How to prevent earthquakes by changing the composition of the soil with electricity

A new type of biocement, produced on-site and at ambient temperature, has recently been proposed in

This method uses a promising method to stabilize different types of soils.Metabolism of bacteria to produce calcite crystals that bind soil particles tightly together.Such a biogeochemical process is energy efficient and cost-effective, so it can be deployed quickly in the coming years.But, since the soil needs to be impregnated for the method to work, it is less suitableTherefore, the LMS team has developed and successfully tested a viable alternative that includesapplication of electric current by means of recessed electrodes.

“Our results show that thisThe geoelectrochemical system does indeed influence key stages in the calcification process, especially the formation and growth of crystals that bind the soil together and improve its 'behavior', ”explains Dimitrios Terzis, LMS scientist and one of the authors of the article.

Biocement is formed as a result of application tosoil chemicals. These include dissolved ions of carbonate and calcium, which carry opposite charges. Sunken anodes and cathodes are used to create an electric field, much like a giant battery. The current forces the ions to travel through the low permeability environment, where they meet, mix, and eventually interact with soil particles. The result is the growth of carbonate minerals that act as links or "bridges" to improve the mechanical properties and resistance of the soil.

In the past, soils were viewed exclusively asa mixture of solid earth, air and water. According to the study co-authors, their work highlights how interdisciplinary approaches - namely, the use of concepts of biology and electrochemistry and the use of advances and mechanisms from other scientific fields - can open up to bring significant benefits and solve pressing problems.

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