ASSESSMENT OF UREASE ACTIVITY AND BIOMINERALIZATION CAPACITY OF COAL-DERIVED MICROORGANISMS IN MICROBIALLY INDUCED CALCIUM CARBONATE PRECIPITATION (MICP)

Azhar Мalik; Nuraly Akimbekov; Kuanysh Tastambek; Zauzat Nuzhankyzy; Symbat Zhapargali; Ilya Digel; Bekzat Кamenov; Nazym Altynbay; Dinara Sherelkhan

doi:10.26577/EJE87220262

Authors

Azhar Мalik Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, Almaty, Kazakhstan https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9060-0111 (unauthenticated)
Nuraly Akimbekov Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, Almaty, Kazakhstan https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5262-5155 (unauthenticated)
Kuanysh Tastambek Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, Almaty, Kazakhstan https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2338-8816 (unauthenticated)
Zauzat Nuzhankyzy Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, Almaty, Kazakhstan https://orcid.org/0009-0001-9153-7262 (unauthenticated)
Symbat Zhapargali Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, Almaty, Kazakhstan https://orcid.org/0009-0006-2042-2050 (unauthenticated)
Ilya Digel Institute for Bioengineering (IFB) at FH Aachen University of Applied Sciences, Julich, Germany https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3418-0252 (unauthenticated)
Bekzat Кamenov Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, Almaty, Kazakhstan https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1484-9000 (unauthenticated)
Nazym Altynbay Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, Almaty, Kazakhstan https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7067-2457 (unauthenticated)
Dinara Sherelkhan Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, Almaty, Kazakhstan https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7623-7205 (unauthenticated)

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.26577/EJE87220262

Abstract

Microbially induced calcium carbonate precipitation (MICP) has emerged as a promising, environmentally friendly technology for soil stabilization, dust suppression, and material strengthening. In this study, microbial communities isolated from coal samples collected at the Kiyakty coal deposit (Ulytau region, Kazakhstan) were investigated for their urease activity and biomineralization potential.

A total of 34 bacterial isolates were obtained and subjected to morphological, physiological, and biochemical characterization. Based on preliminary screening, 12 isolates with the highest adaptive and metabolic potential were selected for further investigation. Urease activity was quantified using a microplate colorimetric method based on the indophenol reaction. In addition, the effects of key environmental factors, including pH and calcium chloride concentration, on microbial activity and mineralization efficiency were evaluated.

The selected isolates exhibited high urease activity and demonstrated the ability to induce calcium carbonate precipitation under laboratory conditions. Furthermore, their capacity for biofilm formation, redox activity, and oxidative enzyme production was confirmed, indicating a strong potential for surface colonization and mineral nucleation.

Mineralized products were characterized using a комплекс analytical approach, and the degree of mineralization was quantitatively assessed. The results indicate that coal-derived microorganisms possess significant potential for application in microbially induced calcium carbonate precipitation (MICP)-based technologies, particularly for dust suppression and stabilization of coal substrates.

This study provides a scientific basis for the development of sustainable biotechnological solutions in mining and environmental engineering.

Keywords: microbially induced calcium carbonate precipitation (MICP), urease activity, coal microorganisms, biomineralization, urease-producing bacteria.

Author Biographies

Azhar Мalik, Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, Almaty, Kazakhstan

Young scientist, microbiologist, specializing in biotechnology. PhD, Assistant Professor at Al-Farabi Kazakh National University and a leading researcher at the Scientific Research Institute of Environmental Sustainability and Bioresources.
Nuraly Akimbekov, Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, Almaty, Kazakhstan

PhD, Professor, Research Institute of “Sustainability of Ecology and Bioresources”
Kuanysh Tastambek, Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, Almaty, Kazakhstan

PhD, director, SRI Sustainability of ecology and bioresources, Al-Farabi Kazakh National University
Zauzat Nuzhankyzy, Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, Almaty, Kazakhstan

2^nd year master's student of the Department of Biotechnology Al-Farabi KazNU
Symbat Zhapargali, Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, Almaty, Kazakhstan

2^nd year master's student of the Department of Biotechnology Al-Farabi KazNu
Ilya Digel, Institute for Bioengineering (IFB) at FH Aachen University of Applied Sciences, Julich, Germany

Institute for Bioengineering (IFB) at FH Aachen University of Applied Sciences (Julich, Germany)
Bekzat Кamenov, Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, Almaty, Kazakhstan

Senior Researcher at the Scientific Research Center of the International Center for Islamic Science and Innovation
Nazym Altynbay, Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, Almaty, Kazakhstan

Senior Researcher at the Scientific Research Center of the International Center for Islamic Science and Innovation
Dinara Sherelkhan, Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, Almaty, Kazakhstan

Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, senior lecturer of the Department of fundamental medicine