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Circular biocementation via waste-derived urease: maize root residue as a sustainable enzyme source for EICP.

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Title: Circular biocementation via waste-derived urease: maize root residue as a sustainable enzyme source for EICP.
Authors: Absalan P; Faculty of Architecture and Urban Planning, Shahid Beheshti University, Velenjak, Tehran, Iran., Parniaei N; Faculty of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shahid Beheshti University, Velenjak, Tehran, Iran., Mirzajani F; Faculty of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shahid Beheshti University, Velenjak, Tehran, Iran.; Department of Medical Laboratory Science, College of Science, Knowledge University, Kirkuk Road, 44001, Erbil, Iraq., Shafaat A; Faculty of Architecture and Urban Planning, Shahid Beheshti University, Velenjak, Tehran, Iran. shafaat@outlook.com.
Source: Environmental science and pollution research international [Environ Sci Pollut Res Int] 2026 May; Vol. 33 (19), pp. 9816-9829. Date of Electronic Publication: 2026 Jun 15.
Publication Type: Journal Article
Language: English
Journal Info: Publisher: Springer Country of Publication: Germany NLM ID: 9441769 Publication Model: Print-Electronic Cited Medium: Internet ISSN: 1614-7499 (Electronic) Linking ISSN: 09441344 NLM ISO Abbreviation: Environ Sci Pollut Res Int Subsets: MEDLINE
Imprint Name(s): Publication: <2013->: Berlin : Springer
Original Publication: Landsberg, Germany : Ecomed
MeSH Terms: Urease* , Zea mays*, Carbonates/chemistry ; Plant Roots ; Soil
Abstract: This study introduces a sustainable biocementation strategy that valorizes agricultural residues as urease sources for enzyme-induced carbonate precipitation (EICP). While EICP offers a low-carbon alternative to traditional cement, reliance on food-grade proteins like soybeans limits its scalability. Here, maize (Zea mays) root residue is employed as a novel, non-food enzyme source. Active urease extracted via ammonium sulfate precipitation maintained 82% function over 4 weeks and facilitated dense calcite formation, confirmed by XRD and SEM. Industrial-scale modeling indicates that this waste-derived EICP can achieve a carbon footprint 90% lower than Portland cement, even under fossil fuel-dependent energy grids. Substituting food-competing proteins with agricultural waste reduces environmental pressure and enables a cost-effective, circular industrial process. Beyond soil stabilization, this approach extends to eco-construction, crack remediation, and carbon immobilization. This work establishes a scalable framework for harnessing waste-derived urease in environmentally benign biocementation, advancing sustainable construction and green technology integration in the built environment.
(© 2026. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.)
Competing Interests: Declarations. Ethics approval: This is not applicable. Consent to participate: This is not applicable. Consent for publication: This is not applicable. Competing interest: The authors declare no competing interests.
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Contributed Indexing: Keywords: Agricultural waste; Circular economy; Eco-friendly EICP; Maize root; Sustainable biomaterial; Urease; Urease enzyme extraction; Waste source
Substance Nomenclature: EC 3.5.1.5 (Urease)
0 (Carbonates)
0 (Soil)
Entry Date(s): Date Created: 20260615 Date Completed: 20260624 Latest Revision: 20260624
Update Code: 20260624
DOI: 10.1007/s11356-026-37924-4
PMID: 42295624
Database: MEDLINE
Description
ISSN:1614-7499
DOI:10.1007/s11356-026-37924-4