Compositions and Methods of Dust Control

Abstract

Compositions and methods for producing materials for construction and for dust control utilizing enzyme producing cells, an amount of a nitrogen source such as urea, and an amount of calcium such as calcium chloride. Calcium contributes to the formation of calcium carbonate which creates a solid structure, layer or shield. One or more compositions containing components of the invention can be sprayed or otherwise applied to surfaces for erosion control, foundation support, prevention of sink hole formation, prevention of dust formation, or other applications. Ammonia, water and other by-products of the process can be recycled and re-utilized for the same or other purposes including, for example, as fertilizers and energy sources, or independently fermented from selectively cultivated microorganisms.

1 . A method of dust control comprising:
 providing two compositions, wherein one composition contains an aqueous mixture of viable cells or spores of urease-producing microorganisms and a transport media, and the other composition contains an aqueous form of calcium, wherein either or both compositions further contain urea and ingredients for growth of the microorganisms; and   separately applying the two compositions to an area.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the microorganisms comprise yeast, algae, bacteria, eukaryotic cells, or recombinantly engineered microorganisms. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein the bacteria comprise  Sporosarcina pasteurii, Bacillus megaterium, Sporosarcina ureae, Proteus vulgaris, Bacillus sphaericus, Myxococcus xanthus, Proteus mirabilis, Helicobacter pylori , or variants, serotypes, mutations, or combinations thereof. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the transport medium maintains viability without promoting significant propagation of the microorganisms. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 4 , wherein the transport medium comprises minimal cell medium. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the calcium comprises calcium chloride, calcium acetate, calcium phosphate, calcium carbonate, calcium lactate, calcium nitrate, and/or a calcium salt. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the ingredients for growth comprise one or more of water, nutrients, vitamins, minerals, amino acids, proteins, oils, fatty acids, saccharides and polysaccharides. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein applying comprising spraying or misting. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the area is a walking path, a mining area, tailings, gangue, a debris or waste pile, a cliff, a roadway, an aircraft landing area, a contaminated or hazardous area, or a construction site, or air space of a mining area, factory, manufacturing plant, or work area. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein either or both compositions form a film on a surface that promotes binding of the microorganisms. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein the film comprises a polymer. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein either or both compositions contain a coloring agent. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein either or both compositions contain a detectable marker. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising repeated application of either or both compositions to the surface. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising applying an aqueous composition to the area. 
     
     
         16 . A kit for dust control comprising:
 a first composition containing a mixture of viable cells or spores of urease-producing microorganisms and a transport media; and   a second composition containing a form of calcium, wherein either or both first and second compositions further contain urea and ingredients for growth of the mixture of viable cells or spores.   
     
     
         17 . The kit of  claim 16 , wherein a mixture of viable cells or spores comprise yeast, algae, bacteria, eukaryotic cells, or recombinantly engineered microorganisms. 
     
     
         18 . The kit of  claim 17 , wherein the bacteria comprise  Sporosarcina pasteurii, Bacillus megaterium, Sporosarcina ureae, Proteus vulgaris, Bacillus sphaericus, Myxococcus xanthus, Proteus mirabilis, Helicobacter pylori , or variants, serotypes, mutations, or combinations thereof. 
     
     
         19 . The kit of  claim 16 , wherein the transport medium maintains viability without promoting significant propagation of the microorganisms. 
     
     
         20 . The kit of  claim 19 , wherein the transport medium comprises minimal cell medium. 
     
     
         21 . The kit of  claim 16 , wherein the form of calcium comprises calcium chloride, calcium acetate, calcium phosphate, calcium carbonate, calcium lactate, calcium nitrate, and/or a calcium salt. 
     
     
         22 . The kit of  claim 16 , wherein the ingredients for growth of microorganisms comprise one or more of water, nutrients, vitamins, minerals, amino acids, proteins, oils, fatty acids, saccharides and polysaccharides. 
     
     
         23 . The kit of  claim 16 , wherein either or both first and second compositions are aqueous. 
     
     
         24 . The kit of  claim 16 , wherein either or both first and second compositions further contain a polymer. 
     
     
         25 . The kit of  claim 16 , wherein either or both first and second compositions further contain a coloring agent. 
     
     
         26 . The kit of  claim 16 , wherein either or both first and second compositions further contain a detectable marker. 
     
     
         27 . The kit of  claim 16 , further comprising an apparatus for applying either or both first and second compositions.