Bioconversion of garden waste,kitchen waste and cow dung into value-added products using earthworm Eisenia fetida

Solid waste management is a worldwide problem and it is becoming more and more complicated day by day due to rise in population, industrialization and changes in our life style. Transformation of industrial sludges into vermicompost is of double interest: on the one hand, a waste is converted into value added product, and, on the other, it controls a pollutant that is a consequence of increasing industrialization. Garden waste, kitchen waste and cow dung were subjected to recycle through vermicomposting by using the epigeic earthworm Eisenia fetida under field conditions. The pH, moisture content, total organic carbon, humus, nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium in vermicompost was analysed. It was found that moisture content, total organic carbon, humus, nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium was high in cow dung, followed by kitchen waste and garden waste. This study clearly indicates that vermicomposting of garden waste, kitchen waste and cow dung can not only produce a value added produce (vermicomposting) but at the same time reduce the quantity of waste.     

Vermicomposting of different types of waste using Eisenia foetida: a comparative study

A study (100 days duration) was conducted to evaluate the efficiency of an exotic earthworm species (epigeic-Eisenia foetida) for decomposition of different types of organic substrates (kitchen waste, agro-residues, institutional and industrial wastes including textile industry sludge and fibres) into valuable vermicompost. The percentage of, nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium in vermicompost was found to increase while pH and total organic carbon declined as a function of the vermicomposting period. 4.4-5.8-fold increases in TKN was observed in different feed mixtures at the end of vermicomposting period. The increase in TKN for different feed substrates was found in the order: textile sludge>textile fibre=institutional waste>agro-residues>kitchen waste. Available Phosphorus increased 1.4 to 6.5-fold in different feed mixtures in comparison to control. Reduction in TOC was highest in agro-residues (3-fold) followed by kitchen waste (2.2-fold), institutional waste (1.7-fold) and textile industrial wastes (sludge, 1.5-fold and fibre, 1.68-fold) in earthworm-inoculated pots than control. The data reveals that vermicomposting (using E. foetida) is a suitable technology for the decomposition of different types of organic wastes (domestic as well as industrial) into value-added material.     

Chemical and microbiological changes during vermicomposting of coffee pulp using exotic (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Eudrilus eugeniae</Emphasis>) and native earthworm (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Perionyx ceylanesis</Emphasis>) species

Coffee pulp is the main solid residue from the wet processing of coffee berries. Due to presence of anti-physiological and anti-nutritional factors, coffee pulp is not considered as adequate substrate for bioconversion process by coffee farmers. Recent stringent measures by Pollution Control authorities, made it mandatory to treat all the solid and liquid waste emanating from the coffee farms. A study was conducted to evaluate the efficiency of an exotic (Eudrilus eugeniae) and a native earthworm (Perionyx ceylanesis) from coffee farm for decomposition of coffee pulp into valuable vermicompost. Exotic earthworms were found to degrade the coffee pulp faster (112 days) as compared to the native worms (165 days) and the vermicomposting efficiency (77.9%) and vermicompost yield (389 kg) were found to significantly higher with native worms. The multiplication rate of earthworms (280%) and worm yield (3.78 kg) recorded significantly higher with the exotic earthworms. The percentage of nitrogen, phosphorous, potassium, calcium and magnesium in vermicompost was found to increase while C:N ratio, pH and total organic carbon declined as a function of the vermicomposting. The plant nutrients, nitrogen (80.6%), phosphorus (292%) and potassium (550%) content found to increase significantly in the vermicompost produced using native earthworms as compared to the initial values, while the calcium (85.7%) and magnesium (210%) content found to increase significantly in compost produced utilizing exotic worms. Vermicompost and vermicasts from native earthworms recorded significantly higher functional microbial group’s population as compared to the exotic worms. The study reveals that coffee pulp can be very well used as substrate for vermicomposting using exotic (Eudrilus eugeniae) and native earthworm (Perionyx ceylanesis).     

Vermicompost derived from mushroom residues improves soil C/P cycling,bacterial community, and fungal abundance

The utilization of agricultural waste organic materials through composting technology has gained significant traction in agricultural production as an effective means of crop nutrient management. However, the differences in the impact of organic amendments prepared by traditional composting and vermicomposting on soil properties still deserve further research. Based on field experiments conducted in greenhouse, compared to chemical fertilizer treatments as control, we utilized traditional compost (OF) and vermicompost (VcF) derived from agricultural organic waste edible mushroom bran and cow manure (2:8). Variations in soil physiochemical properties, activities of soil enzymes related C and P cycling, abundances and diversities of bacterial 16S rRNA and fungal ITS gene at total DNA level were analyzed. Both compost treatments enhanced soil organic carbon, soil total phosphorus, and soil available P content significantly and also increased the activities of soil α-glucosidase, β-glucosidase, acid phosphomonoesterase, and alkaline phosphomonoesterase significantly. The above results suggested that soil C and P transformations were stimulated effectively by both organic amendments. OF and VcF increased the fungal ITS absolute abundances significantly while diversity indices of soil bacterial community increased significantly under both treatments. Correlation analysis indicated that bacterial community composition was strongly correlated with several soil property indexes while fungal community composition was only significantly correlated with soil total phosphorous content. In conclusion, similar to traditional compost, vermicompost significantly improved soil nutrient cycling (especially C and P aspects). In terms of soil microbes, bacteria and fungi showed different responding mechanism to vermicompost: bacteria adjust microbial structure, while fungi tend to proliferated. In consideration of the advantages of vermicompost in technology and economic cost, it could be applied in the subsequent agricultural production more frequently.     

Changes in organic - C, N, P and K and enzyme activities in vermicompost of biodegradable organic wastes under liming and microbial inoculants

The aim of this work was to study the effect of different organic wastes, viz. cow dung, grass, aquatic weeds and municipal solid waste with lime and microbial inoculants on chemical and biochemical properties of vermicompost. Cow dung was the best substrate for vermicomposting. Application of lime (5 g/kg) and inoculation of microorganisms increased the nutrient content in vermicompost and also phosphatases and urease activities. Bacillus polymyxa, the free-living N-fixer, increased N-content of vermicompost significantly (p < or = 0.01) as compared to other inoculants.     

Vermicomposting potentiality of Perionyx excavatus for recycling of waste biomass of Java citronella--an aromatic oil yielding plant

Laboratory investigation on vermicomposting efficacy of Perionyx excavatus for recycling of distillation waste biomass of java citronella (Cymbopogon winterianus Jowitt) was carried out in two seasonal trials i.e. summer and winter periods. The experiment was conducted in earthen pots using a mixture of citronella waste material and cowdung in the proportion of 5:1. A control treatment without earthworms was setup for comparison of the results. The vermicompost had shown 5.8 folds reduction in C/N ratio and 5.6 folds enhancement in ash content. The nutrient contents (N, P, K, Ca and Mg) in the vermicompost had increase in the range of 1.2 - 4.1 fold than the initial level. The FT-IR spectra of the vermicompost confirmed increase in nitrogen rich compounds and decrease in aliphatic/aromatic compounds as compared to the initial level of the biowaste materials. The vermicomposting process is influenced by seasonal variation and summer was more productive than winter.     

Vermistabilization of primary sewage sludge

An integrated composting-vermicomposting process has been developed for utilization of primary sewage sludge (PSS). Matured vermicompost was used as bulking material and a source of active microbial culture during aerobic activated composting (AAC). AAC resulted in sufficient enrichment of bulking material with organic matter after 20 cycles of recycling and mixing with PSS and produced materials acceptable for vermicomposting. Vermicomposting caused significant reduction in pH, volatile solids (VS), specific oxygen uptake rate (SOUR), total organic carbon (TOC), C/N ratio and pathogens and substantial increase in electrical conductivity (EC), total nitrogen (TN) and total phosphorous (TP) as compared to compost. Environmental conditions and stocking density have profound effects on vermicomposting. Temperature of 20 °C with high humidity is favorable environmental condition for vermicomposting employing Eisenia fetida. Favorable stocking density range for vermiculture is 0.5-2.0 kg m⁻² (optimum: 0.5 kg m⁻²) and for vermicomposting is 2.0-4.0 kg m⁻² (optimum: 3.0 kg m⁻²), respectively.     

Industrial wastes and sludges management by vermicomposting

Vermicomposting has been arising as an innovative ecotechnology for the conversion of various types of wastes into vermicompost. Vermicompost is humus like, finely granulated and stabilized material which can be used as a soil conditioner to reintegrate the organic matter to the agricultural soils. Industrial wastes remain largely unutilized and often cause environmental problems like ground and surface water pollution, foul odours, occupying vast land areas etc. Non-toxic and organic industrial wastes could be potential raw material for vermitechnology. In the last two decades, vermitechnology has been applied for the management of industrial wastes and sludges and to convert them into vermicompost for land restoration practices. The success of the process depends upon several process parameters like quality of raw material, pH, temperature, moisture, aeration etc., type of vermicomposting system and earthworm species used. The review discusses the vermitechnology and the present state of research in the vermicomposting industrial sludges and wastes.     

施蚯蚓粪对日光温室土壤及番茄产量与品质的影响

设施蔬菜化肥过量施用造成土壤劣化、土传病虫害发生严重,从而导致蔬菜产量和品质下降。蚯蚓粪在改善土壤环境和促进蔬菜生长、提高产量和品质方面具有良好的效果。本试验在日光温室采用等量撒施和沟施两种方式研究了增施蚯蚓粪对土壤养分、酶活性、微生物数量及番茄生长、产量和品质的影响。结果表明: 与不施蚯蚓粪的对照相比,撒施蚯蚓粪和沟施蚯蚓粪处理均改善了土壤环境,显著增加了土壤有机质和氮、磷、钾等养分含量;显著提高了蔗糖酶和过氧化氢酶活性,增加了土壤中细菌、放线菌数量,降低了真菌数量。沟施蚯蚓粪处理明显促进了植株地上部的生长,撒施效果不显著。蚯蚓粪处理明显增强了植株根系活力,提高了叶片的光合作用和叶绿素含量,促进了植株氮和钾含量的积累。撒施和沟施蚯蚓粪处理的番茄产量比对照分别提高了22.7%和32.6%。沟施处理果实中可溶性蛋白、可溶性糖、维生素C和可滴定酸含量分别提高了66.1%、11.0%、122.6%和29.9%,硝酸盐含量降低了65.7%,而撒施处理对番茄果实品质提升效果不明显。     

蚓粪和益生菌互作对土壤性状及番茄产量和品质的影响

本试验研究了两株益生细菌(巨大芽孢杆菌BM和解淀粉芽孢杆菌BA)与化肥和蚓粪配施对土壤性状、番茄产量和品质的影响．结果表明:与化肥相比,在等养分条件下蚓粪能够提高番茄产量、果实可溶性糖和蛋白质含量,并提高土壤pH和速效磷含量．与单施蚓粪相比,益生菌与蚓粪配施不仅能提高番茄产量、果实可溶性糖、蛋白质、维生素C含量和糖酸比,降低有机酸和硝态氮含量,而且增加了土壤pH和硝态氮含量,降低了土壤电导率;益生菌与化肥配施的效果不如益生菌与蚓粪配施．BA和BM与化肥或蚓粪配施时,番茄品质无显著差异,但BA配施蚓粪处理的番茄产量显著高于BM配施蚓粪处理;BM与化肥配施处理显著提高了土壤速效磷含量,而BA与蚓粪配施处理则显著提高了土壤速效钾含量．本研究表明,益生菌和蚓粪可替代化肥用于番茄生产和土壤肥力改良.     

Changes in secondary metabolite and biologically active compounds of Ajowan (Trachyspermum ammi L.) upon organic and conventional production systems

Ajowan is one of the most important medicinal species of the family Apiaceae, which has pharmacological properties for future research in drug development. The essential oil composition of this species in response to different sources of nitrogen and organic fertilizers has not been investigated yet, though the issue is of interest. The factorial combination of four nitrogen sources levels including control (no nitrogen source), urea (U), sulfur-coated urea (SCU), half of the sulfur-coated urea (1/2 SCU) + Alkazot Plus biological fertilizer) and organic fertilizers at four levels such as control (no organic sources), humic acid, vermicompost, half of vermicompost + humic acid) were laid out in a randomized completed block design (RCBD) in a field experiment. Results showed that the interaction between different sources of nitrogen and organic fertilizers on Ajowan essential oil percent and yield were significant (P < 0.01). The highest essential oil percent (5.5%) and essential oil yield (85.4 kg/ha) were obtained at control and Urea + vermicompost treatments. The results of essential oil analysis showed that seven compounds were identified in the ajowan oil, which are based on the highest amount included: Thymol, Gamma-terpinen, O-cymene, Alpha-terpineol propionat, Beta- pinene, Para-cymene, and Alpha pinene.     

中药渣蚓粪对玉米生长及土壤肥力特性的影响

采用盆栽试验,研究了中药渣蚓粪对玉米生长及土壤肥力的影响.结果表明: 随着蚓粪施用量的增加,玉米的株高、茎粗、叶面积、叶绿素含量均显著增加;生长60 d收获时,多数蚓粪处理的土壤容重显著降低;蚓粪处理的土壤pH显著高于对照和相应的化肥处理.蚓粪处理的土壤全氮、有机质含量也明显高于化肥处理,且随蚓粪施用量的增加,效果越趋显著.中药渣蚓粪可作为一种高效有机肥,其合理施用有助于改善土壤物理结构,缓解土壤的酸化进程,提高土壤有机质和氮素含量,有效促进作物生长.     

Waste recycling: utilization of coffee grounds and kitchen waste in vermicomposting

Vermicomposting using Lumbricus rubellus for 49 days was conducted after 21 days of pre-composting. Three different combination of treatments were prepared with eight replicates for each treatment namely cow dung: kitchen waste in 30:70 ratio (T(1)), cow dung: coffee grounds in 30:70 ratio (T(2)), and cow dung: kitchen waste: coffee grounds in 30:35:35 ratio (T(3)). The multiplication of earthworms in terms of numbers and weight were measured at the end of vermicomposting. Consequently, only T(2) showed significant increase (from it initial stage) compared to other treatments. The presence of coffee grounds in T(2) and T(3) showed higher percentage of nutrient elements in vermicompost produced. The data reveal that coffee grounds can be decomposed through vermicomposting and help to enhance the quality of vermicompost produced rather than sole use of kitchen waste in vermicomposting.     

Bioconversion of filter mud using vermicomposting employing two exotic and one local earthworm species

Three different earthworm species Eisenia fetida, Eudrilus eugeniae and Perionyx excavatus in individual (Monocultures) and combinations (Polycultures) were utilized to compare the suitability of worm species for vermicomposting of filter mud as well as the quality of the end product. The filter mud blended with saw dust can be directly converted into good quality fertilizer (vermicompost). Eight different reactors including three monocultures and four polycultures of E. fetida, E. eugeniae and P. excavatus and one control were used for the experiment. Vermicomposting resulted in significant reduction in C/N ratio, pH, total organic matter (TOC) but increase in electrical conductivity (EC), total nitrogen (TN), total phosphorus (TP) and macronutrients (K, Ca and Na). Oxygen uptake rate (OUR) dropped up to 1.64–1.95 mg/g (volatile solids) VS/day for monoculture reactors and 1.45–1.78 mg/g VS/day for polycultures reactors, respectively, after 45 days of vermicomposting. Cocoon production and the earthworm biomass increased as vermicomposting progressed. On an overall the mono as well as polyculture reactors produced high quality stable compost free from pathogens and no specific differentiation could be inferred between the reactors.     

pH optima for crop growth

Summary Ginger, cassava, maize, wheat, french bean and tomato were grown for periods up to six weeks in continuously flowing nutrient solutions at seven constant pH values ranging from 3.3 to 8.5. All species achieved maximum or near-maximum growth in the pH range 5.5 to 6.5. However, there were substantial differences in the ability of species to grow outside this range. Ginger and cassava were the most tolerant species to low solution pH, while ginger and tomato were the only species to show no yield depression at the highest solution pH. Roots of all species at pH 3.3 and some species at pH 4.0 exhibited symptoms of hydrogen ion injury. In addition, the concentrations of magnesium in the tops of all six species, of nitrogen in the tops of tomato and cassava, and of manganese in the tops of maize at these pH values were inadequate for optimal growth. Growth depression at high solution pH was associated with iron deficiency in maize and wheat and with nitrogen and/or copper deficiency in cassava.The relevance of the present results to crop growth under field conditions is discussed. The complex interplay of plant and soil characteristics militates against precise definition of an optimum pH range for the growth of a particular crop unless the soil is also specified.     

Growth stimulation effects of smoke-water and vermicompost leachate on greenhouse grown-tissue-cultured ‘Williams’ bananas

A common problem often experienced by both small and large scale banana farmers is the reduction in quality and yield of bananas due to soil moisture deficits and declining soil fertility. To overcome this, mechanisms of improving yield without compromising environmental integrity or public health are being embraced. Globally, researchers have continued to evaluate the competence of environmental-friendly organic fertilizers and smoke solutions to improve the growth, yield and quality of various crops. In the present study, the effect of smoke-water (1:1,000; 1:500 and 1:250 dilutions) and vermicompost leachate (1:20; 1:10 and 1:5 dilutions) treatments on the growth of greenhouse grown bananas was evaluated. Soil drenching (smoke-water and vermicompost leachate) and foliar application (smoke-water) were tested on 1-month-old tissue-cultured banana seedlings under greenhouse conditions. After 3 months, growth parameters such as number and length of roots and shoots; number of leaves and leaf area as well as their fresh and dry weights were analyzed. Soil drenching with smoke-water significantly increased the root length (1:1,000 and 1:500 dilutions) as well as fresh and dry weight (1:1,000; 1:500 and 1:250 dilutions) when compared to foliar application. Vermicompost leachate (1:10 and 1:5 dilutions) significantly enhanced the shoot length, root length, leaf area and dry weights. Vermicompost leachate (1:20; 1:10 and 1:5 dilutions) also significantly increased the number of off-shoots. The positive effect on rooting is beneficial for acclimatization and establishment of tissue-cultured banana plantlets in nurseries and subsequent transfer to the field. Moreover, the high cost of inorganic fertilizers as well as environmental safety concerns makes the use of smoke-water and vermicompost leachate potential alternatives to improving the growth and cultivation of bananas.     

Vermicomposting of distillation waste of citronella plant (Cymbopogon winterianus Jowitt.) employing Eudrilus eugeniae

Laboratory experiment on vermicomposting of distillation waste of java citronella (Cymbopogon winterianus Jowitt.) was carried out employing Eudrilus eugeniae, in two seasonal trials, covering summer and winter periods. Two vermicomposting treatments were conducted in earthen pots, one with citronella plant waste only (CW) and the other, a mixture of citronella waste and cowdung in the proportion 5:1 (CW + CD). Vermicomposting of citronella waste resulted reduction in C/N ratio (83.5-87.7%), enhancement of ash content and a number of macro and micronutrients. The FT-IR spectroscopy of the vermicompost revealed the reduction in aliphatic and aromatic compound as well as increase in amide group after the 105 days stabilization process. The vermicompost output was significantly enhanced in CW + CD treatment than CW treatment. Even, nutrient content of the vermicompost was also higher in CW + CD treatment than CW alone indicating the positive role of cowdung in improvement of quantity and quality.     

Nutrient-limited biodegradation of PAH in various soil strata at a creosote contaminated site

The effects of nutrient addition on the in situ biodegradation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in creosote contaminated soil were studied in soil columns taken from various soil strata at a wood preserving plant in Norway. Three samples were used: one from the topsoil (0–0.5 m), one from an organic rich layer (2–2.5 m) and one from the sandy aquifer (4.5–5 m). The addition of inorganic nitrogen and phosphorous stimulated the degradation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in the top soil and the aquifer sand. These two soils, which differed strongly in contamination levels, responded similarly to nutrient addition with the corresponding degradation of 4-ring PAHs. The ratio between available nitrogen (N) and phosphorous (P) might explain the degree of degradation observed for the 4-ring PAHs. However, the degree of degradation of 3-ring PAHs did not significantly increase after nutrient addition. An increase in the respiration rate, after nutrient addition, could only be observed in the topsoil. In the aquifer sand, 4-ring PAH degradation was not accompanied by an increase in the respiration rate or the number of heterotrophic micro-organisms. PAH degradation in the organic layer did not respond to nutrient addition. This was probably due to the low availability of the contaminants for micro-organisms, as a result of sorption to the soil organic matter. Our data illustrate the need for a better understanding of the role of nutrients in the degradation of high molecular weight hydrocarbons for the successful application of bioremediation at PAH contaminated sites.     

Reduction of bioavailability of heavy metals during vermicomposting of phumdi biomass of Loktak Lake (India) using Eisenia fetida

Abstract

Vermicomposting of phumdi biomass is a good alternative for protecting Loktak Lake and is advantageous for agriculture purposes. Research was carried out on bioavailability and leachability of nutrients (Na, K, Ca and Mg) and heavy metals (Zn, Cu, Mn, Fe, Ni, Pb, Cd and Cr) during vermicomposting of phumdi biomass for 45 days using Eisenia fetida earthworm. The bioavailability of heavy metals was determined in the form of water soluble and diethylene triamine penta-acetic acid (DTPA) extractable. The toxicity characteristic leaching procedure test was performed to determine the leachable heavy metals during the vermicomposting process. The concentration of nutrients increased during the process; whereas the concentration of water soluble, DTPA extractable and leachable heavy metals decreased significantly in all the trials. The vermicomposting of phumdi biomass by Eisenia fetida was very effective for the reduction of bioavailability and leachability of selected heavy metals. The leachability test confirmed that prepared vermicompost is not hazardous for soil, plants and human health. The possibility of using earthworms to mitigate the metal toxicity and to enhance the nutrient profile in phumdi biomass vermicompost, is advantageous in sustainable land renovation practices on a low-input basis.     

Vermiconversion of industrial sludge for recycling the nutrients

The aim of the present study was to investigate the transformation of sugar mill sludge (PM) amended with biogas plant slurry (BPS) into vermicompost employing an epigeic earthworm Eisenia fetida. To achieve the objectives experiments were conducted for 13 weeks under controlled environmental conditions. In all the waste mixtures, a decrease in pH, TOC, TK and C:N ratio, but increase in TKN and TP was recorded. Maximum worm biomass and growth rate was attained in 20% PM containing waste mixture. It was inferred from the study that addition of 30-50% of PM with BPS had no adverse effect on the fertilizer value of the vermicompost as well as growth of E. fetida. The results indicated that vermicomposting can be an alternate technology for the management and nutrient recovery from press mud if mixed with bulking agent in appropriate quantities.