BIOCHEMICAL IDENTIFICATION OF UREOLYTIC BACTERIA WITH CALCITE PRECIPITATION ABILITIES ISOLATED FROM ENERGY RESEACH CENTER SOKOTO

Abstract

This study identified ureolytic bacteria capable of precipitating calcium carbonate (CaCO₃) from soil samples at the Energy Research Center, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto. The aim of the study was to isolate urease-producing bacteria and assess their potential to enhance water retention and structural stability of sandy soils via microbially induced calcite precipitation (MICP). Soil samples were enriched, screened for urease activity, and characterized morphologically and biochemically. Key tests included catalase, oxidase, citrate, indole, urease, and TSI.. Results revealed diverse ureolytic isolates related to Klebsiella aerogenes, Proteus vulgaris, and Proteus mirabilis. One isolate (E3) showed the highest urease activity and calcite precipitation, which maysignificantly improve sand water retention and aggregate stabilitywhen compared to controls. Urease activity and precipitation efficiency were influenced by temperature, pH, and growth medium. This study demonstrates that local ureolytic bacteria have strong potential for biological soil stabilization and water retention improvement in sandy soils and warrants further molecular identification and field validation for sustainable soil management in semi-arid environments.