Integrating Microbial and Biomass Technologies for the Development of Sustainable Bio-Based Concrete

Authors

David Ajayi1

Affiliation: Department of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Nigeria.

Temitope Oseni2

Affiliation: Department of Mechanical Engineering, Kwara State University, Nigeria.

Chukwudi Nwankwo3

Affiliation: Department of Civil Engineering, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Nigeria.

Femi John Ibitayo4

Affiliation: Department of Civil Engineering, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria.

Alex Odia5

Affiliation: Department of Chemistry, University of Delta, Agbor, Delta State, Nigeria.

Emmanuel Ajibola6

Affiliation: Department of Civil Engineering, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Nigeria.

Benjamin Anyaehie3

Affiliation: Department of Civil Engineering, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Nigeria.

Abstract

The construction industry is a major contributor to carbon emissions and resource depletion, which makes it essential to develop sustainable alternatives to conventional concrete. This study investigates the potential of bio-based improvements, focusing on microbial induced calcite precipitation, algae-based carbon dioxide sequestration, and biochar incorporation. Microbial induced calcite precipitation uses Sporosarcina pasteurii to form calcium carbonate within the concrete matrix, enhancing self-healing ability and structural strength. Algae-based admixtures derived from Chlorella vulgaris promote natural carbon absorption during curing and improve hydration and setting characteristics. Biochar produced from agricultural residues serves as a carbon storage additive that enhances durability, thermal performance, and water retention.
Four concrete mixes were prepared and examined for compressive and flexural strength, permeability, water absorption, and environmental performance. The experimental results showed that bio-enhanced concretes achieved superior mechanical strength and lower carbon impact compared to the control mix, with microbial concrete showing about fifteen percent higher compressive strength and biochar concrete exhibiting a twenty percent reduction in water absorption. These findings demonstrate that integrating biological and biomass-based materials into concrete production can create durable, self-improving, and environmentally responsible construction materials suitable for sustainable infrastructure.

Keywords

Sustainable concrete bio-based materials microbial induced calcite precipitation algae-based carbon sequestration biochar additives self-healing concrete carbon reduction in construction green infrastructure

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APA Style:

Ajayi, D., Oseni, T., Nwankwo, C., Ibitayo, F.J., Odia, A., Ajibola, E., & Anyaehie, B. (2025). Integrating Microbial and Biomass Technologies for the Development of Sustainable Bio-Based Concrete. International Journal of Advanced Research in Engineering and Related Sciences, 1(8), 1-8. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.17597127

IEEE Style:

D. Ajayi, T. Oseni, C. Nwankwo, F.J. Ibitayo, A. Odia, E. Ajibola, and B. Anyaehie, "Integrating Microbial and Biomass Technologies for the Development of Sustainable Bio-Based Concrete," International Journal of Advanced Research in Engineering and Related Sciences, vol. 1, no. 8, pp. 1-8, 2025. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.17597127

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