Microbial adaptation and survival in Martian/lunar soils: simulations and experimental approaches

Faculty: Aloke Kumar (Mechanical Engineering) and Siddharth Jhunjhunwala (Bioengineering)

The exploration and colonization of Mars require sustainable solutions for soil stabilization and plant cultivation in an extraterrestrial environment. This research aims to investigate how microbial-induced calcite precipitation (MICP)-capable microbes can adapt to Martian soil simulants. MICP is a natural process in which certain bacteria, such as Bacillus and Sporosarcina species, induce calcium carbonate precipitation, thereby strengthening the soil structure. Understanding how these microbes interact with Martian soil analogues under simulated Martian conditions—such as low atmospheric pressure, high radiation, and limited nutrient availability—will provide insights into their potential role in future planetary agriculture and infrastructure development.

To achieve this, a combination of simulations and experimental work is proposed to be performed as part of this doctoral thesis. First, various Martian soil simulants will be utilized, and experimental modifications will be made to replicate key environmental stressors present on Mars. Microbial cultures capable of MICP will be introduced into these simulants, and their growth, calcite production, and soil-binding effectiveness will be analysed under controlled laboratory conditions. By evaluating microbial survival, biochemical activity, and soil stabilization effects, this research will contribute to the development of bioengineered solutions for extraterrestrial habitats. The findings could inform strategies for in-situ resource utilization (ISRU), enabling long-term human presence on Mars by leveraging microbial processes for sustainable soil management.