Vermicomposting of source-separated human faeces for nutrient recycling |
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| Authors: | Kunwar D. Yadav Vinod Tare M. Mansoor Ahammed |
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| Affiliation: | 1. Department of Civil Engineering, SV National Institute of Technology, Surat 395 007, India;2. Department of Civil Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur 208 016, India;1. Department of Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Karpagam University, Eachanari Post, Coimbatore 641 021, Tamil Nadu, India;2. Department of Chemistry, Government Arts College, Udumalpet 642 126, Tamil Nadu, India;1. Bioceramics & Coating Division, CSIR – Central Glass & Ceramic Research Institute, 196 Raja S. C. Mullick Road, Kolkata 700032, India;2. Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (ACSIR), CSIR – Central Glass & Ceramic Research Institute Campus, 196 Raja S. C. Mullick Road, Kolkata 700032, India;3. Department of Agronomy, Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Mohonpur, Nadia 741246, India;4. Institute of Agricultural Science, University of Calcutta, 51/2, Hazra Road, Kolkata 700019, India;1. Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Mauritius, Reduit 80837, Mauritius;2. Office of Vice Chancellor, University of Mauritius, Reduit 80837, Mauritius;3. Centre for Environmental Science and Technology, Central University of Punjab, Bathinda 155001, Punjab, India |
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| Abstract: | The present study examined the suitability of vermicomposting technology for processing source-separated human faeces. Since the earthworm species Eisenia fetida could not survive in fresh faeces, modification in the physical characteristics of faeces was necessary before earthworms could be introduced to faeces. A preliminary study with six different combinations of faeces, soil and bulking material (vermicompost) in different layers was conducted to find out the best condition for biomass growth and reproduction of earthworms. The results indicated that SVFV combination (soil, vermicompost, faeces and vermicompost – bottom to top layers) was the best for earthworm biomass growth indicating the positive role of soil layer in earthworm biomass growth. Further studies with SVFV and VFV combinations, however, showed that soil layer did not enhance vermicompost production rate. Year-long study conducted with VFV combination to assess the quality and quantity of vermicompost produced showed an average vermicompost production rate of 0.30 kg-cast/kg-worm/day. The vermicompost produced was mature as indicated by low dissolved organic carbon (2.4 ± 0.43 mg/g) and low oxygen uptake rate (0.15 ± 0.09 mg O2/g VS/h). Complete inactivation of total coliforms was noted during the study, which is one of the important objectives of human faeces processing. Results of the study thus indicated the potential of vermicomposting for processing of source-separated human faeces. |
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