Title: Vermicomposting of flyash: a potential hazardous waste converted into nutritive compost by earthworm (Eudrilus eugeniae)

Authors: S. Dharani, G. Manimegala, G. Gunasekaran, S. Ananthakrishnaswamy, S. Sarojini

Addresses: Vermiculture Project, Annamalai University, Annamalainagar 608 002, Tamil Nadu, India. ' Department of Zoology, Annamalai University, Annamalainagar 608 002, Tamil Nadu, India. ' Department of Zoology, Annamalai University, Annamalainagar 608 002, Tamil Nadu, India. ' Department of Zoology, DDE wing, Annamalai University, Annamalainagar 608 002, Tamil Nadu, India. ' Department of Zoology, DDE wing, Annamalai University, Annamalainagar 608 002, Tamil Nadu, India

Abstract: Vermicomposting of fly-ash(FA) mixed with different proportions of Horse dung (HD) T1 – 100% HD alone, T2 – 10% FA + 90% HD, T3 – 20% FA + 80% HD, T4 – 30% FA + 70% HD, T5 – 40% FA + 60% HD and T6 – 50% FA + 50% HD, using Eudrilus eugeniae was done to evaluate the level of heavy metals (Cr,Cd,Pb and Ni) in the vermicasts and tissue and worm biomass. The better worm biomass and maximum reduction in vermicasts and accumulation of heavy metals in the tissues. Hence E. eugeniae is an ideal species in reducing heavy metals during vermicomposting of flyash.

Keywords: fly ash; hazardous waste; genotoxic waste; earthworms; bioaccumulation; toxic chemicals; vermicompost; nutritive biofertilisers; vermicomposting; earthworms; horse dung; Eudrilus eugeniae; heavy metals; worm biomass.

DOI: 10.1504/IJGENVI.2010.037279

International Journal of Global Environmental Issues, 2010 Vol.10 No.3/4, pp.384 - 397

Published online: 01 Dec 2010 *

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