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Vermicomposting of source-separated human faeces for nutrient recycling
Kunwar D Yadav1, Vinod Tare, M Mansoor Ahammed
1Department of Civil Engineering, SV National Institute of Technology, Surat, India. kdjhansi@yahoo.com
Waste Management (New York, N.Y.)
|October 24, 2009
Summary
Vermicomposting human faeces with Eisenia fetida is feasible after initial treatment. This method effectively processes faeces, producing mature compost and inactivating pathogens.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Waste Management
- Soil Biology
Background:
- Human faeces present a significant waste management challenge.
- Conventional treatment methods can be energy-intensive and costly.
- Vermicomposting offers a sustainable alternative for organic waste processing.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the suitability of vermicomposting for processing source-separated human faeces.
- To determine optimal conditions for earthworm (Eisenia fetida) survival and reproduction.
- To assess the quality and pathogen inactivation in the resulting vermicompost.
Main Methods:
- Preliminary study involving six combinations of faeces, soil, and bulking material.
- Earthworm biomass growth and reproduction were monitored.
- A year-long study assessed vermicompost production rate, maturity, and pathogen inactivation.
Main Results:
- The soil-vermicompost-faeces-vermicompost (SVFV) combination supported optimal earthworm biomass growth.
- The vermicompost-faeces-vermicompost (VFV) combination yielded an average production rate of 0.30 kg-cast/kg-worm/day.
- The produced vermicompost was mature, with low dissolved organic carbon and oxygen uptake, and complete inactivation of total coliforms.
Conclusions:
- Vermicomposting is a viable technology for processing source-separated human faeces.
- Pre-treatment and specific layering are crucial for earthworm survival and efficient processing.
- The resulting vermicompost is a safe and mature soil amendment.
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