Functional microbial consortia augmented black soldier fly larvae achieve high efficiency ammonia mitigation during...

Animal manure management frequently generates substantial ammonia (NH₃) emissions, posing serious environmental and health concerns. Black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) bioconversion technology offers a promising solution by converting manure into valuable insect-derived protein and fat, while partially mitigating NH₃ release. In this study, a functional microbial consortium (comprising Gordonia sp. AY-3, Lysinibacillus macroides F1, and Lactobacillus plantarum L7) from black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) frass and the larval gut was screened and developed to synergistically enhance BSFL productivity and reduce NH₃ emissions. Results showed that optimal performance was achieved at an inoculation ratio of 2:1:1, which significantly reduced NH₃ emissions by 37 % and increased larval fresh weight, dry weight, and bioconversion efficiency by 9 %, 9 %, and 12 %, respectively, compared with the control treatment. Functional gene analysis revealed a 37 %-52 % upregulation in nitrification (nxrAB) and denitrification genes (norBC, nosZ, nirK, nirS). Microbiome profiling indicated significant increases in Lactobacillus, Pseudomonas, and Bacteroides populations. Further pilot-scale validation demonstrated a 33 % reduction in environmental NH₃ emissions. The daily average NH₃ concentration decreased from 55 to 37 mg/m³, along with a 4 % increase in BSFL fresh weight. Functional gene analyses showed that the consortium enhanced nitrogen assimilation via glutamine synthetase-glutamate synthase (GS-GOGAT) pathways, and upregulated denitrification-related genes. Overall, this BSFL bioconversion combined with microbial augmentation provides an effective strategy for reducing NH₃ pollution while enhancing the efficiency of organic waste conversion.