Solid Waste Management Through Vermiculturing Eng. M. M. Manyuchi (PhD) mmanyuchi@hit.ac.zw Department of Chemical and Process Systems Engineering Harare Institute of Technology

Outline Background of study Problem Statement Research Aims Experimental Results Conclusions

Background Vermiculturing-the growth of earthworms in specialized structures to thrill potential in waste reduction and bio-fertilizers production Vermicomposting - the practice of using concentrations of earthworms to convert organic materials into usable vermi-compost Vermicompost - the product of vermi-composting containing earth worm castings, bedding materials as well as organic matter Vermiwash-leachate obtained from earthworm excreta during vermicomposting Bio-fertilizer-microbial inoculants consisting of living cells of micro-organism like bacteria

Problem Statement 150 tons of waste being generated per annum 50% is biodegradable Need to economically manage this solid waste Need to come up with an environmentally friendly bio-fertilizers

Research Aims To utilize biodegradable waste being generated in Zimbabwe To produce earthworms To produce bio-fertilizers

The Vermiculturing Process

Experimental: Preparation of vermi-feed Various waste types were collected and blended Cow dung was added to speed up the process in the ratio 180 Eisenia fetida worm species were added to initiate the vermiculturing process Feedstock was allowed to vermicompost for 30 days

Experimental: NPK and Trace Elements Determination The composition of the vermicompost and vermiwash was determined using: Nitrogen and Phosphorous (UV-VIS) Trace elements (UV-VIS) Potassium (AAS) Determination of metallic compositions

Results: Vermicompost and vermiwash

Results: NPK composition

Results: Secondary nutrients composition

Conclusions Organic solid waste can be managed through vermiculturing Vermicomposting can be used for biodegradable waste management Vermicompost and vermiwash bio-fertilizers are obtained from vermiculturing

Acknowledgment Chemical and Process Systems Engineering Department Technical Staff Harare Institute of Technology Research Board

References M. M. Manyuchi and A. Phiri, “Effective separation of Eisenia fetida earthworms from vermicasts using a cylindrical rotary trommel separator”, International Journal of Innovative Research in Science, Engineering and Technology, 2 (8), 4069-4072, 2013. M. M. Manyuchi., T. Chitambwe., A. Phiri., P, Muredzi and Q, Kanhukamwe, “Effect of vermicompost, vermiwash and application time on soil physicochemical properties”, International Journal of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, 4 (4), 216-220, 2013. M. M. Manyuchi., L. Kadzungura., A. Phiri., P, Muredzi and Q, Kanhukamwe, “Effect of vermicompost, vermiwash and application time on soil micronutrients”, International Journal of Engineering and Advanced Technology, 2 (5), 215-218, 2013. M. M. Manyuchi., T. Chitambwe., A. Phiri., P, Muredzi and Q, Kanhukamwe, “Effect of vermicompost, vermiwash and application time on Zea Mays growth”, International Journal of Scientific Engineering and Technology, 2 (7), 638-641, 2013. M. M. Manyuchi., T. Chitambwe., P, Muredzi and Kanhukamwe, Q, “Continuous flow-through vermireactor for medium scale vermicomposting”, Asian Journal of Engineering and Technology, 1 (1), 44-48, 2013. M. M. Manyuchi, A. Phiri, P. Muredzi and S. Boka, “Comparison of vermicompost and vermiwash bio-fertilizers from vermicomposting waste corn pulp”, World Academy of Science, Engineering and Technology, 78, 365-368, 2013. Manyuchi, M. M., Phiri, A., Chirinda, N., Govha, J. and Sengudzwa, T., “Vermicomposting of waste corn pulp blended with cow dung using Eisenia Fetida”, World Academy of Sciences, Engineering and Technology, 68, 1306-1309, 2012.

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