Bio-engineered durability and carbon sequestration: enhancing the performance of sargassum-earth blocks via non-ureolytic microbially induced carbonate precipitation (MICP)

• Grant number: 26/00294-4
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research Internship - Doctorate
• Start date: October 01, 2026
• End date: September 30, 2027
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Materials and Metallurgical Engineering
• Principal Investigator: Joao Adriano Rossignolo
• Grantee: Jhade Iane Cunha Vimieiro
• Supervisor: Ana Margarida Armada Bras
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Zootecnia e Engenharia de Alimentos (FZEA). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Pirassununga , SP, Brazil
• Institution abroad: Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU), England
• Associated to the scholarship: 24/20536-7 - Application of Sargassum in Compressed Earth Blocks: Benefits for the Circular Economy and Mitigation of Coastal Environmental Impacts., BP.DR

Abstract

Compressed Earth Block (CEB) offers a sustainable construction, although it continuesto face significant durability challenges, particularly under water exposure, whileconventional cement stabilisation raises environmental and carbon-emission concerns.Simultaneously, the massive proliferation of Sargassum along the Brazilian coastrepresents both an environmental burden and an underutilised bio-resource. Thisresearch proposes an integrated strategy to address these challenges by incorporatingSargassum as a biomass and applying Microbially Induced Calcium CarbonatePrecipitation (MICP) as a partial substitute for cement in CEB. The study specifically aimsto develop formulations that allow for high-volume Sargassum incorporation into CEBs, acrucial step for waste valorisation. The use of Shewanella oneidensis is highlighted as alow-carbon, non-ureolytic MICP route to partially replace conventional cement. Thiscombined approach is designed to produce a durable material that sequestersatmospheric CO2 long-term by preventing the decomposition of the Sargassumbiomass.The experimental program includes the characterisation of soil and processedSargassum, followed by the moulding of CEB specimens with varying cement andbiomass contents, in which Shewanella oneidensis will be used to stimulatebiomineralisation. Mechanical performance will be assessed through compressivestrength tests, while calcium carbonate formation will be quantified and complementedby microstructural analyses using SEM-EDS. The expected outcomes include optimisedcomposite formulations exhibiting improved strength and durability due to the combinedeffects of biomineralisation. By reducing cement consumption and valorising aproblematic biomass, this study will strengthening scientific understanding and supportingcommunities affected by Sargassum arrivals (AU)