Title: Bioconversion of Food Industry Sludge into value-added product (vermicompost) using epigeic earthworm Eisenia fetida

Authors: Anoop Yadav, V.K. Garg

Addresses: Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Guru Jambheshwar University of Science and Technology, Hisar 125001, Haryana, India. ' Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Guru Jambheshwar University of Science and Technology, Hisar 125001, Haryana, India

Abstract: This paper reports the results of vermicomposting of Food Industry Sludge (FIS) mixed with Biogas Plant Slurry (BPS) employing Eisenia fetida. The results showed that Eisenia fetida was unable to survive in 100% FIS. So addition of some other organic waste to FIS was necessary during vermicomposting. Addition of FIS with BPS in 20-30% had no adverse effect on the quality of vermicompost. Final vermicompost had higher concentration of important plant nutrients. There is a significant decrease in pH, Organic Matter (OM) and carbon nitrogen ratio, but increase in nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus was recorded after vermicomposting.

Keywords: BPS; biogas plant slurry; fertiliser value vermicomposting; FIS; food industry sludge; Eisenia fetida; heavy metals; worms; earthworms; value-added products; solid waste management.

DOI: 10.1504/WRSTSD.2010.032526

World Review of Science, Technology and Sustainable Development, 2010 Vol.7 No.3, pp.225 - 238

Published online: 05 Apr 2010 *

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