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The Study of Different Conditions of Vermicompost Growth & Production with Emphasis on Organic Domestic Waste as Food

Fatehi Dehaghani, Mohamad Hossein | 2010

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  1. Type of Document: M.Sc. Thesis
  2. Language: Farsi
  3. Document No: 40533 (06)
  4. University: Sharif University of Technology
  5. Department: Chemical and Petroleum Engineering
  6. Advisor(s): Shayegan, Jalaloddin
  7. Abstract:
  8. Most countries regard to parameters such as equipment, cost, facilities, manpower, geographical conditions and environmental regulations select one (or combination) of the methods of burning in incinerators and burial in the landfill for municipal solid waste management. Both methods have undesirable environmental effects and are dangerous. Composting is another proposed option for solid waste management that is more consistent with the environment. In this process, different bacterial species transfer organic materials under aerobic conditions to the products such as CO2, H2O, minerals and compost. One of the effective and economical method for solid waste management is vermicomposting technology. This method is an environmental friendly process for organic waste biodegradation which can be applied to small units as well as large units. In vermicomposting, earthworms especially epigeic species cooperate with other microorganisms for biotransformation and biostabilization of organic waste converting into high valuable humus like substance or vermicompost. This research has two major parts. In the first part was considering the ability of vermicomposting worms to deal with different bedding materials such as garden soil, foliage and paper. In the second part was considering the impact of various parameters such as temperature, initial population density, aeration and C:N ratio on reproduction and the growth of worms. The result shows decreased C: N ratio, increasing nutrients (phosphorus and potassium) and slightly increasing pH during the vermicomposting process in all beddings. In the end of process it was found with increasing initial density of worms and C: N ratio, worms’ weight reduced. Increasing ambient temperature initially increases growth of worms and then reduced it. Aeration has been very positive impact on growth and final weight of worms. The conversion ratio of cocoon to juvenile was obtained 0.72. Overall, results show that vermicomposting efficiency is acceptable for convert organic materials into high valuable substances. Considering the lack of need for complicated technology, easy maintenance and low cost of this method can be its widespread use in homes.

  9. Keywords:
  10. Growth ; Organic Solid Waste ; Waste Management ; Vermicomposting Process ; Organic Wastes ; Vermicompost Worms ; Reproduction

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