1. Solid Waste Management Through Vermiculturing
Eng. M. M. Manyuchi (PhD)
Department of Chemical and Process Systems Engineering
Harare Institute of Technology

2. Outline Background of study Problem Statement Research Aims
Experimental
Results
Conclusions

3. 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

4. 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

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

6. The Vermiculturing Process

7. 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

8. 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

9. Results: Vermicompost and vermiwash

10. Results: NPK composition

11. Results: Secondary nutrients composition

12. 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

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

14. 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), , 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), , 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), , 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), , 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, 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, , 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, , 2012.

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