This study investigates the use of urease-producing bacteria for microbial induced calcite precipitation (MICP) to enhance the mechanical properties of coal fly ash (CFA). Sporosarcina pasteurii was employed to treat CFA with cementation solutions over 7, 14, and 28 days. Biotreated samples exhibited improved compressive strength, shear strength, stiffness, and cohesion. Calcite precipitation increased, and permeability decreased with treatment cycles, resulting in a 78% reduction in permeability and 8% calcite precipitation in a 28-day cycle. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscope (SEM) investigations support the improved engineering properties of bioengineered coal fly ash (BCFA) samples.
