**6. Earthworms and organic solid waste management**

In recent years, disposal of organic wastes from various sources like domestic, agriculture and industrial has caused serious environmental hazards and economic problems. Burning of organic wastes contributes tremendously to environmental pollution thus, leading to polluted air, water and land. This process also releases large amounts of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, a main contributor to global warming together with dust particles. Burning also destroys the soil organic matter content, kills the microbial population and affects the physical properties of the soil (Livan and Thompson, 1997). It has been demonstrated that earthworms can process household garbage, city refuse, sewage sludge and waste from paper, wood and food industries (Kale *et al.,* 1982; Muyima *et al.,* 1994; Edwards and Bohlen, 1996; Ismail, 2005). In tropical and subtropical conditions *Eudrilus eugeniae* and *Perionyx excavatus* are the best vermicomposting earthworms for organic solid waste management (Kale, 1998). The use of earthworms in composting process decreases the time of stabilisation of the waste and produces an efficient bio-product, *i.e.,* vermicompost.

Organic farming system is gaining increased attention for its emphasis on food quality and soil health. Vermicompost and vermiculture associated with other biological inputs have been actually used to grow vegetables and other crops successfully and have been found to be economical and productive (Ismail, 2005; Ansari and Ismail, 2008).In this regard, recycling of organic waste is feasible to produce useful organic manure for agricultural application. Compost is becoming an important aspect in the quest to increase productivity of food in an environmentally friendly way. Compost is becoming an important aspect in the quest to increase productivity of food in an environmentally friendly way. Vermicomposting offers a solution to tonnes of organic agro-wastes that are being burned by farmers and to recycle and reuse these refuse to promote our agricultural development in more efficient, economical and environmentally friendly manner. Both the sugar and rice industries burn their wastes thereby, contributing tremendously to environmental pollution thus, leading to polluted air, water and land. This process also releases large amounts of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, a main contributor to global warming together with dust particles. Burning also destroys the soil organic matter content, kills the microbial population and affects the physical properties of the soil (Livan and Thompson, 1997). Therefore organic farming helps to provide many advantages such as; eliminate the use of chemicals in the form of fertilizers/pesticides, recycle and regenerate waste into wealth; improve soil, plant, animal and human health; and creating an ecofriendly, sustainable and economical bio-system models (Ansari and Ismail, 2001a).

#### **6.1 Vermitechnology**

Vermitechnology is the use of surface and subsurface local varieties of earthworm in composting and management of soil (Ismail, 2005). Darwin (1881) has made their activities the object of a careful study and concluded that 'it may be doubted if there are any other

Earthworms and Vermiculture Biotechnology 93

Vermiculture is the culture of earthworms and vermicast is the fecal matter released by the earthworms (Ismail, 2005). Many agricultural industries use compost, cattle dung and other animal excreta to grow plants. In today's society, we are faced with the dilemma of getting rid of waste from our industries, household etc. In order for us to practice effective waste management we can utilize the technology of vermicomposting to effectively manage our waste. This process allows us to compost the degradable materials and at the same time utilize the products obtained after composting to enhance crop production and eliminate the use of chemical fertilizers. As indicated by Ansari and Ismail (2001), the application of chemical fertilizers over a period has resulted in poor soil health, reduction in produce, and increase in incidences of pest and disease and environmental pollution. In order to cope with these trenchant problems, the vermin-technology has become the most suitable

Vermiwash is a liquid that is collected after the passage of water through a column of worm action and is very useful as a foliar spray. It is a collection of excretory products and mucus secretion of earthworms along with micronutrients from the soil organic molecules. These are transported to the leaf, shoots and other parts of the plants in the natural ecosystem. Vermiwash, if collected properly, is a clear and transparent, pale yellow coloured fluid (Ismail, 1997). Vermiwash, a foliar spray, is a liquid fertilizer collected after the passage of water through a column of worm activation. It is a collection of excretory and secretory products of earthworms, along with major micronutrients of the soil and soil organic molecules that are useful for plants (Ismail, 1997). Vermiwash seems to possess an inherent

property of acting not only as a fertilizer but also as a mild biocide (Pramoth, 1995).

Environmental Hazards are compounded by accumulation of organic waste from different sources like domestic, agricultural and industrial wastes that can be recycled by improvised and simple technologies. Vermicompost could be effectively used for the cultivation of many crops and vegetables, which could be a step towards sustainable organic farming. Such technologies in organic waste management would lead to zero waste techno farms without the organic waste being wasted and burned rather then would result in recycling and reutilization of precious organic waste bringing about bioconservation and

Alban, D. H. and Berry, E. C. 1994. Effects of earthworm invasion on morphology, carbon

Ansari, A. A and S. A. Ismail. 2001a. Vermitechnology in Organic Solid Waste Management.

Ansari, A. A. and Ismail, S. A. 2001b. A Case Study on Organic Farming in Uttar Pradesh.

Ansari, A. A and Ismail, S. A. 2008. Reclamation of sodic soils through Vermitechnology. *Pakistan Journal of Agricultural Research*, Volume 21, Number (1-4): 92-97.

and nitrogen of forest soil. *Appl. Soil Ecol*., 1: 243- 249.

Journal of Soil Biology and Ecology 21:21-24.

Journal of Soil Biology and Ecology. 27: 25-27.

remedial device (Edwards and Bohlen, 1996; Kumar, 2005).

**6.3 Vermiwash** 

**7. Conclusion** 

**8. References** 

biovitalization of natural resources.

animals which have played such an important part in the history of the world as these lowly organized creatures'. It has been recognized that the work of earthworms is of tremendous agricultural importance. Earthworms along with other animals have played an important role in regulating soil processes, maintaining soil fertility and in bringing about nutrient cycling (Ismail, 1997). Earthworms have a critical influence on soil structure, forming aggregates and improving the physical conditions for plant growth and nutrient uptake. They also improve soil fertility by accelerating decomposition of plant litter and organic matter and, consequently, releasing nutrients in the form that are available for uptake by plants.

#### **6.2 Vermicomposting**

Vermicomposting is the biological degradation and stabilization of organic waste by earthworms and microorganisms to form vermicompost. This is an essential part in organic farming today. It can be easily prepared, has excellent properties, and is harmless to plants. The earthworms fragment the organic waste substrates, stimulate microbial activity greatly and increase rates of mineralization. These rapidly convert the waste into humus-like substances with finer structure than thermophilic composts but possessing a greater and more diverse microbial activity. Vermicompost being a stable fine granular organic matter, when added to clay soil loosens the soil and improves the passage for the entry of air. The mucus associated with the cast being hydroscopic absorbs water and prevents water logging and improves water-holding capacity. The organic carbon in vermicompost releases the nutrients slowly and steadily into the system and enables the plant to absorb these nutrients. The soil enriched with vermincompost provides additional substances that are not found in chemical fertilizers (Kale, 1998). Vermicomposting offers a solution to tonnes of organic agro-wastes that are being burned by farmers and to recycle and reuse these refuse to promote our agricultural development in more efficient, economical and environmentally friendly manner. The role of earthworms in organic solid waste management has been well established since first highlighted by Darwin (1881) and the technology has been improvised to process the waste to produce an efficient bio-product vermicompost (Kale *et al.,* 1982; Ismail, 1993, Ismail, 2005). Epigeic earthworms like *Perionyx excavatus*, *Eisenia fetida, Lumbricus rubellus* and *Eudrilus eugeniae* are used for vermicomposting but the local species like *Perionyx excavatus* has proved efficient composting earthworms in tropical or subtropical conditions (Ismail, 1993; Kale, 1998). The method of vermicomposting involving a combination of local epigeic and anecic species of earthworms (*Perionyx excavatus* and *Lampito mauritii*) is called Vermitech (Ismail, 1993; Ismail, 2005). The compost prepared through the application of earthworms is called vermicompost and the technology of using local species of earthworms for culture or composting has been called Vermitech (Ismail, 1993). Vermicompost is usually a finely divided peat-like material with excellent structure, porosity, aeration, drainage and moisture holding capacity (Edwards, 1982, 1988). The nutrient content of vermicompost greatly depends on the input material. It usually contains higher levels of most of the mineral elements, which are in available forms than the parent material (Edwards and Bohlen, 1996). Vermicompost improves the physical, chemical and biological properties of soil (Kale, 1998). There is a good evidence that vermicompost promotes growth of plants (Lalitha *et al.,* 2000) and it has been found to have a favourable influence on all yield parameters of crops like wheat, paddy and sugarcane (Ismail, 2005). Vermiculture is the culture of earthworms and vermicast is the fecal matter released by the earthworms (Ismail, 2005). Many agricultural industries use compost, cattle dung and other animal excreta to grow plants. In today's society, we are faced with the dilemma of getting rid of waste from our industries, household etc. In order for us to practice effective waste management we can utilize the technology of vermicomposting to effectively manage our waste. This process allows us to compost the degradable materials and at the same time utilize the products obtained after composting to enhance crop production and eliminate the use of chemical fertilizers. As indicated by Ansari and Ismail (2001), the application of chemical fertilizers over a period has resulted in poor soil health, reduction in produce, and increase in incidences of pest and disease and environmental pollution. In order to cope with these trenchant problems, the vermin-technology has become the most suitable remedial device (Edwards and Bohlen, 1996; Kumar, 2005).

#### **6.3 Vermiwash**

92 Management of Organic Waste

animals which have played such an important part in the history of the world as these lowly organized creatures'. It has been recognized that the work of earthworms is of tremendous agricultural importance. Earthworms along with other animals have played an important role in regulating soil processes, maintaining soil fertility and in bringing about nutrient cycling (Ismail, 1997). Earthworms have a critical influence on soil structure, forming aggregates and improving the physical conditions for plant growth and nutrient uptake. They also improve soil fertility by accelerating decomposition of plant litter and organic matter and, consequently, releasing nutrients in the form that are available for uptake by

Vermicomposting is the biological degradation and stabilization of organic waste by earthworms and microorganisms to form vermicompost. This is an essential part in organic farming today. It can be easily prepared, has excellent properties, and is harmless to plants. The earthworms fragment the organic waste substrates, stimulate microbial activity greatly and increase rates of mineralization. These rapidly convert the waste into humus-like substances with finer structure than thermophilic composts but possessing a greater and more diverse microbial activity. Vermicompost being a stable fine granular organic matter, when added to clay soil loosens the soil and improves the passage for the entry of air. The mucus associated with the cast being hydroscopic absorbs water and prevents water logging and improves water-holding capacity. The organic carbon in vermicompost releases the nutrients slowly and steadily into the system and enables the plant to absorb these nutrients. The soil enriched with vermincompost provides additional substances that are not found in chemical fertilizers (Kale, 1998). Vermicomposting offers a solution to tonnes of organic agro-wastes that are being burned by farmers and to recycle and reuse these refuse to promote our agricultural development in more efficient, economical and environmentally friendly manner. The role of earthworms in organic solid waste management has been well established since first highlighted by Darwin (1881) and the technology has been improvised to process the waste to produce an efficient bio-product vermicompost (Kale *et al.,* 1982; Ismail, 1993, Ismail, 2005). Epigeic earthworms like *Perionyx excavatus*, *Eisenia fetida, Lumbricus rubellus* and *Eudrilus eugeniae* are used for vermicomposting but the local species like *Perionyx excavatus* has proved efficient composting earthworms in tropical or subtropical conditions (Ismail, 1993; Kale, 1998). The method of vermicomposting involving a combination of local epigeic and anecic species of earthworms (*Perionyx excavatus* and *Lampito mauritii*) is called Vermitech (Ismail, 1993; Ismail, 2005). The compost prepared through the application of earthworms is called vermicompost and the technology of using local species of earthworms for culture or composting has been called Vermitech (Ismail, 1993). Vermicompost is usually a finely divided peat-like material with excellent structure, porosity, aeration, drainage and moisture holding capacity (Edwards, 1982, 1988). The nutrient content of vermicompost greatly depends on the input material. It usually contains higher levels of most of the mineral elements, which are in available forms than the parent material (Edwards and Bohlen, 1996). Vermicompost improves the physical, chemical and biological properties of soil (Kale, 1998). There is a good evidence that vermicompost promotes growth of plants (Lalitha *et al.,* 2000) and it has been found to have a favourable influence on all yield parameters of crops like wheat, paddy and sugarcane (Ismail, 2005).

plants.

**6.2 Vermicomposting** 

Vermiwash is a liquid that is collected after the passage of water through a column of worm action and is very useful as a foliar spray. It is a collection of excretory products and mucus secretion of earthworms along with micronutrients from the soil organic molecules. These are transported to the leaf, shoots and other parts of the plants in the natural ecosystem. Vermiwash, if collected properly, is a clear and transparent, pale yellow coloured fluid (Ismail, 1997). Vermiwash, a foliar spray, is a liquid fertilizer collected after the passage of water through a column of worm activation. It is a collection of excretory and secretory products of earthworms, along with major micronutrients of the soil and soil organic molecules that are useful for plants (Ismail, 1997). Vermiwash seems to possess an inherent property of acting not only as a fertilizer but also as a mild biocide (Pramoth, 1995).

#### **7. Conclusion**

Environmental Hazards are compounded by accumulation of organic waste from different sources like domestic, agricultural and industrial wastes that can be recycled by improvised and simple technologies. Vermicompost could be effectively used for the cultivation of many crops and vegetables, which could be a step towards sustainable organic farming. Such technologies in organic waste management would lead to zero waste techno farms without the organic waste being wasted and burned rather then would result in recycling and reutilization of precious organic waste bringing about bioconservation and biovitalization of natural resources.

#### **8. References**


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Lalitha, R., Fathima, K. and Ismail, S. A. 2000. Impact of biopesticides and microbial

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**6** 

**Co-Digestion of Organic Waste and Sewage** 

 **Sludge by Dry Batch Anaerobic Treatment** 

Organic waste and waste water sludges can be stabilized both in anaerobic and in aerobic processes. The advantage of the anaerobic treatment of the waste is that biogas develops during the degradation process. Instead of energy consumption which is a usual characteristic of aerobic-processes it is accompanied with energy production, which can be

The anaerobic processes can be further classified according to the dry mater content and the feeding of the fermenting reactor. According to Tchobanoglous (1993) and his work team, we can talk about semidry procedures in the range of 15-20% dry matter contents. If the dry matter content is high, only batch reactors operated with the principle of filling and

On waste water treatment plants of small and medium capacity, the waste water sludge can not be economically stabilized by the conventional anaerobic treatment of low dry matter content and continuous feeding. Thus, the sludge is usually stabilized by composting in that cases. At waste water treatment plants of great capacity, the sludge is stabilized by anaerobic treatment of liquid, continuous technology which is often followed by composting, in order to achieve better material characteristics of the end

The municipal waste management directives require that the organic content of the wastes to be dumped should be reduced. The realization of the waste management goals requires the stabilization of municipal organic wastes, where generally composting is applied. The sewage sludge and the organic fraction of municipal solid waste, called vegetable, fruit and garden (VFG) waste are different from each other regarding their materials and quality, yet for their stabilization, combined treatment is more and more often applied. The quantity and quality of the VFG varies with time and space, depending on the season, the structure

The novel dry batch BIOCEL technology was introduced for the treatment of municipal solid organic waste in the Netherlands. It has the advantage that it is simple to operate, and

utilized as energy source (Kayhanian & Tchobanoglous, 1992; Cout et al., 1994).

emptying can be applied, in order to avoid difficulties due to the continuous feeding.

**1. Introduction** 

product.

of the settlement and the standard of living.

Beatrix Rózsáné Szűcs1, Miklós Simon1

and György Füleky2 *1Eötvös József College 2Szent István University* 

*Hungary* 

