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This study reports the vermicomposting of banana crop waste biomass by Eisenia fetida. Cow dung has been used as bulking agent in this study. The experiment was conducted in six vermireactors containing different ratios of banana leaf waste biomass (BL) and cow dung (CD) for 105 days. Earthworm activity significantly reduced pH, TOC, C:N and C:P ratio of the wastes. Whereas macronutrients and micronutrients content increased after vermicomposting. TOC content of wastes reduced by 40-64% and C:N ratio of the vermicomposts was in the range of 8.9-24.3. The benefit ratio for heavy metals (Cu, Fe, Zn, Cd, Pb, Mn and Cr) was in the range of 0.23-3.44. The results indicated that the growth and fecundity of the earthworms was best in the vermireactors having 20-40% BL. Finally, it was concluded that vermicomposting can be included in the overall scheme of banana crop waste management., (Copyright © 2021 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Present study was undertaken to investigate the vermicomposting of two different organic wastes (rice straw and paper waste) employing, Eisenia fetida. Nine feedstocks were prepared with different ratios of wastes using cow dung as bulking substrate. After pre-composting, worms were allowed to feed on different feedstocks for 105 days under laboratory conditions. The results showed that NPK content was higher in the vermicompost. Heavy metal content was also higher in the vermicomposts. Whereas total organic carbon and C:N ratio were lower after vermicomposting, by 17.38-58.04% and 19-102% respectively. SEM images revealed changes in the morphology of vermicompost. Earthworm growth and reproduction was significant in different feedstocks except one containing 50% rice straw depicting that this ratio is not suitable for the earthworms. Results further demonstrated that proportion of bulking substrate affect the earthworm growth and reproduction., (Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

The present investigation was focused on the vermicomposting of food and vegetable processing waste (VW) mixed with buffalo dung (BW) under laboratory condition employing Eisenia fetida earthworm species. Four different proportions of VW and BW were prepared and subjected to vermicomposting after 3 weeks of pre-composting. After vermicomposting, nitrogen (7.82-20.73 g/kg), total available phosphate (4.80-11.74 g/kg) and total potassium (7.43-12.75 g/kg) content increased significantly as compared to initial feed stocks. Significant reduction was observed in pH (7.56 to 6.55), total organic carbon (48.25-23.54%) and organic matter (83.18-40.68%). Metal content (Fe, Cu, Zn and Ni) was higher in all the vermicomposts than feedstocks. Data on growth and reproduction of earthworm revealed that the highest biomass gain and fecundity of worms were attained in 100% BW followed by [BW75% + VW25%] > [BW50% + VW50%] > [BW25% + VW75%] feedstocks. Results evidenced the suitability of VW (up to 50%) spiked with BW for increasing earthworm population and in providing potent organic manure for agricultural applications.

This paper reports the effect of earthworm population density on the vermicomposting of effluent treatment plant sludge of a bakery industry. Four waste mixtures containing 0, 10, 20, and 30 % sludge along with cow dung with five different worm population densities were established for 14 weeks under controlled moisture and temperature conditions. The results showed that average worm biomass, growth and cocoon production were lesser at higher population densities. Sexual maturity was attained in 3rd to 5th week in all waste mixtures. Worm growth was inversely related to worm population density in the waste mixture. Results also indicated that lower worm population is favorable to worm biomass production. On the other hand, mineralization and stabilization of the waste mixtures were more at higher worm populations.

This paper reports the changes in microbial parameters and enzymatic activities during vermicomposting of effluent treatment plant sludge (ETPS) of bakery industry spiked with cow dung (CD) by Eisenia fetida. Six vermibins containing different ratios of ETPS and CD were maintained under controlled laboratory conditions for 15 weeks. Total bacterial and total fungal count increased upto 7th week and declined afterward in all the bins. Maximum bacterial and fungal count was 31.6 CFU × 10(6) g(-1) and 31 CFU × 10(4) g(-1) in 7th week. Maximum dehydrogenase activity was 1921 μg TPF g(-1) h(-1) in 9th week in 100 % CD containing vermibin, whereas maximum urease activity was 1208 μg NH4 (-)N g(-1) h(-1) in 3rd week in 100 % CD containing vermibin. The enzyme activity and microbial counts were lesser in ETPS containing vermibins than control (100 % CD). The growth and fecundity of the worms in different vermibins were also investigated. The results showed that initially biomass and fecundity of the worms increased but decreased at the later stages due to non-availability of the palatable feed. This showed that quality and palatability of food directly affect biological parameters of the system.

This paper reports the vermicomposting of food industry sludges (FIS) mixed with different organic wastes employing Eisenia fetida. A total of 10 vermicomposting units containing different wastes combinations were established. After 15 weeks significant increase in total nitrogen (N(total)) (60-214%), total available phosphorous (P(avail)) (35.8-69.6%), total sodium (Na(total)) (39-95%), and total potassium (K(total)) (43.7-74.1%), while decrease in pH (8.45-19.7%), total organic carbon (OC(total)) (28.4-36.1%) and C:N ratio (61.2-77.8%) was recorded. The results indicated that FIS may be converted into good quality manure by vermicomposting if spiked with other organic wastes in appropriate quantities., (Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

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., (Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

This paper reports the recycling of nutrients by vermicomposting of cow dung (CD), poultry droppings (PD) and food industry sludge (FIS) employing earthworms (Eisenia fetida). A total of six vermicomposting units were established and dynamics of chemical and biological parameters has been studied for 13 weeks. The waste mixture containing 50% CD+25% PD+25% FIS had better fertilizer value among studied waste combinations. At the end of experiment, vermicomposts showed decrease in pH and organic C, but increase in EC, total Kjeldhal N, total available P and total K contents. The C:N ratio of final vermicomposts also reduced to 10.7-12.7 from 22.8 to 56 in different waste combinations. The earthworms have good biomass gain and cocoon production in all vermicomposting units but CD alone and 50% CD+25% PD+25% FIS were better than other studied combinations., (Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

This paper reports the optimization of cow dung (CD) spiked pre-consumer processing vegetable waste (PPVW) for vermicomposting using Eisenia fetida in a laboratory scale study. Vermicomposting process decreased carbon and organic matter concentration and increased N, P and K content in the vermicompost. The C:N ratio was decreased by 45-69% in different vermireactors indicating stabilization of the waste. The heavy metal content was within permissible limits of their application in agricultural soils. It has been concluded from the results that addition of PPVW up to 40% with CD can produce a good quality vermicompost. Whereas, growth and fecundity of E. fetida was best when reared in 20% PPVW+80% CD feed mixture. However, higher percentages of PPVW in different vermireactors significantly affected the growth and fecundity of worms., (Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

In India, millions of tons of press mud (PM) are generated by sugar mills every year. This paper reports the potential of vermitechnology to convert sugar industry waste PM mixed with cow dung (CD) into vermicompost, employing an epigeic earthworm Eisenia fetida. A total of six different reactors were established having different ratios of PM and CD including one control (CD only). The growth and fecundity of E. fetida was monitored for 13 weeks. Maximum growth was recorded in 100% CD, but earthworms grew and reproduced favourably up to 1:1 PM and CD feed composition. However, greater percentages of PM in different reactors significantly affected the growth and fecundity of worms. Vermicomposting resulted in a decrease in carbon concentration and an increase in nitrogen, phosphorus and calcium concentrations of the vermicompost. Investigations indicated that vermicomposting could be an alternative technology for the management of PM into useful fertilizing material, if mixed at maximum 50% with CD.

Transformation of industrial sludges into vermicompost is of double interest: on the one hand, a waste is converted into value added product, and, on the other, it controls a pollutant that is a consequence of increasing industrialization. This paper reports the feasibility of utilization of vermicomposting technology for nutrient recovery from industrial sludge in laboratory scale experiment employing Eisenia fetida earthworm. A total of nine vermireactors, having different percentage of wastewater treatment plant sludge of a food industry and cow dung, were established and monitored for fertilizer quality of vermicompost and growth and fecundity of the earthworms for 3 months. The earthworms were unable to survive in 100% FIS. There was a decrease in pH, organic carbon content, organic matter, C:N ratio, and increase in ash content, EC, nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus content in all the vermireactors. Total Kjeldhal nitrogen (TKN) content increased in the range of 12.2-28.7 g kg(-1) in different vermireactors after vermicomposting. C:N ratio was 1.59-5.24 folds lesser in final vermicomposts than initial raw substrate. The heavy metals' content in final vermicomposts was higher than initial feed mixtures. Maximum worm biomass was observed in control, i.e., 100% CD (836 mg earthworm(-1)) and the lowest in 30% CD+70% FIS feed mixture (280 mg earthworm(-1)). Cocoon production was started during 6-7th week in all feed mixture except in feed mixture no. 9. After 12 weeks maximum cocoons (57) were counted in 100% CD and minimum (2) in 30% CD+70% FIS feed. The results indicated that food industry sludge could be converted into good quality manure by vermicomposting if mixed up to 30% with cow dung.

With the industrial growth, changing life style and consumeristic attitude paper consumption has increased significantly in yesteryears. The authors have observed that waste paper obtained from consumable items and used paper products are disposed in open by the consumers as these are not accepted by the salvaging industry. In the present study, an attempt has been made to vermicompost non-recyclable post-consumer paper waste (PW) amended with cow dung (CD) employing Eisenia fetida earthworm in order to transform it into a value added product, i.e., vermicompost. Vermicomposting of paper waste resulted in net reduction in ash content and total organic carbon (42.5-56.8%) but increment in total Kjeldhal nitrogen (2.0-2.4-fold), total potassium (2.0-fold), and total phosphorous (1.4-1.8-fold) was achieved after 91 days of worms' activity. The C:N ratio decreased with time in all the worm-worked vermireactors in the range of 71.9-82.0%, depicting advanced degree of organic matter stabilization. The FT-IR spectroscopy of the vermicomposts showed reduction in aliphatic compounds during the vermicomposting process. The results also demonstrated the worm growth and reproduction are not significantly affected if PW content is upto 30% in the vermireactor.

The aim of the present study was to investigate the transformation of sugar mill sludge (PM) amended with biogas plant slurry (BPS) into vermicompost employing an epigeic earthworm Eisenia fetida. To achieve the objectives experiments were conducted for 13 weeks under controlled environmental conditions. In all the waste mixtures, a decrease in pH, TOC, TK and C:N ratio, but increase in TKN and TP was recorded. Maximum worm biomass and growth rate was attained in 20% PM containing waste mixture. It was inferred from the study that addition of 30-50% of PM with BPS had no adverse effect on the fertilizer value of the vermicompost as well as growth of E. fetida. The results indicated that vermicomposting can be an alternate technology for the management and nutrient recovery from press mud if mixed with bulking agent in appropriate quantities.

In India, over the last few decades, there has been a remarkable increase in sewage sludge production due to population increase and unplanned urbanization. The aim of the present study was to investigate the ability of an epigeic earthworm Eisenia foetida to transform primary sewage sludge (PSS) amended with cow dung (CD) into value added product, i.e., vermicompost in laboratory scale experiments. Two approaches investigated in the study were: (1) evaluation of vermistabilization of PSS and CD mixtures after 15 weeks in terms of fertilizer quality of the products and; (2) growth and reproduction of Eisenia foetida up to 11 weeks in different vermireactors. In all the PSS and CD mixtures, a decrease in pH, TOC and C:N ratio, but increase in EC, TKN, TK and TP was recorded. The heavy metals' content in the vermicomposts was higher than initial mixtures. Maximum worm biomass was attained in 10% PSS+90% CD mixture while, the worm growth rate was highest in 30% PSS+70% CD feed mixture. It was inferred from the study that addition of 30-40% of PSS with CD had no adverse effect on the fertilizer value of the vermicompost as well as growth of Eisenia foetida. The results indicated that PSS could be converted into good quality manure by vermicomposting if mixed in appropriate ratio (30-40%) with cow dung.

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.

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).

Vermicomposting is commonly used for the management of organic wastes. We have investigated the potential of an epigeic earthworm, Eisenia foetida, to transform solid textile mill sludge (STMS) spiked with anaerobically digested biogas plant slurry (BPS) into vermicompost to evaluate the feasibility of vermicomposting in industries for waste management. The growth and reproduction of E. foetida was monitored in a range of different feed mixtures for 15 weeks in laboratory under controlled experimental conditions. E. foetida did not survive in fresh STMS. But worms grew and reproduced in STMS spiked with BPS feed mixtures. A greater percentage of STMS in feed mixture affected biomass gain and cocoon production by earthworms. The maximum growth was recorded in 100% BPS. The net weight gain by E. foetida in 100% BPS was two-four-fold higher than STMS-containing feed mixtures. After 15 weeks, maximum cocoons (78) were counted in 100% BPS and minimum (26) in 60% BPS+40% STMS feed. Vermicomposting resulted in pH shift toward acidic, significant reduction in C:N ratio, and increase in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium contents. Microbial activity measured as dehydrogenase activity increased with time up to day 75 but decreased on day 90, indicating the exhaustion of feed and decrease in microbial activity. These experiments demonstrate that vermicomposting can be an alternate technology for the recycling and environmentally safe disposal/management of textile mill sludge using an epigeic earthworm, E. foetida, if mixed with anaerobically digested BPS in appropriate ratios.

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.

In India, thousands of tons of textile mill sludge are produced every year. We studied the ability of epigeic earthworm Eisenia foetida to transform textile mill sludge mixed with cow dung and/or agricultural residues into value added product, i.e., vermicompost. The growth, maturation, mortality, cocoon production, hatching success and the number of hatchlings were monitored in a range of different feed mixtures for 11 weeks in the laboratory under controlled environmental conditions. The maximum growth and reproduction was obtained in 100% cow dung, but worms grew and reproduced favorably in 80% cow dung + 20% solid textile mill sludge and 70% cow dung + 30% solid textile mill sludge also. Addition of agricultural residues had adverse effects on growth and reproduction of worms. Vermicomposting resulted in significant reduction in C:N ratio and increase in TKN, TP, TK and TCa after 77 days of worm activity in all the feeds. Vermicomposting can be an alternate technology for the management of textile mill sludge if mixed with cow dung in appropriate quantities., (Copyright 2003 Elsevier Ltd.)

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.