Bio-Enzyme Soil Restoration

At CD BioSciences, we are at the forefront of innovative soil restoration techniques, and bio-enzyme technology is a key focus of our efforts. Bio-enzyme soil restoration refers to the use of natural enzymes derived from plants, animals, and microorganisms to enhance the physical, chemical, and mechanical properties of soils. These enzymes catalyze various reactions within the soil, forming cementing bonds that stabilize the soil structure and reduce its affinity for water.

Unlike traditional chemical stabilizers like cement and lime, bio-enzymes align with the principles of sustainable development, offering a more eco-friendly and cost-effective solution for soil improvement. The biochemical composition of bio-enzymes typically includes a complex blend of proteins, surfactants, and other organic compounds that work synergistically to achieve the desired soil stabilization effects.

Fig. 1 Schematic illustration of the enzyme stabilization mechanism on expansive soil. (Pooni, J., et al., 2021)

Applications of Bio-Enzyme Soil Restoration

The applications of bio-enzyme soil restoration are diverse, spanning a wide range of geotechnical engineering and environmental remediation projects.

• Soil Stabilization: Bio-enzymes can effectively reduce the liquid limit, plasticity index, and optimum moisture content of soils, while simultaneously increasing the maximum dry density and unconfined compressive strength. This makes them an ideal choice for stabilizing problematic soils, such as expansive clays, to enhance their suitability for construction and infrastructure projects.
• Erosion Control: By reducing the soil's affinity for water and improving its structural integrity, bio-enzymes can help mitigate soil erosion, a critical concern in areas prone to heavy rainfall, runoff, or slope instability.
• Pavement Construction: The use of bio-enzyme-treated soil as a base or subbase material in road construction has demonstrated improved performance and reduced maintenance requirements compared to traditional methods.
• Environmental Remediation: Bio-enzymes can be employed in the remediation of contaminated soils, as they have the potential to break down and immobilize various pollutants, such as heavy metals and organic compounds.
• Dust Suppression: The surfactant properties of bio-enzymes can effectively reduce the surface tension of soil particles, helping to control dust generation and improve air quality in construction sites and other areas prone to airborne particulates.

Our Services

At CD BioSciences, we take pride in our comprehensive bio-enzyme soil restoration services, which are designed to cater to the diverse needs of our clients. Our team of experienced soil scientists, geotechnical engineers, and environmental specialists work collaboratively to deliver customized solutions that address the unique challenges faced in each project.

Cation Exchange Mechanism

Our bio-enzymes are designed to be adsorbed onto clay lattice sites, releasing cations and reducing the thickness of the electric double layer. This process decreases the soil's affinity for water, promoting particle aggregation and enhanced soil structure.

Specific Binding Mechanism

Our specialized bio-enzymes can bind to the organic molecules surrounding clay particles, facilitating the adsorption and encapsulation of soil particles. This disrupts the electric double layer, expelling water and further enhancing soil compaction.

Surfactant Mechanism

The surfactants present in our bio-enzyme formulations work to reduce the surface tension of soil solutions, allowing soil particles to bind more tightly together and improving overall soil cohesion.

Types of Enzymes Available for Soil Modification

At CD BioSciences, we have access to a diverse array of natural enzymes derived from various plant, animal, and microbial sources. Some of the key enzymes we utilize in our bio-enzyme soil restoration services include:

• Lipases: These enzymes catalyze the breakdown of fats and oils, which can be beneficial for the remediation of hydrocarbon-contaminated soils.
• Amylases: Amylases are responsible for the hydrolysis of starch, making them useful for the degradation of organic matter and the improvement of soil structure.
• Proteases: Proteases facilitate the breakdown of proteins, and their inclusion in our bio-enzyme formulations can enhance the binding and aggregation of soil particles.
• Cellulases: Cellulases target cellulose, a major structural component of plant material, and can aid in the decomposition of organic matter within the soil.
• Xylanases: Xylanases break down the polysaccharide xylan, which is present in the cell walls of many plant species, contributing to overall soil improvement.

By carefully selecting and blending these enzymes, our team at CD BioSciences can create tailored bio-enzyme solutions that address the specific needs of each soil restoration project. If you are interested in our services, please contact us for more information.

Our products and services are for research use only and cannot be used for any clinical purposes.