Bio-inspired self-healing strategies are much innovative and potentially viable for the production of healable cement mortar matrix. The present research explores the feasibility of gram-positive ''Bacillus subtilis'' microorganisms in the effective healing of nano-/micro-scale-induced structural and non-structural cracks. The main concern related to the survival of such microorganisms in cementitious environment has been successfully addressed by devising proficient immobilization scheme coherently. The investigated immobilizing media includes iron oxide nano-sized particles, micro-sized limestone particles, and milli-sized siliceous sand. The effect of induced B. subtilis microorganisms immobilized on nanomicro-additives was analyzed by the quantification of average compressive resistance of specimens (ASTM C109) and healing evaluation. The healing process was mechanically gauged by compressive strength regain of pre-cracked specimens after the healing period of 28 days. The pre-cracking load was affixed at 80% of ultimate compressive stress ''f 0 c '' while the age of pre-cracking was kept variable as 3, 7, 14, and 28 days to precisely correlate healing effectiveness as the function of cracking period. The healing mechanism was further explored by examining the healed micro-crack using field emission scanning electron micrographs, energy dispersive x-ray spectrographs, and thermogravimetry. The results revealed that B. subtilis microorganisms contribute extremely well in the improvement of compressive strength and efficient healing process of pre-cracked cement mortar formulations. The iron oxide nano-sized particles were found to be the most effective immobilizer for preserving B. subtilis microbes till the generation of cracks followed by siliceous sand and limestone particles. The micro-graphical and chemical investigations endorsed the mechanical measurements by evidencing calcite precipitation in the induced nano-/micro-cracks as a result of microbial activity.
We identified 209 species of algae and cyanobacteria at 4 sites in the Kabul River. Green algae, diatoms, and charophytes dominated in the river, which reflects regional features of agricultural activity. Species richness and algal abundance increased down the river. The Water Quality Index characterizes the quality of water down the river as medium to bad. The index of saprobity S reflects Class III water quality. The Water Ecosystem Sustainability Index (WESI) shows contamination with nutrients. According to the River Pollution Index (RPI), waters in the river have low alkalinity and low salinity, and are contaminated with nutrients. Pearson coefficients showed that water temperature plays a major role in the total species richness distribution (0.93*) and in the green algae distribution (0.89*), while cyanobacteria were stimulated also by water salinity (0.91*). Stepwise regression analysis indicated water temperature as the major regional factor that determines riverine algal diversity. Surface plots and Canonical Correspondence Analysis (CCA) showed that salinity, nitrates, temperature, and Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) can be defined as major factors affecting algal diversity. Dendrites mark the upper site of the Warsak Dam as the source of the community species diversity. Bioindication methods can give relevant and stable results of water quality and self-purification assessment that can be employed to monitor the regional water quality.
For preserving concrete structures and hindering ingress of chemicals through cracks and fissures, repair is inevitable. Microbial calcite precipitation is an intrinsic approach for crack rectification and emulating way of sustainability for reducing anthropogenic greenhouse gases (GHGs) along with conserving the natural resources. In this study,Bacillus subtilisstrain is applied for intrinsic repair of concrete’s cracks because of its high pH endurance and capability of sporulation. For prolonged survival of microorganisms, immobilization technique was employed.B. subtiliswas immobilized through limestone powder (LSP) before adding into cement matrix. Self-healing proficiency ofB. subtiliswas deliberated in terms of mechanical strength regain after cracking at 3, 7, 14, and 28 days. To examine the microstructure and characterization of healing precipitate, micrographical (field emission scanning electron microscopy), chemical (energy dispersive X-ray), and thermal (thermogravimetric analysis) analyses were performed after the healing period of 28 days. The results revealed evident signs of calcite precipitation in nano-/microcracks subsequent to microbial activity. Furthermore, immobilized LSP improved the compressive strength of the analyzed formulations.
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