ISOLATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF INDIGENOUS SOIL BACTERIA USING CALCITE PRECIPITATING ABILITIES.

Abstract

The present study focused on the Isolation and Characterization of Indigenous Soil Bacteria Using Calcite Precipitating Abilities. The aim was to identify native soil bacteria capable of producing calcium carbonate ((CaCO₃) )through microbial-induced calcite precipitation (MICP), a process relevant to sustainable soil improvement and agricultural productivity. Soil samples were collected from cultivated farmlands within UsmanuDanfodiyo University Sokotoand subjected to serial dilution and nutrient agar plating techniques for bacterial isolation. The isolates were characterized based on colonial morphology, Gram staining, and biochemical tests such as catalase, citrate, urease, and oxidase reactions.Four bacterial species were identified: Proteus mirabilis, Klebsiellaaerogenes, Kocuria species, and Micrococcus species. All isolates exhibited positive growth on urea–CaCl₂ medium, confirming their ability to precipitate calcium carbonate. Proteus mirabilis and Klebsiellaaerogenes demonstrated the highest calcite formation, attributed to their strong urease activity and efficient hydrolysis of urea. The study establishes that indigenous soil bacteria in Sokoto possess significant bio cementation potential and can be utilized for eco-friendly soil stabilization and fertility enhancement in agricultural systems.This finding contributes to the development of biological alternatives to chemical soil stabilizers, aligning with global efforts toward sustainable agricultural practices and environmental conservation. Further molecular characterization and field application trials are recommended to explore the full potential of these bacterial isolates in large-scale soil bioremediation and stabilization.