Title: Use of vermiculture technology for waste management and environmental remediation in Argentina

Authors: Silvana Irene Torri, Maria Mabel Puelles

Addresses: Natural Resources and Environment, School of Agronomy, University of Buenos Aires, Av San Martin 4453, Ciudad Autonoma de Buenos Aires, 1417 DSE, Argentina. ' UO Metales, Analisis Inorganico y Espectrometria de Rayos X, National Institute of Industrial Technology (INTI)-Chemistry, Av. Gral Paz 5445, San Martin, Buenos Aires, B1650 WAB, Argentina

Abstract: Throughout the world, there have been increasing interests in the recycling of wastes for sustainable development. This especially applies for organic materials of municipal and agro-industrial origin. Recycling initiatives in Argentina are still incipient. In the last years, the use of earthworms for stabilising organic wastes has been evaluated. In this paper, the authors compile the research results of vermicomposting of organic residues from different raw materials and its use as a biofertiliser, to provide a general outlook of the development of vermiculture technology in Argentina within the last decade. Research results of bioaccumulation of some trace elements by worms in artificially contaminated systems are also provided.

Keywords: earthworms; organic waste; biodegradation; bioaccumulation; vermiculture technology; waste management; environmental remediation; Argentina; organic residues; biofertilisers.

DOI: 10.1504/IJGENVI.2010.037269

International Journal of Global Environmental Issues, 2010 Vol.10 No.3/4, pp.239 - 254

Published online: 01 Dec 2010 *

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