Abstract

Vermicomposting of paper mill sludge (PMS) and tea waste (TW) using cow dung (CD) in five different combinations was carried out using Eisenia fetida. The aim of this study was to manage the waste disposal problem of PMS using the environment-friendly technology of vermiconversion. The changes in physico-chemical parameters were observed at 30-day intervals up to 90 days. The final pH was within 6.09–6.95 among all units. The TN, TP and TK contents increased 0.30–0.87, 0.53–3.23, 0.33–0.63 times, respectively in all mixtures after vermicomposting with increase in EC and ash Content. Maximum reduction in Total Organic Carbon (23.91%) was observed in treatment with highest PMS content, attributed to earthworm activity. Reduction in C: N ratio (38.63%–54.05%) was significantly observed in all the treatments. It was finally inferred that the paper mill sludge and tea waste in combination with cow dung can be successfully biotransformed into useful manure employing earthworms.

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.