Sustainable management of food wastes using effective microorganisms compost

Abstract

Food waste has become a serious issue in recent years. Due toincrease in over population, solid waste also more generated and affect public health and environment. Food wastes produce methane gas that results greater impact on global warming than carbon dioxide. The composting technology is one of the alternatives, as it is the highest form of recycling of biodegradable solid waste. The study was undertaken to utilize food waste generated, into organic manure using effective micro-organism. A total of 100 kg of food wastes were collected from 100 households in Allahabad over 15 days. The pit was dug for composting using Effective Microorganisms (EM) and natural composting for remediation of organic contaminants. The compost was analyzed and the effectiveness of compost was studied through cultivation of vegetables at households. Results revealed that EM compost had fast decomposition rate, rich in nutrients, more microbial activities, good germination and more yields compared with natural compost. Thus, the study paves way for effective management of food waste in order to minimize potential human and environment risks and composting using effective microorganisms as an option of waste management operation that is cheap, Eco- friendly and sustainable.