Arun Karnwal and Ravi Kumar
Pertanika Journal of Tropical Agricultural Science, Volume 42, Issue 2, May 2019
Keywords: Cocoon, Eudrilus eugeniae, juvenile, medical waste, solid waste management, vermibed
Published on: 30 May 2019
Rise in human population and financial growth complicated the solid waste disposal worldwide and increase the possibilities of dispersion of diseases. This issue can only be solved through fusion of eco-friendly efficient techniques. In the present study, the efficacy of Eudrilus eugeniae has been tested for the food, medical and paper waste decomposition. During vermicomposting, Eudrilus eugeniae development was recorded with significant increase in length, weight, cocoon production, and adult individuals in final compost. Results of 60 days study suggested positive impact of vermicomposting on waste decomposition. Vermicompost of food waste (VFW) resulted with organic carbon 21.67%, 1.98% nitrogen content, and phosphate 0.59 mg/ml. Vermicompost of medical waste (VMW) analysis resulted with organic carbon 15.3%, 1.17% nitrogen, and 0.54 mg/ml phosphate. Whereas physico-chemical results of vermicompost of paper waste (VPW) showed 18.67% organic carbon, 1.39% nitrogen, and 0.79 mg/ml phosphate. The nutritional values of produced vermicompost from different solid wastes were estimated. The VFW resulted with increased nutrient contents than the VMW and VPW. Therefore, decompositing of waste materials by earthworms is the preeminent concept of nutrient renewal from green waste.
ISSN 1511-3701
e-ISSN 2231-8542