Vermicomposting technology for organic waste management

Abstract

Present chapter reports vermicomposting technology for the treatment of non-toxic biodegradable wastes. These wastes generated from domestic, commercial, agricultural and industrial activities. Several methods are used for the waste management but still huge quantities of organic wastes remain unattended which is a cause of concern. Therefore, scientific and sustainable interventions are needed for the management of organic wastes. Vermicomposting is one such technique which is economically viable and has manifold advantages over other non-scientific waste disposal techniques. Vermicomposting has been well addressed in recent years and several researchers have investigated the effectiveness of vermitechnology to treat organic wastes. Although organic wastes are heterogeneous in nature but its biodegradable nature offers an immense opportunity for vermicomposting. Combined action of earthworm and microbes mineralize organic waste and transformed it into manure that has potential to solve several soil fertility and pollution related issues. Vermicomposting can also potentially be used as a bioremediation technique. Use of vermicomposting for waste treatment and bioremediation on one hand ensure agricultural and environmental sustainability and on the other hand manure is provided. Earthworms, a product of vermicomposting, can be used as feed in aquaculture and poultry industry. � 2023 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.