Indore, February 26 – In a groundbreaking discovery, researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Indore have developed a novel method to enhance the strength of concrete using food waste and non-pathogenic bacteria. This innovative approach not only doubles the durability of concrete but also helps in reducing carbon emissions.
According to Professor Sandeep Chaudhary from IIT Indore’s Department of Civil Engineering, the process involves mixing food waste with a non-pathogenic strain of E. Coli bacteria into concrete. When the organic waste decomposes, it releases carbon dioxide, which then reacts with calcium ions in the concrete to form calcium carbonate crystals. These crystals effectively fill cracks and voids, thereby solidifying the structure without adding extra weight.
"We experimented with food waste such as rotten fruit pulp and peels, incorporating them into concrete along with the bacteria. This resulted in a significant increase in concrete strength," Chaudhary stated. The bacteria, he added, cease to grow once the gaps are filled, ensuring no further impact on the structure.
The research primarily focused on common domestic food waste, including cauliflower stalks, potato and orange peels, fenugreek stems, and rotten papaya pulp. The food waste was processed based on its moisture content—low-moisture waste was powdered and mixed with water to form a liquid, while high-moisture waste was processed into a pulp.
Professor Hemchandra Jha from IIT Indore’s Department of Biosciences and Biomedical Engineering highlighted that previous applications of bacterial concrete relied on synthetic chemicals, making the process costly and less sustainable. By replacing these chemicals with food waste, IIT Indore’s research significantly lowers costs and enhances sustainability.
This innovative technique offers a promising solution to the construction industry, combining enhanced structural strength with an eco-friendly approach to waste management.