VERMICOMPOST TECHNOLOGY FOR DECOMPOSING THE SOLID BIODEGRADABLE WASTE.Chaudhari S.V.

Associate Professor and Head Dept. of ZoologyArts, Science & Commerce College,

Rahuri 413705, Dist. Ahmednagar, Maharashtra (India)

su1dha@yahoo.co.inAbstract: Management of solid waste has become one of the biggest problems that we are facing today. Vermicomposting is the better option to tackle with this problem. Vermicomposting is the process of conversion of organic wastes by earthworms to valuable humus like material which is used as a natural soil conditioner. Vermicomposting is environment friendly and cost effective technique for solid waste management. The vermicompost is the best tool and technology for decomposing the solid biodegradable waste. The present project deals with the management of solid waste in the traditional college, Arts, Science and Commerce College, Rahuri Maharashtra, India. Solid waste in traditional college campus can be divided in to biodegradable and non-biodegradable. In present project the problem of disposal of solid organic waste which is biodegradable mainly derived from plant source was considered. For disposal of garbage instead of burning we developed vermicompost unit that is based on four R of recycling. For successful recycling of organic waste Eisenia fetida was used. The results indicated that the organic waste (leaves, flower buds, seeds, grass clippings, flower falls, papers etc.) in combination with cow dung from college campus were successfully processed through vermicomposting during the period of 45 - 60 days. Investment was less as compared to its productivity, gains. The total cast of construction of unit is nearly about rupees fifteen thousand ones and income is rupees twenty two thousands five hundred per annum. The project serves and guides to manage solid waste. It prevents air pollution caused by burning of organic waste. It provides employment, generates income and is a productive unit. It provides compost to greenery mainly to orchids, flower beds, cactus garden, rose garden etc. in college campus. By using vermicompost healthy plantation in college campus can be maintained and enriches the biodiversity of plants and animals particularly insects and birds.

Introduction:

Solid Waste is unwanted materials disposed of by us from our farms, fields, gardens, homes, industries, shops, offices, hospitals, laboratories etc. Something which is unwanted or no longer serves a purpose is thrown away as Waste. Since the beginning, humankind has been generating waste, be it the bones and other parts of animals they slaughter for their food or the wood they cut to make their carts. With the progress of civilization, the waste generated became of a more complex nature. At the end of the 19thcentury the industrial revolution saw the rise of the world of consumers. Not only did the air get more and more polluted but the earth itself became more polluted with the generation of non-biodegradable solid waste. The increase in population and urbanization was also largely responsible for the increase in solid waste. Solid wastes are any discarded (abandoned or considered waste-like) materials. Solid wastes can be solid, liquid, and semi-solid or containerized gaseous material.

Types of solid wasteSolid waste can be classified into different types depending on their source:

a) Household waste is generally classified as municipal waste,

b) Industrial waste as hazardous waste, and

c) Biomedical waste or hospital waste as infectious waste.Each household generates garbage or waste day in and day out. The items that we no longer need or do not have any further use fall in the category of waste, and we tend to throw them away. There are differenttypes of soliddepending on their source.

Garbage: the four broad categoriesOrganic waste:kitchen waste, vegetables, flowers, leaves, fruits.

Toxic waste:old medicines, paints, chemicals, bulbs, spray cans, fertilizer and pesticide containers, batteries, shoe polish.

Recyclable:paper, glass, metals, plastics.

Soiled: hospital waste such as cloth soiled with blood and other body fluids.

Abdullah Adil Ansari2009 segregated Waste as follows:Segregation at source-

1. Non-biodegradables

Recycle-Paper, Cloth

Recycling through scrap dealers- Plastic, Glass, Metal

2. Biodegradables-Compost/vermicompost

Management of solid waste has become one of the biggest problems that we are facing today. Vermicomposting is the better option to tackle with this problem. Vermicomposting is the process of conversion of organic wastes by earthworms to valuable humus like material which is used as a natural soil conditioner. Solid waste in traditional college campus can be divided in to biodegradable and non-biodegradable.

A. Biodegradable solid waste comprises:

1. Organic waste mainly derived from plants and vegetation which consists of ripened leaves and fruits, berry, seeds, flowers falls. The cutting of shrubs, herbs, uprooting of weeds, garden waste etc. The leaves and flowers excessively falls due to heavy rains, cyclones, winter and summer fall. Normally the leaf, flowers, seeds, fruits falls because of maturity, ripening and ageing.

2. The organic waste derived from dissected animals from Zoology laboratory.

3. Papers, card sheets, out dated books, magazines, cloths from office, laboratories and library.

4. Traces of chemicals from chemistry lab after washing of glass wares which includes salts, alkalis, carbonates, ashes, acids get accumulated on soil surface after some years and causes soil pollution.

B. Non-biodegradable solid waste materials includes plastic bags, discarded use and throw plastic pens, refills, ghutaka, supari (nut) and tobacco pouches, broken glass wares from laboratories, wires and cables etc.

In many of the developing countries the prevailing method of solid wastes disposal is open dumping [1] (UNEP, 2001). This practice has become increasingly expensive and hazardous to the environment. Management of solid waste has become one of the biggest problems that we are facing today. Vermicomposting is the better option to tackle with this problem. Vermicomposting is the process of conversion of organic wastes by earthworms to valuable humus like material which is used as a natural soil conditioner. Therefore, the need to explore and recognize the role of earthworms in waste management is rather urgent. One of the important methods of managing and treating wastes iscomposting. Earthworms are soil dwelling organisms involved biological activities [2].in the process of soil formation and organic matter. Aristotle called worms the intestines of the earth and stated that there may not be any other creature that has played so important a role in the history of life on earth. Earthworms constitute a large part of biomass (living bodies) inhabiting soil. In recent years efforts have been made to use the potential of earthworms in recycling of nutrients, waste management and development of vermicomposting systems at commercial scale. These are also called as Ecosystem engineers as they increase the numbers and types of microbes in the soil by creating conditions under which these creatures can thrive and multiply. Vermicomposting is a method of preparing enriched compost with the use of earthworms. It is one of the easiest methods to recycle agricultural wastes and to produce quality compost. Earthworms consume biomass and excrete it in digested form called worm casts. Vermitechnology represents a relatively new and environmentally sound approach in the management of Municipal refuse [3] (Loehr et al., 1988). Earthworms have the potential to be used in Vermitechnology systems for industrial or municipal applications.In present project the problem of disposal of solid organic waste mainly derived from plant source was considered because it was the main garbage that gets accumulated daily in kilograms, quintals and finely in tones. It was the main problem; from 1995 we were burning the garbage, making air pollution and deposition of ashes. But recently from last two years we have developed vermicompost unit and converting garbage into manure. The project aims to convert solid organic waste to compost, prevention of air pollution, as a guide project to students and farmers. By using vermicompost technology we are getting many more advantages of the technique, vermicompost is a productive unit mainly based on four R of recycling, reduce, reuse, recycle, restore.

Materials and Methods:

As we have solid waste mainly from plant origin was the major and main problem of solid waste in traditional college like us we here adapted vermicompost methodology. There are two main methods for vermicomposting pit method and windrows method. We here followed pit method for which requirement is as follows.

1. Topography: selection of site, the ground surface selected for the purpose was plain under shade of tree on one side where fewer disturbances from students were observed. The ground floor was elevated by adding murum, gravels etc., slight slope to the basement was planned to run excess of water & vermiwash outside of the pit that was to be constructed on the basement so prepared.

2. Shade: Two shades were constructed of which one of size 20length x12width x10height in the middle as shown in Fig.1 by using bamboo and shade net. Other was of size22length x15width x12height in the middle as shown in Fig.2. by using bamboo and shade net. It was with slope on both sides like hut.

Fig.1. Dome shape shade for vermicompost.

Fig.2. Hut shape shade for vermicompost

3. Pit: The readymade resin pits were made available free of cast from Taluka Agriculture service centre of size 12lx3.6wx1.9h 144x42x21(127008 cubic inches) and 15lx3.6wx1.9h(180x42x21=158760 inch3. These were having holes of 3x3 size for draining of excess of water and collection of vermiwash. The two beds were mounted with the help of 12 bamboo sticks of size 3 long. These were inserted on the floor inside the shade so as to get the height of 1.6 and then plastic/resin beds were tightly placed on bamboo sticks above ground level by keeping 3 working space in between two beds. In addition to these two pit beds were also constructed from brick and concrete material of size 15lx3.6wx1.9h (inner dimensions). In between two pit beds 3 feet distance was kept as a working space.

4. Garbage: It was collected during daily cleaning (Fig. 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8). This includes leaf, flowers, seeds, fruits, cuttings, uprooting of weeds etc. The garbage was collected near the unit for easy handling and allowed to dry and semi decomposed.

Fig.3. Flower falls

Fig.4. Flowers and buds falls

Fig.5. Leaves falls

Fig.6. debris of leaves, flowers and buds falls.

Fig.7. Containers for collection of other debris

Fig.8. Garbage accumulated.

5. Segregation of garbage: The semi decomposed garbage was segregated as shown in figure 9.

6. Tools for vermicompost: For watering and harvesing as well as for handling to verms, tools shown in figure 10 are essential.

7. Water:

Source of water Buckets and water sprayer8. Earthworms: Local species of earthworms that are generally used in India are Perionyx excavatus and Lampito mauritii. These earthworms can be cultured or used in composting applying simple procedures either in pits, crates, tanks, concrete rings or any containers.

The earthworm species, Eudrilus eugeniae (Kinberg) is indigenous to Africa but has also been bred in the USA, Canada, Europe and Asia, where it is commonly called the African night crawler [3]. It grows well at a temperature of more than 25C but best at 30C attaining maximum weight, length and number of segments in about 15 to 20 weeks [5].Vermicomposting, a mesophilic process carried out by earthworms, involves ingestion, digestion and absorption [4], of organic waste followed by excretion of castings. The Indian E. eugeniae has higher bodyweight as compared to the African counterparts, in spite of comparable lengths.Eisenia fetida (Savigny) is commonly known as (partial list only): the compost worm, manure worm, red worm, and red wiggler (see Figure 1). This extremely tough and adaptable worm is indigenous to most parts of the world and can be found on most Canadian farms wherever piles of manure have been left to age for more than a few months. There are different species of earthworms viz. Eisenia fetida (Red earthworm), Eudrilus eugeniae (night crawler), Perionyx excavatus etc. Red earthworm is preferred because of its high multiplication rate and thereby converts E. fetida the organic matter into vermicompost within 45-50 days. Since it is a surface feeder it converts organic materials into vermicompost from top. Commercially raised worms are usually of the epigeic type. is certainly not the only epigeic worm, but it is the one most often used for composting purposes in Northern climates. It can handle a wide temperature range (between 0 and 35oC) and can actually survive for some time almost completely encased in frozen organic material

Important characteristics of red earthworm (Eisenia fetida)

Characters Eisenia fetida

Body length -3-10cm

Body weight- 0.4-0.6g

Maturity -50-55days

Conversion rate- 2.0 q/1500worms/2 months

Cocoon production- 1 in every 3 days

Incubation of cocoon -20-23days

In our College we used E. fetida for vermicomposting.

Process of vermicompostingFollowing steps are followed for vermicompost preparation:

Filled the pit with following four layers

i. 1st layer of 10-15cm of dried leaves/grasses was placed as bedding or material at the bottom of the bed. Or 1st layer sand or sandy soil of 5-6 cm. This layer helps to drain excess water from the pit.

ii. 2nd layer - Partially decomposed material 30-45 cm was placed above 1st layer in the pit which will be used for providing aeration to the pit a well as food for the worms.

iii. 3rd layer - 15 to 30 days old dung over 2nd layer at a thickness of 20-30 cm. This helps in initiating microbial activity.

iv. The material was moistened by spraying sufficient amount of water to keep the beds cool.

v. Inoculated Red earthworm @ 1000 worms per square meter area or 10 kg earthworm in 100 kg of organic matter.

vi. Water was sprinkled immediately after the release of worms.vii. 4th layer - pre-digested material about 20 cm was placed above the worms. Water was sprinkled on top most layers. Like this four beds were prepared.

viii. Beds were kept moist by sprinkling of water (daily) and by covering with gunny bags (fig.6). Maintained 50-60% moisture of the pit by periodical water spraying

ix. Beds were turned once after 30 days for maintaining aeration and for proper decomposition.

x. Only plant-based materials such as grass, leaves or vegetable peelings were used for preparing vermicompost.

xi. The approximate weight of waste was measured before putting in beds and the amount of compost formed was also measured.

Harvesting: After about 45-60days the compost was ready. The watering was completely stopped, the manure was collected and small heaps were made on plastic papers. The worms migrate deep. The manure was sieved with mesh and unused pieces of leaves or thick sticks etc. were removed. The compost was used to rose garden, cactus and other flower beds.

Result: Vermicompost : the process flow sheetBiodegradable GarbagePreparation of waste beds after segregation Waste beds covered with dung slurry Transfer to pits Vermiculture treatment Screening Final product (Vermicompost)

In 60 to 90 days (depends up on the size of the pits) the compost became ready was indicated by the presence of earthworm castings (vermicompost) on the top of the bed. Vermicompost can now be harvested from the bin/pit.

Table -1- Dimensions of the Bed

Bed NoSize in inchesVolume in cubic inches

Volume in cubic feet

LWH

1144422112700873.5

2180422115876091.875

3180422115876091.875

4180422115876091.875

In this project organic plant originated waste used in all four beds was about 1096.88 kg. Since waste is not compact less amount of solid was occupied in the beds. The compost produced in all four beds was 4320.5Compost gets ready in 45-50 days (fig.7). When raw material is completely decomposed it appears black and granular. The finished product is 3/4th of the raw materials used by volume in beds. The weight of compost is more as it contains moisture and the raw material used was dried.

Table2: Waste utilized & vermicompost produced

Sr. No.Bed Volume cu feetWaste utilized in kgCompost produced in kg

173.5230.9968.0

291.875288.651117.5

391.875288.651117.5

491.875288.651117.5

Total349.1251096.854320.5

From above table it is seen that from 10.96 quintals 43.25 quintals vermicompost was produced in one batch. The waste by size appears more but by weight it was less where as by size the compost produced was less, 3/4th or to that of waste in size of pit bed. The types of vermicomposting depend upon the amount of production and composting structures.

Discussion: Earthworms are reported to consume more organic matter from the soil surface

than all of the other smaller soil animals put together (Ronald and Donald, 1977a).The level of nutrients in compost depends upon the source of the raw material and the species of earthworm. A fine worm cast is rich in N P K besides other nutrients. Nutrients in vermicompost are in readily available form and are released within a month of application.

Vermicompost is stable, fine granular organic manure, which enriches soil quality by improving its physicochemical and biological properties. It is highly useful in raising seedlings and for crop production. Vermicompost is becoming popular as a major component of organic farming system. In the present project we for first beds along with organic waste used cow dung but for next beds garden soil were utilized conversion of organic waste.

Approximately 60% or more of household waste in Asian region is of an organic type that could be recycled using Vermitechnology. Many Governments in this region have committed to reduce the amount of organic wastes going to landfill. There are thus environmental, economic and regulatory reasons for an increase in demand for compost worms. One area that is poised for development in future is contract waste management using vermiculture. This consumes the waste per day almost equivalent to its weight. The beds are covered with coconut leaves to avoid sunlight. Avoiding sunlight, watering and aeration are the important prerequisites for the effective production of worms and vermicompost. The end product of the sieved compost is used as a soil conditioner or manure for the agricultural fields and nursery of the campus. Farmers from nearby villages are buying this compost for their land. The production cost of compost is estimated as Rs 1.40 per kg and it is sold for Rs.3 per kg. The cost of worms of 1 kg (contains not less than 2000 worms) is Rs.1000.. Thus in four Rs of recycle we put solid waste for recycle where the waste was reduced by earthworms for making vermicompost or they utilize it as a food, the compost formed was utilized as a manure for plants, the organic waste derived from plants was put in recycling as food for worms and the latter restore the compost or content of the soil. The total cast of construction of unit is nearly about rupees fifteen thousand ones and income is rupees twenty two thousands five hundred per annum. The project serves and guides to manage solid waste. It prevents air pollution caused by burning of organic waste. It provides employment, generates income and is a productive unit. It provides compost to greenery mainly to orchids, flower beds, cactus garden, rose garden etc. in college campus. By using vermicompost healthy plantation in college campus can be maintained and enriches the biodiversity of plants and animals particularly insects and birds.

Conclusion: In today's world, recycling of garbage has become necessary in order to sustain our health and environment. Four R's of Recycling Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Restore can be brought in to practice through vermicompost technology to convert organic solid waste, garbage to garden manure. It prevents air pollution, helps to build up healthy environment.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT: The author is greatly thankful to Mr. Prasad Tanpure President Shri Shikshan Prasarak Mandal, Shri Shivajinagar, Rahuri and Dr. Sambhaji Pathare, Principal, Arts, Science and Commerce College, Rahuri for providing the vermicompost unit for management of solid waste.REFERENCES

1. UNEP (2001). United Nations Environment Programme, State of the Environment,

South Asia 2001, ISBN: 92-807-2037-2.

2. Somniyam, P. and P. Suwanwaree, 2009. The histological studies. Diversity and Distribution of Terrestrial Earthworms. World Appl. Sci. J., 6(2): 221-226.

3. Chaudhuri, P.S., S. Nath, T.K. Pal and S.K Day, 2009. Earthworm Casting Activities under Rubber Plantations in Tripura (India).World J. Agri. Sci., 5(4): 515-521.

4. Dominguez, J., C.A Edwards and J. Ashb, 2001. The biology and population dynamics of Eudrilus eugeniae (Kinberg) (Oligochaeta) in cattle waste solids Pedobiologia, 45: 341-353.

5. Viljoen, S.A. and A.R. Reinecke, 1992. The temperature requirements of the epigeic earthworm species Eudrilus eugeniae (Oligochaeta). A laboratory study. Soil Biol Biochem, 24(12): 1345-1350.

6. Rodriguez, A.C. and I.R. Lapeire, 1992. Increase in weight, length and number of segments of Eudrilus eugeniae (Oligochaeta: Eudrilidae) at 24C. Rev Biol., 6: 215.

7. Vermicompost - Production and Practices ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Mizoram Centre Kolasib 796081, Mizoram.

8. Glenn Munroe 2004. Manual of On-Farm Vermicomposting and Vermiculture

Organic Agriculture Centre of Canada.

9. Card, A.B., J.V. Anderson and J.G. Davis. 2004. Vermicomposting Horse Manure. Colorado State University Cooperative Extension no. 1.224. Available at http://www.ext.colostate.edu/pubs/livestk/01224.html10. V.K. Garg*, Renuka Gupta and Anoop Yadav Vermicomposting technology for solid waste management

WEBSITES http://www.alternativeorganic.com http://www.atlanticcountrycomposting.com.

http://www.biosci.ohio-state.edu/~soilecol/index.html http://www.jollyfarmer.com http://www.linksorganic.com/uk/links_redirect.asp?ID=2850

http://www.vermico.com http://www.vermitech.com http://www.vermitechnology.com

http://www.wormsargentina.com

http://www.wormdigest.org

http://www.wormresearchcentre.co.uk

http://www.wormwigwam.com http://www.wormwoman.com www.epa.gov/epaoswer/osw/eerc.ra.utk.edu/tnswep/9-12toc.htmhttp://www.dec.ny.gov/chemical/8732.htmlwww.epa.gov/epaoswer/non-hw/muncpl/index.htmFig.9.Segregation of garbage

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Soil dwelling or upper soil surface ( within the earth)

Endogeic

Deep burrowing species (out of earth)

Anecic

Ex. Eisenia foetida Ex. Octochaetona thrustoni Ex. Lampito mauritii

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