Vermiculture Composting - BVU College of Engineering, Pune, India

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VER.lVlICUL TURE COMPOSTING-
A TECHNOLOGICAL OPTION TO LANDFILLING FOR
ORGANIC SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT.
Dr. Oatar' M. T. & Mr. More! A. B.
ABSTRACT
Majority of Municipal (Urban) Solid Waste (MSW) is disposed of in landfills (anaerobic composting: as
per MS W rules under the Environmental Protection Act-1986. However, western countries particularly USA is
experiencing hazardous environmental impacts due to disposal into landtills. New policy is initiated to protect the
environment from such impacts by discouraging the practice of disposal of solid waste in landfills. Eco-friendly
disposal alternatives to landfill are needed to be explored. One of the technological options for treatment and
disposal of organic solid wastes is vermicomposting. Commercial vermicornposting reported to be practicable for
treatment and disposal of many organic solids and byproducts in agricultural production and processing
Industries. However, this alternative has not been tried for MSW on large scale. Decentralization of solid waste
collection might lead to economically viable and probably profitable vermicomposting of MSW. Private and
public participation in the proposed treatment and disposal system might lead to successful implementation of the
suggested technological option. The paper discusses the application of vermicornposting for treatment of organic
solid waste (20 MT/day), generated at vegetable, fruit and flower market at Pune. Vermicomposting was tried on
this segregated solid waste using exotic species of earthworm - Eudrilus Eugeniae - commonly called' African
ight Crawler'. Bench scale reactor studies were performed on organic solid waste under controlled optimum
environmental conditions (temperature: 25°C to 30°C. moisture content: 48 - 52 percent), with variable vermiloading
(4.5 - 10.5 kg/rrr'). Characteristics of solid waste were monitored through conventional parameters and
additional environmental parameters like BOD5 and COD. The results of investigative studies are encouraging and
indicate that organic solid waste can be treated in a reasonable period of20 days through verrnicomposting with
75 percent reduction in the volume.
Key words: Municipal (Urban) Soiid Waste; vermiculture: Verrnicornposting: BOD5: COD: C: N Ratio.
1.0 INTRODUCTION
Majority of Municipal (Urban) Solid Waste (MSW) IS disposed of in landfills
(anaerobic composting). MSW (management and handling rules 2000 - MSW Rules) under the
Environmental Protection Act-1986 stipulates that 100 percent MSW should be disposed off
into sanitary landfills on daily basis and it is presumed that by now it is implemented.
However. western countries particularly USA is experiencing hazardous environmental
impacts due to disposal into landfills. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has
initiated protective measures discouraging this disposal practice. The measure is so effective
that 80 percent of existing landfills will close by 2010. New disposal options need to be
explored. Even developing and underdeveloped countries shall also need new ceo-friendly
disposal options after experiencing pollution impacts of landfills probably in a very near future.
Vermicomposting appears to be a technological option for treatment and disposal of
organic solid component of MSW. Decentralization of solid waste collection might lead to
economically viable and probably profitable vermicomposting of MSW. Private and public
participation in the proposed treatment and disposal system might lead to successful
implementation of the suggested technological option. Efforts in this direction appear to have
been already introduced. Towns like Sangmaner and Shrirampur have chosen this option
through private participation.
I. Professor of Civil Engg, Bharati Vidyapeeth Deemed University. College of Engineering. Pune-411043, INDIA.
2. Lecturer of Civil Engg. Bharati Vidyapeeth Deemed University. College of Engineering. Pune-411O·U. INOl4-.

Market Yard. Gultekdi, Pune deals with wholesale marketing of fruits, vegetables and
flowers to the tune of 2500 tones per day. Market Yard collects solid waste generated and
disposes it in landfills located at nearby agricultural fields. Present studies explore the
possibility of using vermicomposting for treatment and disposal of solid waste. An exotic
species of earthworm - Eudrilus Eugeniae - commonly called' African Night Crawler' - was
used in the treatment of organic waste. The species is reported to be fast growing. ferocious
eater of organic food and does not need soil substratum. Bench scaie reactor studies were
performed on organic solid waste under controlled optimum environmental conditions
(temperature: 25"C to 30"('. moisture content: 48 - 52 percent), with variable vermi-loading
(4.5 - 10.5 kg/m '). Characteristics of solid waste were monitored through conventional
parameters and additional environmental parameters like BOD5 and COD.
The results of investigative studies are encouraging and indicate that organic solid
waste can be treated in a reasonable period of 20 days through vermicomposting with 75
percent reduction in the volume.
2.0 METHODOLOGY
Data regarding the generation of solid waste at Market Yard. Gultekdi. Pune was
collected every day for 31 days and representative samples were analyzed in the Environmental
Engineering Laboratory, to determine solid waste characteristics. After segregation into
organics and inorganics, characteristics of organic component were analyzed for various
parameters. Conventional parameters suggested for analysis is shown in Table l : part A.
Additional parameters, BOD:; (Biochemical Oxygen Demand) and COD (Chemical Oxygen
Demand) were included as performance parameters during the present studies and are shown in
Table l : part B. Final results are expressed in terms of weight of parameter to weight of organic
waste (converted into suspension). Tablel also gives the methods adopted for analysis of
various parameters.
Table 1: Conventional Parameters and Methods Adopted for Analysis
I Sr. No. Parameter Method I Remark
I 1 2 3 4
A CONVENTIONAL PARAMETERS
I 01 I emperature .- Characteristics Parameter
02 Moisture Content WHO Manual Characteristics Parameter
I
I 03 Conductivity WHO Manual Characteristics Parameter
04 Kjeldahl Nitroqen IS.·10158 - 1982 Characteristics Parameter
I
I
05
06
Phosphorous
Potassium
Standard
Standard
Methods
Methods
Characteristics
Characteristics
Parameter
Parameter
i 07 Oraenic Carbon/Carbon Standard Methods Characteristics Parameter
08 pH IS: 10158 - 1982 Environmental Parameter
09 C.-N Ratio Standard Methods Characteristics Parameter
B. ADDITIONAL PARAMETERS
i
10
11
8005
COO
Standard
Standard
Methods
Methods
Performance
Performance
Parameter
Parameter
Bench scale vermicomposting reactors, each having capacity of 0.03402 m 3 (45cm X
27cm X 28cm), were chosen for vermicomposting studies. All the reactor units were tilled with
shredded organic component of solid waste. Varied earthworm loadings were applied into three
reactors and additional one was kept as a control reactor, and their performance were
monitored.

3.0 EUDRILUS EUGENIAE
Many earthworm species would probably be suitable for solid waste treatment and
disposal. Previous research, pertaining mainly to agricultural solid waste and environmental
aspects. used the earthworm species which need soil as habitat and organic waste as nitrogencarbon
source. Soil occupied about 25 to 40 percent of reactor volume. Through literature
survey. visits to research centers and detai led discussions with research .vorkers helped in
identifying a suitable earthworm species. Eudrilus Eugeniae. which doesn't need soil
habitation, and was used in the present studies in the treatment of organic solid waste. Eudrilus
Eugeniae, from family/genus .Eudrilidae ', commonly called .African Night Crawler' is
reported to be fast growing, ferocious eater of organic food and it doesn't need soil substratum.
Therefore it is expected to feed and grow in th3e reactor full of organic wastes without sub
base soil.
Biology of Eudrilus Eugeniae: The egg case in which development takes place (on
introduction into culture beds) is called cocoon. In 2-3 weeks the development is completed
and 3-7 young worms, 3-10 mg in weight and 3-5 nun in length. emerge out. These young
worms will show rapid growth and by the time they are 6 weeks they reach productive stage.
Earthworms are Hermaphrodites (bisexuals); but cross fertilization is the feature, wherein the
exchange of sperms between the individuals takes place through a temporary mucilaginous
tube during copulation. The fertilization takes place in cocoon. The cocoon production that
commences by 6 weeks continues till the end of 3 months and worm continues to lay cocoon
and after 6 months to 1 year worm can be harvested out to use as animal feed. The maximum
number that can be laid under ideal conditions is about 100 cocoons by a pair of worms in 3-6
months period.
The worms that feed actively on organic waste assimilate only 5-10 percent and
remaining is excreted out as loose granular mounds of Wormcast. Earthworms are responsible
for breakdown of complex substances in the in the organic waste into simple water soluble
substances. The enzymes secreted in the long intestine of the earthworm and the enzymes of
the symbiotic microbes in their gut cavity are responsible for this conversion. Earthworm
casting (Vermicompost) contains all essential plant nutrients including micro-nutrients and is a
balanced bio- fertilizer.
4.00BSERV ATIONS AND DISCUSSIONS
-1.1 WASTE GENERATION AND CHARACTERISTICS:
Market yard, Gultekdi, Pune is systematically planned and located at about 3 km away
from Swargate bus stand and one of the main market in Maharashtra, covers about 153 acres
area subdivided into fruits (separate market exclusively for banana), vegetables (separate
market exclusively for potato and onion) and flowers market. Materials are sorted out,
auctioned, resorted accordingly to quality and size, properly packed and then carried to retail
and wholesalers' market in Maharashtra and outside Maharashtra, and even exported to various
countries. Total turnover of fruits, vegetables, and flowers is around 2500 tones/day and actual
proportion of them varies depending upon the season and the products produced during season.
The waste generated is manually collected from different points and then dropped into
tractor-trolleys, which are weighed (on electronic weighing machine) and then transported to
agricultural field about 25 km away from market yard and disposed of in landfills in irregular,
arbitrary way. Record is kept at the market yard regarding number of trolleys carried away
along with weight of solid waste in each trolley. To determine the quantity of solid waste

generated, data is collected for a month and observed to be about 18.64 MT per day (average of
31 days waste generation), which consists of vegetables, leaves, scalings, rotten materials,
plastic papers, paper wastes and also tobacco sachets (thrown by workers chewing tobacco).
wood packing wastes, and some metallic wastes (nails, packing steel strips) etc .. 20 kg of
average solid waste samples were collected 8 to 10 times in a day for 31 days and analysis
indicates that average components of organics and inorganics are observed to be about 97
percent and 3 percent respectively as shown in the Table 1.
Table 2: Quantity of Solid Waste Generated at Market Yard
Quantity in MT (per day) Quantity in % (per day) I
I Orqanic Inorqanic Total Orcanic Inorqanic Total
I 1 2 3 4 5 6
I 18.07 0.57 18.64 96.99 3.01 100
Characteristics of organic solid waste - conventional and additional parameters - are
shown in Column 3, Table .J. BODs and COD (Environmental Parameters) values of organic
solid waste were also determined and indicated in the Column 3, Table 4. These values are
indicative to determine the final stage of verrnicornposting.
4.2 BENCH SCALE VERMJ COi\;fPOSTliVG PROCESS:
Four bench scale vermi reactors (RI. R2. R3 and Rr) were fabricated from wood. each
with dimensions of 45cm X 27cm X 28cm depth and having capacity of 0.03402 m'. Small slit
openings in sides and bottom of these reactors ensured aeration as well as drainage of water in
turn to keep aerobic conditions in the reactor. During trial runs the rate and time of sprinkling
of water was adjusted to maintain the moisture of solid waste in the range of 48 to 52 percent
and temperature and pH \vere observed to get adjusted to 23 - 27°C and 7.0 - 7.2 respectively.
which is within suitable range for vermiculture Eudrilus Eugeniae used in the
vermicomposting studies. Organic component of solid waste (7 kg) was filled in each reactor.
Earthworm loadings of OOOgm, 150gm, 250gm, and 350gm were introduced into reactors RJ
(control reactor) . R2, R3 and R, respectively and their performance was observed over around
four weeks.
Original green/greenish colour of solid waste was changed distinctly to blacklblackishl
earthy on conversion into vermicastings. Eudrilus Eugeniae ate up organic matter (greenish)
and excreted vermicastings (blackish), during it's downward travel. Thus colour change also
traveled downwards and indicated the progress of vermicornposting. During four weeks of
experimental studies the colour of solid waste in reactor RJ remained greenish i.e. original
colour. However. solid waste colour in other reactors was observed to travel from top to
bottom, which indicated progress of vermicoposting and also downwards travel of Eudrilus
Eugeniae.
Table 3, shows observations taken every day during vermicoposting process. Coloum 2
and 3, respectively shows the height and the volume of organic solid waste in reactor RJ (to
which no loading applied). Volume reduction of around 19 percent was observed. Depth of the
organic waste is also reduced from 28 em to 22.5 em. Colour of the vermicomposting was not
changed duri.ng this process period and remained greenish i.e. original colour. Reduction in
volume might be due to little bit of aerobic bio-composting. Thus Coloum 4, which indicates
vermicompost depth, is therefore zero.
Coloum 5 and 6, respectively shows the height and volume of organic waste plus
vermicompost in reactor R2 during the process. It is observed that, height and volume of the
solid waste reduced with respect to time. Height reduced from 28 em to 7 em and volume was
reduced by 75 percent (from 34.02 to 8.5 liters) at the end of 26 th day. Coloum 7, indicates the

I
I
,
height of vermicompost from the top surface, of organic solid waste undergoing
vermicomposting. This depth went on increasing and reached its maximum value of 7 cm on
26 th day when vermicomposting was completed. Similar observations were recorded for
reactors R3 and R. in Table 3. Period required to complete vermicomposting decreases with
increase in earthworm loading. Fig. 1 shows relations between time required for
vermicomposting versus vermiculture loading in gm/kg of solid waste. Minimum period
needed for complete vermicomposting of solid waste was 20 days at vermiculture loading of
50 gm/kg of solid waste. Characteristics of organic waste being the same in reactors R2. R3 and
Ri, final volume of vermicornpost remained same i.e. 8.50 liters or 25 percent of original
organic waste (Fig 2).
Table I compares characteristics of vermicompost in reactors with initial
characteristics of organic solid waste. The colour of vermicompost was same in all reactors i.e.
black or blackish. Environmental parameters, viz.BODs and COD were found to reduce by
around 72 percent. BODs remaining in the solid waste was found to be only 0.65 kg/kg of
verrnicompost. This BODs might be due to the presence of little biomass in vermicomposting.
N. P and K values were 3.3, 1.2 and 0.6 percent of vermicompost. C: N ratio was around 10.
which is reported to be optimum value at which nutrient can be easily absorbed by the plants.
Table 3: Observations during Bench Scale Vermicomposting
Reactor
Numbers-
Earthworm
Reactor Rl Reactor R2 Reactor R3 Reactor R4
Loading I
Reactor
(gm) ~
000 150 250 350
Observations
for ~
Solid
Height
Waste
Volume
vermtcompost
Depth
Solid Waste
Height Volume
verrmcompost
Depth
Solid
Height
Waste
Volume
Vermicompost
Depth
Solid Waste
Height Volume
Vermicompost
Depth
Days "If cm liter em em liter em em liter cm em liter em
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 I 12 13
- . '- .-
1 27.9 33.90 00 26.0 31.59 00 26,0 31.59 00 25.0 30.37 00
2 27.7 33.66 00 ?4.1 29.?8 0.1 23.9 2903 0,1 23.0 27.94 0.2
3 27.6 33.53 0.0 22.1 26.85 0.2 21.9 26.60 0.2 21.0 ?5.51 OA
4 27.4 33.29 00 ?01 24.42 0.3 20.0 24.30 0.3 19.0 2308 0.6
5 27.2 3305 0.0 18.3 22.23 0.5 18.4 22.35 0.5 17.5 ?1.26 0.9
6
7 ,
27.0
26.8
32.81
32.56
0.0
00
16.9
15.6
20.53
18.95
0.7
1.0
16.7
15.1
20.29
18,34
0.8
1.1
15.9
14A
19.31
17.49
1.2
1.6
8 26.5 32.20 0.0 14.2 17,25 1.4 13.6 16.52 1.5 13.0 15.79 1.9
9 26.3 31.95 00 12.7 15.43 1.7 12.1 14.70 1.9 11.5 13.97 2A
10 26.1 31.71 00 11.7 14.21 2.0 11.2 13.60 2.2 11.0 13.36 2.7
11 25.9 31.47 00 10.9 13.24 2A 10.5 P.75 2.6 10.2 12.39 3.2
12 25.7 31.23 0.0 10A 12.63 ?8 10.0 12.15 3.0 9.9 1202 3.6
13 25.5 30.98 0.0 10,0 12.15 3.1 9.6 11.66 3A 9.2 11.17 4.1
14 25.2 30.62 00 9.5 11.54 3.5 9.1 11.05 3.9 8.3 10.08 4.5
15 25.0 30.38 0.0 9.1 11.05 3.8 8.8 10.69 4.3 8.2 9.96 5.0
16 24.8 30.13 0.0 8.6 10.44 4.0 8.5 10.32 4.6 7.8 9.74 SA
17 24.5 29.77 00 8A 10.20 4.3 8.3 10.08 4.8 7.6 9.23 5.7
18 24.3 29.52 00 8.2 9,96 4.5 8.1 9.84 5.0 7.5 9.11 6.1
19
21
24.1
23.9
23.6
29.28
2904
28.67
0.0
0.0
0.0
8.0
7.9
7.7
9.72
9.59
9.35
4.8
5.0
5.3
7.8
7.6
7.4
9A7
9.23
8.99
5.5
5.9
6.3
7.3
..-
8.86
. --
---
6.6
..-
22
24
23.3
?3.1
22.9
28.31
2807
27.82
00
00
0.0
7.5
7.4
7.3
9.11
8.99
8.86
5.6
5.8
6.?
7.?
-
---
8.74
..
---
6.7
-
...
...
_.-
---
...
---
---
---
..-
_.-
25
Percent
Volume
22.7
22.5
27.58
?7,34
00
00
7.2 8.74 6.6 _..
---
...
...
---
---
..-
-_.
--
...
---
_.-
19.64 75.015 75.015 75.015
Reduction'
Note: * - Percent Volume Reduction on completion of vernucompostmg process.
5
_.
-
I

30
25
26
23
o 21.43 35.71 50
verrmcouuee Loading mgm/kgof Sohd'AaSle
Fig 1: Relations between Time required
for Vermicomposting versus Vermiculture
Loading in gmlkg of Solid Waste
20
40
35
30 ----------- --_._----
25
20
15
10
5
a
--ReactorRl
a 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24 26
Fig. 2: Volume Reduction (mJ) vis Time (days) during
Vermicomposting
Reactor q2
Frnal Volume
Table 4: Characteristics of Market Yard Organic Solid Waste, in R1 (Control Reactor - at the end
of ze" day) and of Vermicompost in R " R21R3 (on completion of process)
! Sr.
I No.
Parameters Market
Yard Control Reactor R, Reactor R2
Vermicompost
Reactor Rl Reactor R.
i
Organic
Solid Waste
Values Percent
Reduction
, Increase
Values Percent
Reduction
I Increase
Values Percent
Reduction
I Increase
Values Percent
Reduction
Iincraase
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11
01 pH 7.2 7.1 -- 7.1 -- 7.0 -- 7.0 ---
02 Conductivity (ms/cm) 0.764 0.650 -14.92 0.475 -37.83 0.485 -36.52 0.467 -38.87
03 Moisture Content (%) 84.29 63.45 --- 62.81 --- 48.17 --- 64.36 ---
04 Organic Carbon / 48.89 42.81 -12.44 32.81 -32.89 32.85 -32.81 3309 -32.32
Carbon (%)
I 05 COD (kg/kg) 3.50 3.10 -11.43 0.98 -72.00 0.98 -72.00 0.98 -72.00
06 BODs (kg/kg) 2.40 2.05 -14.58 0.65 -72.92 0.65 -72.92 0.65 -72.92
07 Kjeldahl Nitrogen (%) 4.5 4.1 -8.89 3.3 -26.67 3.3 -26.67 3.3 -26.67
08 Phosphorous (%) 0.40 0.70 +75 1.20 +200 1.20 +200 1.20 +200
09 Potassium (%) 0.20 0.35 +75 0.60 +200 0.60 +200 0.60 +200
10
I 11
C: N Ratio (%)
Colour
10.66
Greenish-
10.44
Greenish
>10 9.94 '" 10
Blackish':
9.98 ::: 10
Brackish"
1003 :::10
Blackish':
Note: # - Green colour indicates fresh solid waste under cornpostmg and no change In original colour of solid
waste in Reactor RI.
f - Black colour indicates completion ofvermicomposting process in reactors R~.R3and R.j.
5.0CONCLUSION
Eudrilus Eugeniae is suitable venniculture for vennicomposting of organic solid
waste. Eudrilus Eugeniae doesn't require soil for habitation, thus reducing the volume of
vermin-reactor. Important results of presented studies are displayed in Table 5.
T. abl e 5 Resu Its 0f Bench ScaIe vermtcompostinq at a GJance
Sr. Item Reactor Number
No. R, R2 R3 ~
1 2 3 4 5 6
01 Orqanic Solid Waste l.oadinq. kq / Reactor. 7.00 7.00 7.00 7.00
02 Earthworm Loadinq, qrn / Reactor. 000 150 250 350
03 Earthworm Loadinq, kq / rn" 000 4.41 7.35 10.29
04 earthworm Loading, gm / kg of solid waste. 000 71.43 35.71 50.00
05 Period of Vermicomposting, days. »> 26 26 25 20
06 Initial Volume, m'''' 34.02 3402 34.02 34.02
06 Final Volume, m~" 27.34 8.50 8.50 8.50
07 Percent Volume Reduction. 19.64 75015 75015 75015
..
Note: ¥ - Initial volume: of Market Yard organic solid waste m-situ In the reactors.
E - Final Volume: of biocompost I vermicompost on completion of process.
6
I

Vegetable / fruit / flower market solid waste can be converted into vermicompost in
minimum period of 20 days with maximum volume reduction of 75 percent at a vermiculture
loading of 50 gm / kg of solid waste. BOD5 and COD appear to be promising parameter for
monitoring progress of vermicomposting.
REFERENCES:
I. APHA, A WWA. \-VPCF. "Standard Methods for Examination of Water. \\ astewater and Sludges." 16'"
Edition. 1987.
') Dominguez, 1., Edwards. CA. and Subler S.," A Comparison of Vermicomposting and Composting."
BiocycLe,April 1997. Pp.57-59.
3. Datar, M.T., Rao, M.N. and Reddy S., "Vermicornposting - A Technology Option for Solid Waste
Management," Journal a/Solid Waste Technology and Management (USA). Vol. 24, No.2, May 1997, Pp 89-
93.
4. I. S.: 9325-1979, "Methods for Physical Analysis and Determination of Moisture in Solid Wastes," Indian
Standard Institution. Ne« Delhi. 1979.
5. I. S.: to 158-1982. "Methods of Analysis of solid Wastes," Indian Standard Institution, New Delhi. 1982.
6. Kubra Bano, Kale, Radha D. and Gajanan, G.N., "Culturing of Earthworm Eutrilus Eugeniae for Cast
Production and Assessment of Wormcast as Biofertilizer,' Soil Biology Journal, pp.98-104, Sept.. 1987.
7. Mishra, K.K., "Solid Waste Management in India:' Journal ofthe IPHE, india, Volume No.3, 1984.
8. Reinecke, A.J.. and Viljoen. S.A., .• Reproduction of the African Earthworm. Eudrilus Eugenic
(Oligochaeta) - Cocoons:' Biology and Fertility ofSolils Journal. South Africa, 1988. pp. 23-~7.
9. Riggle.David, "Vermicomposting Research and Education," Biocycle, May 1998, Pp 54-56.
10. Tchobonogluous, G., et.al. ... Solid Wastes - Engineering Principals and Management Issues." International
Students Edition, McGraw HiU- Kogakusha Ltd., Tokyo, 1977.
II. Viljoen, Sophie A. and Reinecke, A.1., "Life Cycle of the African Night Crawler, eudrilus Eugeniae
(Oligochaeta)," South Africa, Journal Zoology, 1989, Pp, 27-32.
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