Biology for Engineers

Bio-Concrete,
Bio-Remediation,
BIO-Mining
GROUP - 5
CSE - A | 4TH SEMESTER
Our Team
1. Anand Daga
2. Aditya Pradhan
3. Bhaskar Anand
4. Bhupendra Verma
5. Chirag Parakh
6. Tahir Amaan
introduction
In the quest for a more sustainable and environmentally friendly
future, modern science is increasingly turning to innovative
solutions that leverage biological processes. Among these
cutting-edge approaches are bioconcrete, bioremediation, and
biomining. These technologies not only offer effective solutions to
some of the most pressing environmental challenges but also
exemplify the crucial role of sustainability in scientific
advancement. By harnessing the power of nature, these methods
provide promising alternatives to traditional practices, highlighting
the importance of integrating sustainable principles into the core
of scientific research and application.
01
BIO
CONCRETE
BIO-CONCRETE
Bioconcrete, also known as self-healing concrete, is a

type of concrete that can autonomously repair cracks

and damages through biological processes. This

innovative material integrates living microorganisms that

facilitate the self-healing of structural cracks, enhancing

the durability and longevity of concrete structures.

WORKING
Embedding Bacteria: Bacterial spores and nutrients (e.g., calcium lactate)
are mixed into the concrete.
Crack Formation: Cracks develop over time due to environmental stress.
Water Infiltration: Water entering the cracks activates the dormant
bacteria.
Calcium Carbonate Production: The bacteria metabolize the nutrients,
producing limestone (calcium carbonate).
Crack Sealing: The limestone fills and seals the cracks, restoring the
concrete's integrity.
APPLICATIONS
Use in Construction for Self-Healing Concrete
Bioconcrete is used in construction to create structures
that can autonomously repair cracks and damages. This
innovative material enhances the longevity and
durability of buildings, bridges, tunnels, and other
concrete structures by embedding bacteria that
produce limestone to fill and seal cracks.
BENEFITS OVER
TRADITIONAL CONCRETE
1. Self-Healing: Reduces the need for manual repairs by
autonomously healing cracks.
2. Extended Lifespan: Increases the durability and lifespan of
concrete structures.
3. Cost Savings: Lowers maintenance and repair costs over time.
4. Environmental Impact: Decreases the environmental footprint
by reducing the frequency of repairs and replacements.
REAL WORLD
APPLICATIONS
1. Bridges and Tunnels: Used in infrastructure projects to enhance durability and reduce

maintenance disruptions.

2. Buildings: Applied in high-rise buildings and residential complexes to ensure long-term

structural integrity.

3. Water Retaining Structures: Implemented in dams, reservoirs, and water tanks to

prevent leaks and maintain water quality.

4. Historical Monument Restoration: Utilized in the repair and preservation of historical

structures, ensuring they remain intact for future generations.

02
BIO
REMEDIATION
 DEFINITION

Bioremediation is a process that uses living

organisms, primarily microorganisms like bacteria
and fungi, to remove or neutralize pollutants from
a contaminated site. The goal of bioremediation is
to restore polluted environments in an
environmentally friendly and cost-effective
manner
 TYPE OF BIOREMEDIATION
Bacterioremediation: uses bacteria to treat various kinds
of pollutants.

Phytoremediation: utilizes plants to stabilize, remediate, reduce, or

restore contaminants in sediments, soil, water, etc.

Mycoremediation: uses various fungi types to decontaminate a zone.

Biostimulation: This process involves modifying environmental

conditions to stimulate the growth of microorganisms capable of
bioremediation.

Intrinsic Bioremediation: occurs naturally in the soil and water, where microorganisms
digest and convert organic waste nutrients into carbon dioxide, etc.
 KEY PRINCIPLES
The key principle of bioremediation is
stimulating the growth of specific
microorganisms that can break down and
utilize contaminants like oil, solvents, and
pesticides as food and energy sources.
These microbes convert the pollutants
into harmless substances such as water
and carbon dioxide.
 BENEFITS.
1. Low Cost: Bioremediation is a cost-effective method for
cleaning up pollutants.
2. Environmental Friendly: Bioremediation is an
environmentally friendly method that does not harm the
ecosystem.
3. Large-Scale Operation: Bioremediation can be used on a
large scale, making it a viable solution for widespread
pollution.
4. Improved Soil Fertility: Bioremediation can improve soil
fertility by adding organic matter.
5. Phytoremediation: Bioremediation using plants can
bioaccumulate precious metals and recover them after
remediation, known as phytomining.
6. Enhanced Biodegradation: Bioremediation can enhance
biodegradation by providing optimal conditions for
microbial growth.
03
BIO MINING
 DEFINITION & IMPORTANCE
DEFINITION
Biomining is the process of using microorganisms to extract metals from ores and mine
waste.

FUNCTION
Microorganisms facilitate the extraction of metals such as gold, copper, and uranium by
bioleaching and biooxidation.

IMPORTANCE
Offers a more environmentally friendly alternative to traditional mining techniques.
 MECHANISMS OF
BIOMINING
BIOLEACHING BIOOXIDATION MICROORGANISMS
Microorganisms convert solid metal Microorganisms oxidize the ore, Bacteria like Acidithiobacillus
sulfides into soluble metal sulfates. making the metal more accessible for ferrooxidans and fungi play crucial
extraction. roles in these processes.
 APPLICATIONS OF
BIOMINING
COPPER EXTRACTION GOLD MINING ADVANTAGES
Widely used in the copper mining Biooxidation process improves gold Reduces environmental impact,
industry to extract copper from low- recovery from refractory gold ores. lowers energy consumption, and can
grade ores. process low-grade ores economically.
04
CONCLUSIONS
 IMPORTANCE OF
THESE INNOVATIONS

These technologies represent a significant

advancement in promoting sustainability and
reducing environmental impact in their respective
fields.
They offer practical, real-world applications that
demonstrate the potential of biotechnology to solve
complex industrial and environmental challenges.
FUTURE OUTLOOK
AND IMPACT:
Continued research and development in these areas
can expand their applications and improve their
efficiency.
As these technologies become more widely adopted,
they have the potential to contribute significantly
to global sustainability goals, reducing reliance on
harmful practices and promoting eco-friendly
alternatives.
The integration of bioconcrete, bioremediation, and
biomining into standard practices can lead to a more
sustainable and resilient infrastructure and
environment.
THANK YOU!
HAVE A NICE DAY