Enrichment of Physico-Chemical Parameters of Sludge Using Earthworm

Authors

  • Mayank Mrinal
  • Alok Bharadwaj
  • Sudhir Goyal

Abstract

Wastewater treatment processes produces by-product in the form of sludge which can be used as fertilizer for the soil and crops. The application of treated sludge in the form of fertilizer can significantly reduce the disposal cost of sludge as well as provides large part of macro and micro nutrients for the plants and crops. The treated sludge can be used for providing substantial amount of required nitrogen and phosphorus for different crops.

The application of a new species of earthworm on the sludge has improved the quality of various parameters present in the sludge. The content of both macro and micro nutrients present in the resultant compost has been increased which can be used as a good of fertilizer.

The earthworm species Perionyx ceylanesis named as “Jai Gopal” has various characters namely high fecundity, heat tolerance up to 430C ambient temperature, rich protein content of 67% and almost all functional amino-acids. It has longer life span, the interval of time period from hatchling to maturity is smaller and the adoption ability from 23 to 430C ambient temperature makes is more efficient, feasible and durable.

The results of the present study have clearly explained that all the parameters related to nutrient supply and fertility (e.g. organic carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, zinc, iron, magnesium and sulphur) have increased significantly, while pH and electrical conductivity have decreased considerably. Thus it can be concluded that vermicompost prepared from Perionyx ceylanesis named as “Jai Gopal” has significantly increased the nutritive status of the treated soil.

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Published

2020-03-20

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Section

Articles