arid areas. We analyzed the effect of MICP treatment on the slag from macro- to microscopic levels with a dissolution test, soil physical and chemical tests, wind tunnel testing experiments, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results demonstrated that the MICP bacteria, L. fusiformis , effectively remodeled the slag structure, thereby preventing the diffusion of tailing slag caused by wind erosion. This structural remodeling resulted in a significant increase in slag strength (maximum strength: 2707 KPa) and an increased content of CaCO 3 . Furthermore, it led to a significant reduction in total salinity content (36.4–43.6%), pH (4.1–4.4%), and improvement in nutritional status (total potassium content (16–31.4%) and the available phosphorus content (2.1–2.3 times) of the tailings slag ( p < 0.05). There was also a 15% increase in urease and catalase activity in K1, a 7% increase in invertase activity in K3 ( p < 0.05), and a significant increase in carbon and nitrogen microbial biomass in K1, K2, and K3 ( p < 0.05).

Suggested Citation

  • Jianmin Yue & Naiping Song & Chen Meng & Li Xie & Daoqin Chang, 2023. "An Experimental Study to Improve the Nutrients and the Mechanical Properties of Copper Tailings Sand in China’s Arid Zone by Biomineralization of Locally Isolated Urease-Producing Bacteria," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(13), pages 1-13, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:15:y:2023:i:13:p:10077-:d:1179249
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