INFLUENCE OF CALCIUM SOURCES ON MINERALIZATION OF CALCIUM CARBONATE BY PAENIBACILLUS FAVISPORUS U3

Abstract

In this study, the effect of different calcium sources on calcium carbonate deposition by the ureolytic Paenibacillus favisporus U3 was investigated. Calcium lactate, calcium nitrate, and calcium chloride were used as organic and inorganic calcium sources. In addition, the activity of urease and carbonic anhydrase enzymes required for calcium carbonate mineralization by U3 was determined Results showed that the highest amount of CaCO3 was reached at 1000mM CaCl2 concentration. Enzyme activity studies proved that U3 contains urease and carbonic anhydrase enzymes. Also, calcite and vaterite fowls of calcium carbonate were produced by the U3 strain. The calcite and vaterite crystals of calcium carbonate were verified by XRD, XRF, CRS, EPMA, and FESEM-EDX, Lastly, P. favisporus U3 can precipitate large amounts of calcium carbonate by tolerating high CaCl2 concentration, demonstrating its potential for use in soils with high calcium chloride concentrations.