Eco-Friendly Self-Healing Plaster Using EM Bacteria and Loamy Soil: A Sustainable Approach to Wall Repair
Jaeyun Park
Korea International School Jeju Campus, Jeju, South Korea
Publication date: November 20, 2025
Korea International School Jeju Campus, Jeju, South Korea
Publication date: November 20, 2025
DOI: http://doi.org/10.34614/JIYRC2025II27
ABSTRACT
The demand for eco-friendly and sustainable construction materials has increased as conventional self-healing materials often involve toxic chemicals or face performance limitations. This study explores the development of a self-healing plaster using Effective Microorganism (EM) bacteria and loamy soil as a sustainable alternative for wall repair. EM bacteria, a consortium of lactic acid bacteria, yeast, and phototrophic bacteria, have been widely applied in agriculture and water purification due to their non-toxic and pollutant-reducing properties. To evaluate their potential in construction, EM solutions of varying concentrations were combined with loamy soil and ceramic powder to form plaster mixtures. Physical assessments examined cohesion, spreadability, texture, and moisture retention, while preliminary self-healing tests measured crack recovery. Results showed that moderate EM concentrations (7.4 g in 2X soil formulation) provided the most uniform, cohesive, and crack-resistant plaster. Quantitative analysis confirmed that EM treatment enhanced crack recovery by 25% compared to controls, demonstrating strong potential for sustainable construction applications.
The demand for eco-friendly and sustainable construction materials has increased as conventional self-healing materials often involve toxic chemicals or face performance limitations. This study explores the development of a self-healing plaster using Effective Microorganism (EM) bacteria and loamy soil as a sustainable alternative for wall repair. EM bacteria, a consortium of lactic acid bacteria, yeast, and phototrophic bacteria, have been widely applied in agriculture and water purification due to their non-toxic and pollutant-reducing properties. To evaluate their potential in construction, EM solutions of varying concentrations were combined with loamy soil and ceramic powder to form plaster mixtures. Physical assessments examined cohesion, spreadability, texture, and moisture retention, while preliminary self-healing tests measured crack recovery. Results showed that moderate EM concentrations (7.4 g in 2X soil formulation) provided the most uniform, cohesive, and crack-resistant plaster. Quantitative analysis confirmed that EM treatment enhanced crack recovery by 25% compared to controls, demonstrating strong potential for sustainable construction applications.
