Vermistabilization of textile mill sludge spiked with poultry droppings by an epigeic earthworm Eisenia foetida

Investigations were made to explore the potential of an epigeic earthworm Eisenia foetida to transform textile mill sludge spiked with poultry droppings in to value added product, i.e., vermicompost. The growth and reproduction of E. foetida was monitored in a range of different feed mixtures for 77 days in the laboratory under controlled experimental conditions. The maximum growth was recorded in 100% cow dung (CD). Replacement of poultry droppings by cow dung in feed mixtures and vice versa had little or no effect on worm growth rate and reproduction potential. Worms grew and reproduced favourably in 70% poultry droppings (PD)+30% solid textile mill sludge (STMS) and 60% PD+40% STMS feed mixtures. Greater percentage of STMS in the feed mixture significantly affected the biomass gain and cocoon production. Net weight gain by earthworms in 100% CD was 2.9-18.2 fold higher than different STMS containing feed mixtures. The mean number of cocoon production was between 23.4+/-4.65 (in 100% CD) and 3.6+/-1.04 (in 50% PD+50% STMS) cocoons earthworm(-1) for different feed mixtures tested. Vermicomposting resulted in significant reduction in C:N ratio and increase in nitrogen and phosphorus contents. Total potassium, total calcium and heavy metals (Fe, Zn, Pb and Cd) contents were lower in the final product than initial feed mixtures. Our trials demonstrated vermicomposting as an alternate technology for the recycling and environmentally safe disposal/management of textile mill sludge using an epigeic earthworm E. foetida if mixed with poultry droppings.     

Vermicomposting of mixed solid textile mill sludge and cow dung with the epigeic earthworm Eisenia foetida

This paper reports the results of a study of vermicomposting with Eisenia foetida of solid textile mill sludge mixed with cow dung in different ratios in a 90 days composting experiment. Vermicomposting resulted in significant reduction in C:N ratio and increase in TKN. Total K and Ca were lower in the final cast than the initial feed mixture. Microbial activity measured as dehydrogenase activity increased up to 75 days and decreased on further incubation. Total P was higher in the final product than the initial feed mixture. Total heavy metal contents were lower in the final product than initial feed mixture. Solid textile mill sludge can be potentially useful as raw substrate in vermicomposting if mixed with up to 30% cow dung (on dry weight basis). The growth and cocoon production of the worm species in different feed mixtures were also investigated.     

Bioremediation of Agricultural Wastes through Vermicomposting

The post-harvest residues of some local crops, e.g., wheat (Triticum aestivum), millets (Penniseum typhoides and Sorghum vulgare), and a pulse (Vigna radiata) were subjected to recycle through vermicomposting. The crop residues were amended with animal dung, and three types of vermibeds were prepared: (i) millet straw (S. vulgare + P. typhoides in equal quantity) + sheep manure (1: 2 ratio) (MS); (ii) pulse bran (V. radiata) + wheat straw (T. aestivum) + cow dung (1: 1: 2 ratio) (PWC); and (iii) mixed crop residues (mixing of all types crop residues, used in this study) + cow dung in 1:1 ratio (MCR + CD). The fourth treatment was cattle shed manure (CSM). Vermicomposting resulted in a significant increase in total N (97.3% to 155%), available P (67.5% to 123.5%), exchangeable K (38.3% to 112.9%), and exchangeable Ca (23.3% to 53.2%), and decrease in organic C content (20.4% to 29.0%) in the different vermibeds. The earthworm showed the higher biomass gain, growth rate (mg wt. worm^?1 day^?1) and cocoon numbers in the CSM vermibed. The quality of crop residues was directly related to the rate of organic matter mineralization during the vermicomposting. This study suggests that agriculture wastes could be converted into some value-added products, e.g., vermicompost and worm biomass through vermicomposting technology. The higher concentrations of plant nutrients in end products indicate a potential for using agriculture wastes in sustainable crop production.     

Suitability of aquaculture effluent solids mixed with cardboard as a feedstock for vermicomposting

Recirculating aquaculture systems are highly intensive culture systems that actively filter and reuse water, thus minimizing water requirements and creating relatively small volumes of concentrated waste (compared to flow-through aquaculture systems). Vermicomposting, which uses earthworms to stabilize and transform organic wastes into valuable end-products, has been proposed as an alternative treatment technology for high-moisture-content organic wastes from agricultural, industrial and municipal sources. This study was conducted to determine if the effluent solids from a large recirculating aquaculture facility (Blue Ridge Aquaculture, Martinsville, Virginia) were suitable for vermicomposting using the earthworm Eisenia fetida. In two separate experiments, worms were fed mixtures of solids removed from aquaculture effluent (sludge) and shredded. Mixtures containing 0%, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, and 50% aquaculture sludge (dry weight basis) were fed to the worms over a 12-week period and their growth (biomass) was measured. Worm mortality, which occurred only in the first experiment, was not influenced by feedstock sludge concentration. In both experiments worm growth rates tended to increase with increasing sludge concentration, with the highest growth rate occurring with feedstocks containing 50% aquaculture sludge. Effluent solids from recirculating aquaculture systems mixed with shredded cardboard appear to be suitable feedstocks for vermicomposting.     

Vermicomposting potential of Perionyx sansibaricus (Perrier) in different waste materials

The decomposition efficiency of Perionyx sansibaricus (Perrier) for vermicomposting was evaluated by using a variety of wastes such as agriculture waste, farm yard manure and urban solid waste. Vermicomposting resulted in significant increase in total N (80.8-142.3%), phosphorous (33.1-114.6%) and potassium (26.3-125.2%), whereas decrease in organic C (14.0-37.0%) as well as C:N ratio (52.4-69.8%) in different experimental beddings. P. sansibaricus showed maximum biomass production, growth rate (mg day(-1)), mean cocoon numbers, and reproduction rate (cocoon worm(-1)) in VLL (vegetable waste+leaf litter) as compared to other substrate materials. There was a consistent trend for earthworms' growth and reproduction rate, related to initial N-content of the substrate (P<0.05), but there was no clear effect of C:N ratio of the composted material on earthworm cocoon numbers and weight gain. Earthworm showed minimum total population mortality in VLL and maximum in HHCD (household waste+cow dung), after 150 days of experimentation. The increased level of plant metabolites in end product (vermicompost) and growth patterns of P. sansibaricus in different organic waste resources demonstrated the candidature of this species for wastes recycle operations at low-input basis.     

Nutrient changes and biodynamics of epigeic earthworm Perionyx excavatus (Perrier) during recycling of some agriculture wastes

Potential of an oriental composting earthworm: Perionyx excavatus (Perrier) to decompose waste resources generated from agricultural practices (crop residues, farm yard manure, and cattle dung) was studied for 150days under laboratory conditions. At the end of experiment, all vermibeds showed significant decrease in their organic C content ( approximately 21-29%), while increase in total N ( approximately 91-144%), available P ( approximately 63-105%), and exchangeable K ( approximately 45-90%). P. excavatus showed maximum individual live weight (662.05mg) after 120days in MIXED (mixed crop residues+cow dung in 1:1) substrate. The maximum growth rate (mg worm(-1)day(-1)) was between 3.79+/-0.08 and 2.35+/-0.16 on different substrates. The mean number of cocoon production was between 394.3+/-23.2 and 690.7+/-23.2 for different experimental beddings. MIXED bedding showed maximum reproduction rate (0.23+/-0.004 cocoons worm(-1) day(-1)), whereas farmyard manure bedding (FYM) showed least value (0.15+/-0.002 cocoons worm(-1)day(-1)). During vermicomposting, the total mortality in worms' population was recorded between 0% (in MIXED) and 21.7% (in Jowar straw (Sorghum vulgare)+millet straw (Pennisenum typhoides)+sheep manure in 1:1:2 ratio (JMS)). The waste decomposition and earthworm production was associated strongly with the quality of the substrate, especially with their chemical as well as biological composition.     

Feasibility of utilization of horse dung spiked filter cake in vermicomposters using exotic earthworm Eisenia foetida

This contribution reports the potential of vermicomposting technology in the management of horse dung (HD) spiked sugar mill filter cake (SMFC) using an epigeic earthworm Eisenia foetida under laboratory conditions. A total of six vermicomposters filled with different ratios of HD and SMFC were maintained for this study. The growth and fecundity of E. foetida was monitored for 12 weeks. Maximum growth was recorded in 90% HD+10% SMFC feed mixture containing vermicomposter. Earthworms' biomass gain and reproduction was favorably up to 50% HD+50% SMFC feed composition. Maximum cocoons were also recorded in 90% HD+10% SMFC feed mixtures, however increasing proportions of SMFC in different vermicomposters affected the growth and fecundity of worms. A significant decrease in C:N ratio and increase in total kjeldahl nitrogen, total available phosphorus and calcium contents was recorded. The heavy metals content was higher in the vermicompost obtained in all the reactors than initial feed substrates. Based on investigations it is concluded that vermicomposting could be an alternative technology for the management of filter cake if it is mixed in 1:1 ratio with horse dung.     

Effect of composted textile sludge on growth, nodulation and nitrogen fixation of soybean and cowpea

The effect of composted textile sludge on growth, nodulation and nitrogen fixation of soybean and cowpea was evaluated in a greenhouse experiment. The compost was incorporated into soil at 0, 9.5, 19 and 38 t ha(-1) (bases upon the N requirement of the crops, i.e., 0, 50, 100 and 200 kg available N ha(-1)). Growth, nodulation and shoot accumulation of nitrogen were evaluated 36 and 63 days after plant emergence. Nodule glutamine synthetase (GS) activity and leghemoglobin content were evaluated 63 days after emergence. Composted textile sludge did not show negative effects on nodule number and weight, nodule GS activity and leghemoglobin content. Nitrogen accumulation in shoot dry matter in soybean and cowpea was higher than other treatments with application of 19 t ha(-1) of compost. Composting can be an alternate technology for the management of solid textile mill sludge. This study verifies that the composted textile sludge was not harmful to growth, nodulation and nitrogen fixation of soybean and cowpea.     

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.     

牲畜粪便与麦秆混合厌氧发酵的产气量、发酵时间及最优温度

探索牲畜粪便与作物秸秆混合发酵的产气量和发酵时间与发酵温度之间的关系,是解决农村户用沼气原料选择、确定最优发酵温度和提高农作物秸秆资源化利用效率的关键.采用可控型恒温发酵装置,以猪粪、牛粪和麦秆作为发酵原料,以常温厌氧发酵池的底物为接种物,在总固体（total solid,TS）质量分数为8%的条件下进行批量试验,研究了混合发酵的产气量、发酵时间及最优温度.结果表明：粪便与麦秆混合发酵明显提高了原料的产气效率,其中猪粪与麦秆混合发酵的累积产气量比猪粪作为单一发酵原料高24倍,而牛粪与麦杆混合发酵的累积产气量与单一牛粪无显著差异.猪粪、牛粪与麦秆混合发酵的最优温度均在30 ℃以上,发酵时间在60 d左右.厌氧发酵的发酵时间不总是随着温度的升高而缩短,单一以温度来断定厌氧发酵时间的长短是不可行的.     

Human urine is an excellent liquid waste for the culture of fish food organism, Moina micrura

With a view to converting human urine into bio-wealth in the form of zooplankton, the nutrient potentials of liquid wastes (0.11 mL L⁻¹)—(i) human urine (♂), (ii) cow urine, (iii) human–cow mixed urine or some solid wastes (0.11 g L⁻¹): (iv) vermi-compost, (v) cow dung, (vi) poultry droppings and (vii) mixed wastes (vermi-cow-poultry)—were evaluated for the mass culture of zooplankton Moina micrura in 24 outdoor tanks (4500 L) in triplicate treatments using life table as indicator during the period of October–December, 2005. Neonates of Moina micrura held in the treatment with human urine started reproduction at least 4 days earlier than other solid wastes tested. Total number of Moina micrura enumerated in the culture tank, related with offspring production per life span, was maximum in case of human urine treatment, followed by human–cow mixed urine, cow urine, vermin-compost, poultry droppings, mixed wastes (vermin–cow–poultry), cow dung and control treatments. The relationship between the total offspring production per female per life span and the nitrogen content of water in different treatments implied that human urine was an excellent liquid waste that can be used for the mass production of zooplankton Moina micrura required for larval and post larval rearing of commercial fishes.     

Development of a water hyacinth based vermireactor using an epigeic earthworm Eisenia foetida

The aim of this work was to investigate the potential of water hyacinth (WH) spiked with cow dung (CD) into vermicompost. Five vermireactors containing WH and CD in different ratios, were run under laboratory conditions for 147 days. The maximum worm growth was recorded in CD alone. Worms grew and reproduced favourably in 25% WH+75% CD feed mixture. Greater proportion of WH in feed mixture significantly affected the biomass gain, hatchling numbers and numbers of cocoons produced during experiments. In all the vermireactors, there was significant decrease in pH, TOC and C:N ratio, but increase in TKN, TK and TAP at the end. The heavy metals content in the vermicomposts was lower than initial feed mixtures. The results indicated that WH could be potentially useful as raw substrate in vermicomposting if mixed with up to 25% in cow dung (on dry weight basis).     

Development of mixed inoculum for methane enriched biogas production

Inocula were collected from four different sources such as Jajmau tannery waste treatment plant (ITW), Jajmau municipal waste treatment (IMW), Unnao distillery (IDW) and a batch reactor, in which the sludge of a field scale biogas reactor was added to cow dung slurry to develop inoculum (IBS). A combination of these mixed inocula were used for biogas production at 35°C in laboratory scale reactor (10 L capacity) and the average yield of biogas (0.547 Lg^?1 volatile solid (VS)) and methane (0.323 Lg^?1VS) in 41 d was higher in case of mixed inoculum IMW ₁ (IMW+IBS), with maximum methane content in biogas (68% during 27–30 d), as compared to other mixed inocula as well as control i.e. ITW ₁ (ITW+IBS), IDW₁ (IDW+IBS) and IBS. The corresponding yields of gas were biogas (0.505, 0.536 and 0.456 Lg^?1VS), methane (0.288, 0.305, and 0.245 Lg^?1VS) where as, the corresponding maximum methane content in biogas was 62% during 29–33d, 64% during 29–33 d and 62% during 27–29 d in ITW₁, IDW₁ and IBS.     

Vermicomposting--An effective tool for the management of invasive weed Parthenium hysterophorus

This study reports the results of vermicomposting with Eisenia fetida of Parthenium hysterophorus mixed with cow dung in different ratios (25%, 50% and 75%) in a 18 weeks experiment. In all the treatments, a decrease in pH, OC_total and C:N ratio, but increase in EC, N_total, P_aval, Ca_total, K_total and heavy metals was recorded. The cocoons production and growth rate (biomass gain worm⁻¹ day⁻¹) were maximum in 100% cow dung. The results indicated that parthenium can be a raw material for vermicomposting if mix with cow dung in appropriate quantity.     

Effect of cellulose wastes upon the growth of Phragmites australis

Growth responses of Phragmites australis (Cav.) Trin. Ex Steud, (reed grass), a helophyte species, were examined under in vitro and greenhouse conditions in the presence of various residues from a Kraft pulp mill. Plant tolerance to solid residues (ashes, dregs, flyashes, grits, primary sludge, and brown stock rejects) was tested in vitro. Solid residues were added separately up to 30% (w/v), as well a liquid residue up to 30% (v/v), to a Murashige and Skoog (1962) sucrose-free nutrient media with (5 mg l(-1)) 6-benzylaminopurine. After 2 mo in vitro, plantlets developed well in the presence of up to 10% solid or liquid wastes, but higher concentrations of either limited growth. This effect was mainly attributed to the plant's uptake and accumulation of various elements such as sodium, iron, copper, manganese, and boron, which are common to these waste types, thus showing an efficient phytoremediation potential. When added to MS media, the concentration of these elements generally decreased in the residual media after 2 mo of culture: the initial sodium, iron, and copper content in the growth media was reduced ca. 10-fold detected; a 5-fold reduction occurred for manganese and boron. In experiments under greenhouse conditions with in vitro propagated plantlets potted in mixtures of a commercial organic soil and residues, significant differences in plant development (plant size and fresh weight increase) were observed in the presence of ashes mixed at levels of 20% and 30%, compared to the control in organic soil. For other solid wastes, plant growth was inhibited as the concentration of each waste increased, causing chlorosis and/or plant necrosis.     

Ivermectin residues in cattle dung impair insect-mediated dung removal but not organic matter decomposition

1. Veterinary parasiticide residues in livestock dung have been repeatedly shown to negatively affect the abundance and diversity of dung-associated insects. While these losses are concerning from a conservation perspective, they can also translate to impairment of ecosystem functions in agricultural landscapes (e.g. nutrient cycling, primary productivity and greenhouse gas mitigation). 2. Most research focusing on decomposition-related ecosystem functioning has focused on dung beetles (Coleoptera: Scarabaeoidea) while other insects, particularly flies, have received comparatively less attention. 3. Using mesocosms, this study manipulated the insect groups colonising cow dung (beetles only, flies only, beetles and flies together, and an insect-free control). Half of the insects were exposed to 1 mg kg⁻¹ ivermectin in dung, while the other half were exposed to ivermectin-free dung. Dung decomposition (mass of organic matter lost) and dung removal (change in the dry mass of the dung pat attributed to both dung decomposition and burial) were measured. 4. Comparison of beetles and flies in ivermectin-free dung showed that beetles removed nearly twice as much dung as did flies. Comparison of dung removal across all treatments showed that ivermectin residues significantly reduced dung removal provided by beetles by 47% and dung removal provided by beetles and flies together by 32%. 5. Organic matter decomposition was not significantly affected by insect colonists or by the presence of ivermectin, indicating that organic matter decomposition can occur independently of insect activity and chemical perturbations.     

污泥蚯蚓粪对万寿菊生长发育的影响

以赤子爱胜蚓（Eisenia foetida）处理混合比例为1∶1、2∶1、3∶1、4∶1、5∶1和1∶0的污泥和牛粪得到污泥蚯蚓粪,并以10%、20%和30%（干物质量）与黑土混合,研究其对万寿菊株高、茎粗、叶片数、分枝数、地上部生物量、地下部生物量、根冠比、花蕾数、产花量、花直径和花生物量等生长发育指标的影响.结果表明：蚯蚓粪明显促进了万寿菊的生长发育;污泥和牛粪比值越小,对植物生长发育越有利;蚯蚓粪含量超过一定量,万寿菊生长发育状况有所下降,20%配比处理对万寿菊生长发育最为有利.     

Cow dung extract: a medium for the growth of pseudomonads enhancing their efficiency as biofertilizer and biocontrol agent in rice

Some pseudomands are being utilized as biofertilizers and biopesticides because of their role in plant growth promotion and plant protection against root parasites, respectively. Two strains of Pseudomonas, P. jessenii LHRE62 and P. synxantha HHRE81, recovered from wheat rhizosphere, have shown their potential in field bioinoculation tests under rice-wheat and pulse-wheat rotation systems. Normally, pseudomonads are cultivated on synthetic media-like King’s B and used for inoculation on seeds/soil drench with talcum or charcoal as carrier material. Cow dung is being used for different purposes from the ancient time and has a significant role in crop growth because of the content in humic compounds and fertilizing bioelements available in it. Here, cow dung extract was tested as a growth medium for strains LHRE62 and HHRE81, in comparison with growth in King’s B medium. The log phase was delayed by 2 h as compared to growth in King’s B medium. The bacterial growth yield, lower in plain cow dung extract as compared to King’s B medium, was improved upon addition of different carbon substrates. Growth of rice var. Pant Dhan 4 in pot cultures was increased using liquid formulation of cow dung extract and bacteria as foliar spray, compared to their respective controls. Biocontrol efficacy of the bioagents was assessed by challenging rice crop with Rhizoctonia solani, a sheath blight pathogen. The growth promotion and biocontrol efficiencies were more pronounced in the case of mixed inocula of strains LHRE62 and HHRE81.     

Anaerobic degradation of phenol using an acclimated mixed culture

Summary Anaerobic methanogenesis of phenol using mixed cultures derived from cow dung and municipal sewage sludge and adapted to phenol was done in batch reactors. The phenol degradation rate depended on the period in which the culture was acclimated to phenol. Interference in phenol uptake by glucose was observed. Consumption of both phenol and acetic acid was observed when an acetate-adapted culure was used. A phenol-acclimated culture was able to degrade dihydroxy phenols thus indicating the feasibility of cross-acclimation. Offprint requests to: P. Ghosh     

蚯蚓粪对黄瓜苗期土传病害的抑制作用

试验表明,蚯蚓对农业有机废弃物进行生物降解的产物－蚯蚓粪,在一定程度上能够控制蔬菜类黄瓜苗期土传病害的发生,并表现出明显的促生长效应,蚯蚓粪控制病害的程度与蚯蚓粪的量有一定的关系,当蚯蚓粪与土体积比为20％时,控制病的程度最大,防效达96．1％,这种作用主要与蚯 蚓粪中的微生物性质有关,蚯蚓粪能大大提高土壤中的微生物量和微生物活性,从而大大增强了病土中与病原菌进行能源竞争的微生物的竞争能力,同时从新鲜蚯蚓粪中成功分离到拮抗活性强,抗菌谱广的拮抗微生物,初步研究结果说明,一般性抑制和特殊性抑制两种机制在蚯蚓粪对病害的控制中起作用。