Abstract
In the present study, sugar beet pulp (SBP) was subjected to bioconversion by earthworm Eisenia fetida in a vermicomposting process. SBP and cattle dung were mixed in different ratios of 0:100 (SBP0) 10:90 (SBP10), 20:80 (SBP20), 40:60 (SBP40) and 80:20 (SBP80). Allium cepa L. genotoxicity bioassay test was used to check the reduction of toxicity of waste during vermicomposting. The results revealed the increase in the root length and mitotic index (MI) values of final vermicomposted mixtures. The maximum root length (cm) and MI (%) values were found in the final feed mixtures of SBP0 (control) (7.52 ± 0.33 cm) and SBP10 (16.7 ± 0.29%) concentrations, respectively. The vermicomposted feed mixtures of sugar beet pulp showed 34–62% reduction in the chromosomal aberrations with maximum decline (62.0%) in SBP20 concentration. The study indicated that the earthworms have the potential to minimize the toxicity of SBP waste. Scanning electron microscopy analysis of SBP40 feed mixture revealed that the final product was more fragmented and scattered in nature than the initial raw waste.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
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 callDisclaimer: 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.
