Abstract

The bio-mediated production of calcite crystals by calcinogenic bacteria has great applicable value for the restoration of deteriorated calcareous monuments, because of its high purity and coherency. An investigation of the conditions for calcite production by an alkalophilic Bacillus amyloliquefaciens CMB01 strain was made. Optimal calcite precipitation occurred when the bacterium was cultured at pH 8.0 and 30℃, and in B4 medium that consisted of 0.4% yeast extract, 0.5% glucose, and 1.5% calcium acetate. Calcium ion of the bacterially induced calcite was analyzed by an inductively coupled plasma (ICP) spectrophotometer. Optical and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) of the calcite revealed a typical rombohedral polycrystalline structure.

• Keywords: an alkalophilic Bacillus amyloliquefaciens; calcite production; calcinogenic bacteria; ICP spectrophotometer; rombohedral polycrystalline structure