Paper contribution

Effect of Mn²⁺ and Ni²⁺ on Microbially Induced Carbonate Precipitation for Producing Bio-beachrock

Rahubadda Kankanamge Hiroshima Surangani; Anjula Buddhika Nayomi Dassanayake; Chulantha Lakmal Jayawardena; Niki Evelpidou; Satoru Kawasaki

Proceedings
EUROCK 2026
Pages
1201-1206
Submitted
6 June 2026
Accepted
15 June 2026
Published
12 August 2026

Summary

Abstract

Microbially Induced Carbonate Precipitation (MICP) is a novel soil improvement method with limited application in coastal erosion mitigation; however, challenges remain in the efficiency of using indigenous marine bacteria to strengthen loose beach sediments. This study aims to investigate the influence of nickel (Ni²⁺) and manganese (Mn²⁺) metal ions on the efficiency of artificial bio beachrocks produced using indigenous marine bacteria isolated from erosion-prone coastal areas of Sri Lanka. Small-scale sand column solidification tests were conducted for 14 days, and the unconfined compressive strength (UCS) of treated samples was evaluated. The results indicated that urease activity increased by ~53.4% with 0.01% Ni²⁺, while 0.01% Mn²⁺ reduced it by ~37.5% compared to the without added ions. Ni²⁺ enhanced urease activity as an essential enzyme cofactor, whereas Mn²⁺ inhibited it through structural interference. The highest UCS was obtained with 0.01% Ni²⁺, showing a 58.6% increase, whereas Mn²⁺ addition reduced strength by 40%, indicating that UCS is primarily governed by urease-driven cementation. Microstructural observations further confirmed that Ni²⁺ promotes favourable rhombohedral calcite crystal distribution and bonding, while Mn²⁺ leads to poor cementation. Overall, Ni²⁺ enhances MICP efficiency, while Mn²⁺ negatively affects the process.

Contributors

Authors

  1. Rahubadda Kankanamge Hiroshima Surangani Graduate School of Engineering, Hokkaido University, Hokkaido, 060-8628, Japan ORCID 0009-0008-0577-1193
  2. Anjula Buddhika Nayomi Dassanayake Department of Earth Resources Engineering, University of Moratuwa, Moratuwa, 10400, Sri Lanka
  3. Chulantha Lakmal Jayawardena Department of Earth Resources Engineering, University of Moratuwa, Moratuwa, 10400, Sri Lanka
  4. Niki Evelpidou Department of Geology and Geoenvironment, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Panepistimiopolis, 15774, Athens, Greece
  5. Satoru Kawasaki Faculty of Engineering, Hokkaido University, Hokkaido, 060-8628, Japan

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