Application of organic superabsorbent cellulosic polymers (OSCPs) and cyanobacteria on reduction of aeolian losses

Background and aims Establishing biocrusts on sandy surfaces in harsh desert environments presents significant challenges due to extreme ecological conditions. To address these challenges, this study examined the effects of organic superabsorbent cellulosic polymers (OSCPs), carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) and guargum on the establishment of cyanobacterial crusts on aeolian losses, specifically a consortium of Nostoc sp. and Microcoleus vaginatus . Methods The optimal concentrations of guargum and CMC that resulted in maximum cyanobacterial growth were determined experimentally through a trial-and-error approach. The resulting suspensions, a mixture of OSCPs and cyanobacteria, were applied to aeolian losses. After 60 days of inoculation, the cyanobacterial crust, were analyzed for exopolysaccharides (EPS) and chlorophyll a content, various physical and chemical properties, shear strength, compressive strength. Additionally, the wind tunnel tests were conducted to measure the yield of mass flux under different treatments. Results Results indicated that the treatment with cyanobacteria ( M. vaginatus  +  Nostoc sp.) + CMC outperformed the others in terms of accumulation of organic carbon, total nitrogen, chlorophyll a and EPS, as well as in terms of cyanobacterial crust thickness, shear strength, available water capacity (AWC), and wind erosion threshold velocity. In contrast, the treatment with guargum determined the lowest mass flux rates and compressive strength, while CMC significantly enhanced cyanobacteria performance in EPS production and chlorophyll a content. Conclusion These findings suggest that combining cyanobacteria with OSCPs is an effective strategy for promoting cyanobacterial crust formation and mitigating soil erosion in arid environments.