Earthworm Technology in Organic Waste Management: Recent Trends and Advances

Earthworm Technology in Organic Waste Management is a valuable resource for researchers,practitioners,and students interested in organic waste management and pollution control. It provides a comprehensive overview of the latest trends and advances in the use of earthworms in organic waste management,including their applications in municipal and industrial waste management,vermifiltration/vermiwash,and vermicomposting.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 398 pages
Publication date: 10 October 2023
Publisher: Elsevier - Health Sciences Division

Earthworm Technology in Organic Waste Management: Recent Trends and Advances is a valuable addition to the Waste and The Environment: Underlying Burdens And Management Strategies series, offering insightful guidance on the classification, assessment, mitigation strategies, and management of organic wastes through the utilization of earthworms. Furthermore, the book provides a comprehensive summary of the latest findings on emerging pollution-related issues, their sustainable management, and future perspectives.

The book delves into various aspects of organic waste management, encompassing the use of earthworms in municipal and industrial waste management, the role of earthworms in vermifiltration/vermiwash, and the application of vermicompost in crops. Additionally, it explores the potential of earthworms in remediating emerging contaminants, such as antibiotic resistance genes, heavy metals, pesticides, microplastics, and other pollutants that have not received in-depth coverage in previous publications.

The utilization of earthworms in organic waste management has gained significant attention in recent years due to their remarkable ability to degrade organic matter, promote soil fertility, and enhance ecosystem health. Earthworms play a vital role in the natural decomposition process, breaking down organic materials into smaller particles that can be readily absorbed by soil microorganisms. This process not only reduces the volume of organic waste but also improves soil structure, water retention, and nutrient availability, thereby promoting plant growth and enhancing ecosystem resilience.

In municipal and industrial waste management, earthworms have been employed as a cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional waste disposal methods. They can be used to treat a wide range of organic waste materials, including food waste, paper waste, and industrial waste, reducing the amount of waste that ends up in landfills and pollutes the environment. Earthworms can also be used to enhance the quality of soil, improve water infiltration, and reduce soil erosion, thereby promoting sustainable land management practices.

In the field of vermifiltration/vermiwash, earthworms play a crucial role in removing contaminants from wastewater. They can be used in conjunction with other biological treatment processes, such as activated sludge, to enhance the removal of pollutants such as organic matter, nutrients, and pathogens. Vermicompost, the resulting product of earthworm digestion, is a nutrient-rich organic material that can be used as a soil amendment or as a fertilizer, promoting the growth of healthy crops and reducing the need for chemical fertilizers.

Furthermore, earthworms have the potential to remediate emerging contaminants that pose significant environmental and health risks. For instance, studies have shown that earthworms can degrade antibiotic resistance genes, heavy metals, and pesticides, thereby reducing their bioavailability and potential impact on human health and the environment. Earthworms can also be used to remove microplastics from soil and water, which are a growing concern due to their harmful effects on wildlife and human health.

However, the use of earthworms in organic waste management also presents several challenges. One of the main challenges is the need for proper management and maintenance of earthworm populations. Earthworms are sensitive to environmental conditions, such as temperature, moisture, and nutrient availability, and their populations can decline rapidly if these conditions are not adequately maintained. Additionally, the use of earthworms in large-scale applications can require significant infrastructure and resources, making it challenging to implement on a broader scale.

Despite these challenges, the use of earthworm technology in organic waste management continues to grow and evolve. Researchers and practitioners are exploring new applications and techniques to enhance the efficiency and sustainability of earthworm-based waste management systems. For example, some studies are investigating the use of earthworms in the treatment of hazardous waste, such as nuclear waste and chemical waste, which pose significant challenges to traditional waste disposal methods. Others are exploring the use of earthworms in the remediation of contaminated soil, which can be a costly and time-consuming process.

In conclusion, Earthworm Technology in Organic Waste Management: Recent Trends and Advances is a valuable resource for researchers, practitioners, and policymakers interested in the field of organic waste management. The book provides a comprehensive overview of the latest trends and developments in the use of earthworms in organic waste management, including their applications in municipal and industrial waste management, vermifiltration/vermiwash, and vermicompost production. Additionally, it explores the potential of earthworms in remediating emerging contaminants, such as antibiotic resistance genes, heavy metals, pesticides, microplastics, and other pollutants that pose significant environmental and health risks. While the use of earthworms in organic waste management presents several challenges, ongoing research and development efforts are aimed at addressing these challenges and promoting the sustainable and effective use of earthworm technology in waste management practices.

Weight: 826g
Dimension: 191 x 235 x 23 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780443160509