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Updated: Jun 15, 2026

Physical, Chemical and Biological Characterization of Six Biochars Produced for the Remediation of Contaminated Sites
Published on: November 28, 2014
Bioconversion of wastes from olive oil industries by vermicomposting process using the epigeic earthworm Eisenia
Raquel Melgar1, Emilio Benitez, Rogelio Nogales
1Area of Ecological Production and Natural Resources (IFAPA), Almeria, Spain. raquel.melgar@juntadeandalucia.es
Abstract:
The present work evaluates the possible bioconversion of wet olive cake by low-cost biostabilization (vermicomposting process). Wet olive cake fresh (WOC), precomposted (WOCP), or mixed with biosolids (WOCB), were vermicomposted for 6 months to obtain organic amendments for agricultural and remediation purposes. The results showed initial differences depending on previous treatment. WOCP was initially more stable, presented a low C:N ratio, and showed more dehydrogenase and urease activity. By contrast, there was no dehydrogenase activity initially in WOC and WOCB, due to the presence of some different types of polyphenols. Finally, the end product showed relatively higher amounts of total nitrogen and humic acid and met the standard of quality for composts and vermicomposts for use both in conventional and organic agriculture and soil-restoration programs.
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