Vermicomposting as an effective method to utilise organic waste and produce high-quality fertilizers with low concentration of heavy metals

Abstract

The article discusses the use of non-traditional types of organic waste in vermicomposting in the territory of the middle taiga forest zone of Western Siberia in greenhouses. The main objects of the study were brewer's grains, waste from the production of the Kristal brewing company in the city of Surgut and wastewater sludge from the treatment facilities of the Gorvodokanal in Surgut. Additionally, the composition of complex composts included sand, office waste paper, waste coffee, food waste, leaf and grass litter, bird droppings and the microbiological additive ‘’Tamir’’. The compost worms of the Eisenia foetida ‘’Prospector’’ species were used as vermiculture. In a series of experiments, individuals of immature worms were used. The resulting vermicomposting is more effective in quality than the original substrates. The use of the hybrid Prospector can be effectively used in the disposal of non-traditional organic waste. Complex composts mature more efficiently when microbiological additives are added. In the studied substrates, the content of heavy metals was reduced to maximum permissible levels of content.