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Bioconversion of Municipal Solid Waste by the Earthworm Eudrilus eugeniae (Kinberg)

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Author Affiliations

  • 1Department of Zoology, Annamalai University, Annamalai Nagar – 608 002, Tamil Nadu, INDIA

Int. Res. J. Biological Sci., Volume 3, Issue (2), Pages 70-73, February,10 (2014)

Abstract

Rapid urbanization, industrialization and agricultural practices have led to dumping of organic solid wastes caused a serious threat to the environment. In the present investigation an attempt has been made to convert the municipal solid waste (MSW) into manure by the earthworm Eudrilus eugeniae under laboratory conditions. The experimental media were prepared on dry weight basis by mixing the municipal solid waste and bedding material (BM); E– 20% BM + 80% MSW, – 40% BM + 60% MSW, E – 60% BM + 40% MSW, E – 80% BM + 20% MSW, controls (BM alone – C) were also maintained. The growth rate (biomass) and reproduction (number of cocoons and number hatchlings) of E. eugeniae was increased in all experimental media BM + MSW mixtures (E – E) and control (C). The result showed that the unutilized and enormously available MSW can be vermicomposted into valuable organic manure that can be utilized for sustainable agriculture.

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