Eudrilus Eugeniae Research Articles

Evaluation of earthworm meal (Eudrilus eugeniae) as fish meal replacement in juvenile Mangrove Crab (Scylla serrata) diet

Two feeding trials were conducted to evaluate the performance of the earthworm (Eudrilus eugeniae) meal (vermimeal) as a replacement for fish meal in the diet of juvenile mangrove crab (Scylla serrata) in terms of growth, feed efficiency, intermolt duration, carapace width increment, molting success, survival, and incidence of cannibalism. Four experimental diets were formulated with 0, 25, 50, and 75% fish meal protein replaced with earthworm meal protein, designated as D0, D25, D50, and D75, respectively. In the first feeding trial, the experimental diets were fed to crablets with an initial average weight of 0.09±0.007g. Each replicate comprised ten (10) crablets individually stocked in 750ml-capacity plastic containers randomly distributed in a static water bath. Final weight gain, feed efficiency and survival were measured after the 5th molt. In the second feeding trial, 150 crablets with an average weight of 0.07±0.002g were stocked at 30 crablets each in five (5) replicate tanks. Survival and incidence of cannibalism were monitored daily until the end of the culture period of 30 days. The first study showed that the growth of mangrove crab juveniles fed the diet with up to 50% of the fish meal protein replaced by the earthworm meal protein was statistically comparable to the control group. The survival of crablets in the second feeding trial was highest in D25 (33%), followed by D50 (29%), D0 (18%), and lowest in the group fed with D75 (13%). Overall, earthworm meal (Eudrilus eugeniae) can replace as much as 50% of the fish meal protein in juvenile mangrove crab (Scylla serrata) diet without negative effects on growth, carapace width increment, feed efficiency, intermolt duration, molting success, survival, and cannibalism.

Substitution of Fish Meal and Worm Meal African Night Crawler on the Physical Quality of Fish Feed

This research aims to determine the effect of substitution of fish meal and African night crawler worm meal on the quality of fish feed, especially physical aspects. The treatment tested was treatment A with a concentration of 55% fish meal, 10% worm meal, 30% corn meal, and 5% tapioca flour. Treatment B with a concentration of 53% fish meal, 12% worm meal, 30% corn meal, and 5% tapioca flour. Treatment C with a concentration of 49% fish meal, 14% worm meal, 30% corn meal, and 5% tapioca flour. Treatment K with a concentration of 65% fish meal, 0% worm meal, 30% corn meal, and 5% tapioca flour. The data collected consists of data on fish attractiveness to feed, feed solubility, feed hardness level and feed color aspects. The data that has been collected is then analyzed using descriptive analysis. The results of this research show that regarding the attractiveness of the feed to the test animals tested, the feed that received the quickest response from the fish to eat was the feed in treatment K. The solubility of feed in all treatments did not have a significant difference, However, the treatment that dissolved the fastest was treatment B, namely 207 minutes. Based on the level of feed hardness, the lowest level of feed hardness is feed in treatment K, which has a hardness level of 40%. In this research, where the color of the feed made is brown and slightly blackish and is similar in color to commercial feed.

Impact of Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticles on Eudrilus eugeniae: A Toxicological Study

The increasing use of nanotechnology means that nanomaterials will inevitably enter the environment. Eco-toxicological data are therefore required so that adequate risk assessments can be carried out. Nanoparticles (NPs) exhibit greater reactivity as their sizes, less than 100nm size, are so small that their surface area is larger. The NPs can intrude into human body more easily and are more toxic than bulk material due to increased reactivity to cells in the body. Further, investigations on the ecotoxicology of NPs have also been conducted, aiming to assess NP’s harmful effects to the ecosystem. NPs of titanium dioxide (TiO2) are widely used in sun care products as well as in self-cleaning coatings. During the life cycle of these commercial products, NPs may be released into the environment and become a threat to ecosystems. Particularly, TiO2 NPs have been shown to have toxic effects and can inhibit the growth of essential soil microorganisms. This study focused on the toxicological and histopathological effects of TiO2 nanoparticles on Eudrilus eugenia, aiming to shed light on the potential hazards posed by nanoparticles to soil organisms. This study assessed the toxicity, biomass change, cocoon production and mortality rate of earthworms under various concentrations of titanium dioxide. The results showed that TiO2 nanoparticles could lead to sublethal effects on earthworm survival and reproduction and the nanoparticles were accumulated in earthworm tissues. The study emphasized the need to consider nanoparticle interactions with soil organisms.

Vermicompost from Kitchen Waste and Paper Waste by Eudrilus eugeniae, Nutrient Analysis and Efficiency on Alternanthera sessilis Plant Growth

In India, a significant amount of paper and kitchen waste is produced, much of which is either burned, left outside, or landfilled, creating a significant challenge for its safe disposal. The Eudrilus eugeniae (Kinberg) earthworms can be used to convert all kitchen and paper waste into extremely useful, nutrient-rich vermicompost. The vermicompost contributes significantly to the growth and yield of various field crops, vegetables, flower and fruit crops. The use of organic residuals lowers production costs while eliminating the requirement for waste disposal and incineration. The present research was carried out to find out the potential vermicompost using kitchen and paper waste to compost on the Eudrilus eugeniae earthworm as it effectively decomposes waste. Vermicompost has been analysed to physicochemical parameters like pH, and the level of macronutrient, and micronutrient content namely nitrogen, phosphorous, potassium, iron, copper, manganese and zinc analyses between the 30th and 60th day of control (raw soil), kitchen and paper waste vermicomposting. The vegetable plant Alternanthera sessilis, commonly known as sessile joy weed or Ponnanganni, has been used to test and investigate the effectiveness of vermicompost. The plant growth parameters, especially root length, shoot length, and number of leaves has been studying. Finally, a comparison was made with plants growing on the 30th &60th days of kitchen waste vermicompost and the 30th & 60th days of paper waste vermicomposting. In final results, the plant obtains maximum growth in kitchen waste vermicompost as a result of Alternanthera sessilis (sessile Joyweed) growth on the 30th and 60th days. The kitchen waste vermicompost contains a higher amount of NPK content than the control and paper waste vermicomposts. Consequently, the Alternanthera sessilis plants thrived on the kitchen wastes.

Assistance for Oyster Mushroom Entrepreneurs in Making Fish Feed Formulations for African Night Crawler Worm (ANC) and Trichoderma sp. Fermented Bran

Utilization of baglog waste as a growth medium for ANC worms as a raw material for making formulated fish feed provides opportunities as a side business for oyster mushroom entrepreneurs to increase income. The purpose of this service is to provide assistance to target partners, in this case oyster mushroom entrepreneurs, in utilizing ANC worm flour as a substitute for fish meal and then formulated with Trichoderma sp. fermented bran. The results of the dedication that has been carried out show that there has been an increase in partners' skills in making formulated fish fefazidah@usu.ac.ided and developing the potential of science and technology-based independent entrepreneurs who develop from mushroom businesses. After this dedication, it is hoped that the partners can continue to develop this worm farming business and the application of worm-formulated feed for fish farming which has also been developed by partners so as to create an integrated oyster mushroom-based farming center.

Growth and Reproduction of Eudrilus eugeniae in Parthenium hysterophorus Biomass and Mixed Leaf Litter Substrates Amended with Wood Biochar

Growth and Reproduction of Eudrilus eugeniae in Parthenium hysterophorus Biomass and Mixed Leaf Litter Substrates Amended with Wood Biochar

Evaluation of the Ecotoxicology of Seaweed-Based Biopesticide Used in Combat of the Polyphagous Pest Using Eudrilus eugeniae Kinb.

Fundamental techniques for determining the toxicity of pesticides to soil organisms are ecotoxicological laboratory assays. Due to their expanding potential and rise in use as a sustainable agricultural strategy toward the biological pest management, we quantified the effects of the compounds from the active fraction of the green seaweed Chaetomorpha antennina (Chlorophyceae), which is found in abundance in coastal areas of India that was used for the control of the polyphagous lepidopteran Spodoptera litura. Since the seaweed compounds were able to affect the morphology, physiology, and biochemical aspects of the pest, it is essential to perform an ecotoxicological assessment against the bioindicator organism Eudrilus eugeniae Kinb. This comprehensive assessment includes a morphological assay as well as the possible effects of the compounds on the earthworm's physiological and biochemical aspects such as acetylcholinesterase, catalase, and superoxide dismutase enzyme activities. The benignity of the compounds should also be confirmed by analyzing the gut histology of the earthworms treated with the compounds.

Effect of earthworm and papain enzyme concentration on antioxidant activity of earthworm (Eudrilus eugeniae) protein hydrolysate

The earthworm Eudrilus eugeniae (African Night Crawler) can be used as a raw material for making protein hydrolysates. Hydrolysis of earthworms using papain enzyme produces peptides that have bioactivity as antioxidants. Antioxidant activity in earthworm hydrolysate is caused by phenolic compounds that have an important role in neutralizing free radicals. This study aims to determine the effect of earthworm concentration and papain enzyme concentration on soluble protein, total phenolic content, and antioxidant activity. This study used the Randomized Block Design (RBD) method arranged with two factors, namely earthworm concentration (20% 30%, and 40% (w/v)) and papain enzyme concentration (8%, 10%, and 12% (w/v)) with three replications. Data analysis used Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and continued with the DMRT test. The results showed that earthworm concentration, papain enzyme concentration, and the interaction between the two factors had a significant effect (p<0.05) on the test results of soluble protein, total phenolic content, and antioxidant activity. The treatment with earthworm concentration (40% (w/v)) and papain enzyme concentration (12% (w/v)) produced the highest mean soluble protein, total phenolic content, and antioxidant activity of 11.47%, 23.07 mg GAE/mL hydrolysate, and 3301.42 ppm.

Vermi degradation of different dietary supplements mediated on the reproduction and metabolic profile of earthworm Eudrilus eugeniae

Earthworm growth and reproduction is influenced by the environmental variables such as temperature, moisture, substrate and nutrient content in vermibed materials. By using different kind of dietary supplements with the conventional vermibed materials raise the development and reproductive potential of the earthworm Eudrilus eugeniae. The current study evaluated on particular periods such as 10th, 45th, and 90th day in vermibins with dietary supplements in the ratio of 1:1 the 50% Ficus religiosa leaf litters + 50% cow dung (T1); 50% Lawsonia inermis leaf litters + 50% cow dung (T2); 50% sugarcane bagasse + 50% cow dung (T3) was used and 100% cow dung serves as control (C). Among these vermibins, T3 vermibin treated earthworms had the highest growth, reproduction, highest sperm count in the seminal vesicle, hatching success, and also increased the metabolic profile of earthworms such as protein, carbohydrate, and lipids in tissues and seminal vesicle. Compared to the other nutritional supplements, the present study result revealed that cow dung and sugarcane bagasse together have a significant positive impact on earthworm growth and reproduction. This study emphasized on the enhancement of the reproductive capacity of the earthworm Eudrilus eugeniae by incorporating different dietary supplements with the traditional vermicomposting methods. This also helps to analyse the influence of the metabolic profile in the growth and development and even on the reproductive index of the earthworm which is been observed on three different period: 10th, 45th and 90th day of experimentation. In the current research multi output can be ensured by integrating with production of crops, vermicompost, earthworm growth and waste management. This present study also represents that the open dumping of such a huge quantity of dung materials and plant and animal wastes will create environmental pollution and benefits for soil fertility improvement.

Entomopathogenic fungi based microbial insecticides and their physiological and biochemical effects on Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith).

'The fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda', represents a significant threat to maize production, a major staple crop in Asian countries. In pursuit of more effective control of this insect pest, our study assessed the physiological and biochemical effects of the entomopathogenic fungus Metarhizium anisopliae against the larvae of S. frugiperda. Results revealed that, following nine days of treatment, a high concentration of conidia (1.5x107 conidia/mL-1) was toxic to all stages of larvae (second to fifth instar), resulting in 97% mortality of the second instar, 89% mortality of the third instar, 77% mortality of the fourth instar, and 72% mortality of fifth instar. All larval instars were found to have dose-dependent mortality effects. Treated S. frugiperda larvae further displayed significant physiological, morphological, and behavioral changes. Here, treated larvae displayed significantly lower levels of acetylcholinesterase, α-carboxylesterase, and β-carboxylesterase enzyme activity when compared to control groups. Treated larvae underwent an outward morphological change as the result of a decrease in the exterior cuticle of the anal papillae and a demelanization of the interior cuticle. Treated larvae also exhibited abnormal feeding behaviors as a consequence of the negative impact of conidia treatment on the neuromuscular system. Investigation into the effect of M. anisopliae on the non-target organism, the earthworm Eudrilus eugeniae, revealed that M. anisopliae conidia did not produce significant pathogenicity following three days of treatment. Furthermore, histological analysis revealed no significant effect of the entomopathogenic fungi on the gut tissue of the non-target organism. This study highlights the potential of M. anisopliae in the control of S. frugiperda.

The COELOMIC FLUID EXTRACTION AND COELOMOCYTES COUNT IN DIFFERENT EPIGEIC EARTHWORMS

The cavity of earthworm is filled with transparent fluid called coelomic fluid which is derived from the mesenchymal lining, exhibits a wide variety of biological activities. The coleomic fluid consists of various cells and many biomolecular components involved in innate immunity. This study aims to highlight the use of various standard methods for the extraction of coelomic fluid and also to calculate the differential coelomocytes count of three epigeic earthworm species such as Eudrilus eugeniae (EE), Eisenia fetida (EF) and Perioynx excavatus (PE). In present study, cold shock method was used for extraction of coelomic fluid from different epigeic earthworm species as it is more advantages than the other methods, especially for earthworms. During the study, four different kinds of coelomocytes were witnessed such as amoebocytes, chloragogen cells, mucocytes and circular cells. The total coelomocytes count was somewhat equal in allthree species with no significant difference, whereas a significant difference was noticed in differential count of coelomocytes i.e. Among all the coelomocytes amoebocytes, chloragogen cell and mucocytes were more in EE (56.33±0.33, 37.00±0.57 and 3.66±0.33) followed by PE (31.00±0.57, 16.33±0.33 and 2.00±0.57) and less in EF (24.00±0.32, 8.00±0.21 and 2.00±0.33) whereas circular cells were more in EF ( 66.00±0.57) followed by PE (50.66±0.33) and less in EE (2.66±0.33).

Earthworm-assisted bioremediation in a clayey soil contaminated by biodiesel

The Success in bioremediation techniques depends on factors such as site characteristics, environmental factors, contaminant nature (temperature, pH, nutrients), presence of suitable biodegradable genes, the contamination nature, etc. Earthworms can aid in these on these factors, through their biological, chemical and physical characteristics, they aerate the soil, improve the nutritional status and help to release the contaminants binding in the soil particles, besides, they help the degrading microorganisms’ dispersion. Biodiesel is a contaminant widely used in the fuel industry, and its production is encouraged. Thus, the aim of this study is analyzed the efficiency of an earthworm species (Eudrilus eugeniae) to remediated a residual clayey soil contaminated with biodiesel, with and without assistance for biostimulated native microorganisms. Therefore, a clay soil was contaminated with biodiesel (24 g / kg) and the ability of the earthworms of the species (Eudrilus eugeniae) to degrade biodiesel with or without biostimulation (cattle manure) for a period of 90 days was analyzed. Earthworms and cow dung have proved to be efficient for remediation processes, providing 100% degradation at the end of 90 days for "biostimulation and earthworm" and "biostimulation, microorganisms and earthworm" samples. Thus, the use of earthworms contributes to a faster remediation process and, together with microorganisms, they are a more sustainable solution for application in areas contaminated with fuels.

Comparative investigation on synergistic changes in enzyme activities during vermicomposting of cereal grain processing industry sludge employing three epigeic earthworm species.

The management of cereal grain processing industry sludge through vermicomposting is an emerging prospect for researchers interested in the green economy. This work is designed to enumerate the enzymatic influence of three epigeic earthworm species - Eisenia fetida, Eudrilus eugeniae, and Perionyx excavatus on the industrial sludge. The vermicomposting experiment was conducted in plastic pots by blending the waste materials with 5% cow dung. The dynamics in activities of cellulase, amylase, invertase, phosphatase, protease, dehydrogenase, and urease were studied on 15days intervals till the harvesting period. The periodical observations confirmed that the enzyme activities (in terms of μg reducing sugar/g/hr) of cellulase (26.45-128.09) amylase (205.43-878.96), invertase (105.32-841.65), phosphatase (85.29-435.54), protease (64.21-359.47), dehydrogenase (111.17-587.72), and urease (94.16-476.71) was low in the first 15days of the vermicomposting experiment followed by a sharp increase in the next 45days accompanied by a steady decline until the harvesting is carried out. Emerging statistical tools such as principal component analysis were employed to study the synergistic deviations of the enzymes during the vermicomposting process. The results confirmed that the enzyme activity efficiently influences the bio-oxidation of industrial waste at an individual level as well as synergistic level thereby allowing the vermicompost to mature much before the appearance of any physical symptoms on the surface of the vermireactors.

The effect of giving cabbage litter on population growth of the african night crawder earthworm (Eudrilus eugeniae)

Cabbage (Brassica oleracea) is one of the vegetable wastes that is often produced by the Amahami market, Bima City. With its easy-to-wilt nature and high water content, cabbage causes it to rot quickly, which will impact environmental problems. Processing market waste certainly requires sustainable management. One model of waste management is to use it as feed. This research aims to determine the effect of giving cabbage waste on the increase in the population of earthworms (Eudrilus eugeniae). The research was carried out in Bima City, Ule Village, Asakota District, Tolotongga Environment. The type of this research is experimental. The research design was a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with four treatments and ten replications. The parameter observed was the increase in the number of earthworms, analyzed using One Way Anova and followed by Duncan's Multiple Range Test (DMRT). The results of the research showed that giving cabbage waste (Brassica oleracea) as feed had a significant effect (0.009<0.05) on increasing the population of earthworms (Eudrilus eugeniae). The treatment with the highest results was P1 (50 grams of cabbage), with an average number of worms of 367.30.

Humifloc™: An improved solid waste responsible for sustainable aquaculture

The present experiment intended to find out the alternative usages of solid wastes, left aside due to their non-usage for the benefit of animals. Among the different types of solid wastes, organic bio-degradable solid wastes from the municipal area comprising non-hazardous properties had been considered for enhancing aquaculture productivity. Organic solid wastes along with the vermicast, produced by certain epigeic earthworms (Eisenia fetida, Eudrilus eugeniae,Perionyx excavatus) from the mixture of raw cow dung (added externally), certain beneficial herbs (Neem: Azadirachta indica, Indian-Almond: Terminalia catappa, Kule Khara: Hygrophila auriculata, and Ashwagandha: Withania somnifera), turmeric (Curcuma longa), and whole banana tree (Musa paradisiaca) were the basic ingredients to represent the ‘improved solid wastes’(Trade named: Humifloc™), produced through a series of natural procedures finally to act as a supplement. Periodical [start-up dose: 10 kg acre−1 (single time); maintenance dose: 05 kg acre−1 fortnightly up to 90 days] direct administration of Humifloc™ was done into the experimental ponds reared with teleostean fishes [Catla (Catla catla), Rahu (Labeo rohita), Magur (Clarias batrachus), and Koi (Anabas testudineus) 2:5:1:1] up to 90 days in the dry season (November to January) and were fed with farm-prepared farm-made-aqua-feed or ‘farm-feed’. Three ponds [(one control (C farm-feed only): and two treatments (T: P1 & P2 farm-feed plus Humifloc™)] were considered while observing the growth performances and alteration in tissue biochemistry of the experimental fish species. A comprehensive study based on growth and biochemical parameters of various tissues indicated a quadratic response. Under Humifloc™ exposure, pond water depicted an equilibrium in water parameters like in pH, ammonia, and nitrate, while the fishes depicted faster metabolic rate, higher digestibility, balancing of glucose homeostasis, and higher brain signalling which might finally result in elevation of growth performances with higher productivity, directly affecting to the profitability of the poor fish farmers.

Synergistic Interactions in Enzyme Activities During Vermiremediation of Heavy Metals (HMs) Polluted Soil: Elucidating the Impact of Eudrilus eugeniae

ABSTRACT The vermiremediation potential of Eudrilus eugeniae was assessed in heavy metals (HMs) contaminated soil in a microcosm experiment. In detail, efficacy of E. eugeniae was investigated in terms of reduction in HMs content, enhancement in the soil enzyme activities, synergistic correlation between the HMs and enzyme activities and bioaccumulation of HMs in the earthworm’s biomass. Moreover, a seed germination assay was also conducted to assess the HMs toxicity in soil after remediation. The results showed that Eudrilus eugeniae was capable of decreasing the Cu, Zn, Mn, Cr, and Ni contents in the soil by 17.56–26.30% after 90 days of experimental trial. Introduction of E. eugeniae increased cellulase, amylase, polyphenol oxidase, peroxidase, urease, dehydrogenase, and catalase activities by 30.3–80.95% compared to controls. Earthworm addition led to a 12.98% increase in G-Mean and 2.89% increase in T-QSI values, indicating significant soil health improvement. PCA revealed the negative impact of HMs on synergistic enzyme activities during vermiremediation. HMs content in earthworm biomass increased 13-fold. Seed germination assay confirmed HMs reduction by the end of the experiment. Thus, this study demonstrated the interconnected changes in the soil enzyme activities during vermiremediation of HMs from crude oil polluted soil.

Production of Eudrilus eugenia and Compost From Breeding Manure (Cattle, Cavies, Rabbits, And Poultry) In South Of Côte D’ivoire

Developing countries must, in order to support agriculture, integrate available natural resources and promote management of livestock waste. Therefore, the potential of earthworms to decompose organic waste must be exploit : vermicomposting. Thus earthworm Eudrilus eugeniae was cultured in 4 simples treatments and 6 mixed manure treatments. These treatments are combination or not of manure of cattle, cavies, rabbit and poultry. Each treatment has undergone 3 repetitions. The experiment lasted 12 weeks. pH, numerical productivity of E. eugeniae and biomass of E. eugenia have been determined. The results showed that all treatments containing rabbit manure have a final pH close to 7 (neutral pH) with the exception of MG +MR treatment. Those based on poultry or guinea-pig manure and the control range between 5 and 6.5 and are therefore more acidic. The average density and the earthworm biomass of the MC + MR treatment respectively 2889 ± 333 ind./ m2 and 397.22 ± 234.44 g / m2 are different from other treatments. the manure mixture is a privileged environment for Eudrilus eugeniae. It provides a significant biomass of earthworms that can be used in fish farming or in the diet of monogastric animal feed.
 

Assessment on the Toxic Effects of Chemically Synthesized SPIONs against Model Organisms

The remarkable physicochemical properties of nanomaterials have attracted researchers due to the numerous applications in the field of chemistry, biology, and physics. Despite the various applications, superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) are harmful to living organisms and to the environment as they are released without any safety testing. In this study, SPIONs were synthesized and further characterized. The aim of the study was to examine the toxicity of synthesized SPIONs against animal models: Zebrafish—Danio rerio, Earthworm—Eudrilus eugeniae, and Drosophila—Drosophila melanogaster through histology using Hematoxylin–Eosin and Prussian Blue staining. The accumulation of SPIONs was further quantified by using Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS). Through histology images, it was observed that the SPIONs had caused damages and a lower concentration of 0.001–0.002 μg/ml of metal accumulation was detected in the ICP-MS analysis.

Vermicast Analysis with the Earthworm Species Pheretima losbanosensis (Crassiclitellata: Megascolecidae): Bacterial Profiles for Potential Applications in Agriculture

In the Philippines, the use of non-native earthworm species in vermicomposting is popular. Given that the country is a vital geographical resource for earthworm diversity, the study of earthworm species to establish the potential of their vermicasts in agricultural applications is essential. In this study, the bacteria associated with the vermicasts of the recently described indigenous species, Pheretima losbanosensis, were investigated using next-generation sequencing, community-level physiological profiling, and NPK activity screening. The results showed diverse bacterial species belonging to the phyla Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes, Acidobacteria, Actinobacteria, Chloroflexi, Firmicutes, Gemmatimonadetes, Nitrospirae, Planctomycetes, Spirochaetes, Thermodesulfobacteria, and Verrucomicrobia. Higher diversity and carbon substrate utilization (p < 0.05) of amines and amides, phenolic compounds, polymers, and carboxylic and acetic acids were exhibited by the bacterial communities of P. losbanosensis compared to those of Eudrilus eugeniae. Likewise, bacteria (n = 25) isolated from P. losbanosensis vermicasts had higher nitrogen fixation and phosphate and potassium solubilization activities (p < 0.05) than the bacteria (n = 20) isolated from E. eugeniae vermicasts. Overall, our results indicate that the diverse bacterial communities inhabiting the vermicasts of P. losbanosensis have nutrient mineralization and carbon substrate utilization activities that may have applications in sustainable agriculture as a potential organic input to promote plant growth and improve soil substrate.

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) remediation during vermicomposting and composting: Mechanistic insights through PAH-budgeting.

Knowledge on the mechanism of earthworm-induced removal of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) in vermicomposting systems and interaction with nutrient mineralization and microbial growth is scarce in literature. Moreover, the PAH accumulation capacity of Eudrilus eugeniae has not been studied. This research, therefore, investigates the apportionment dynamics of 13 PAH compounds in aerobic composting and vermicomposting (Eisenia fetida and E. eugeniae) systems using novel budget equations. The PAH removal efficiency of vermicomposting was significantly higher (2-threefold) than composting with concurrent microbial augmentation (p < 0.01). However, the 4-6 ring compounds reduced more significantly (30-50%) than the 3-ring PAHs (p < 0.01), and E. eugeniae was an equally competitive PAH-accumulator compared to E. fetida. The budget equations revealed that although the bioaccumulation capabilities of earthworms were retarded due to PAH exposure, earthworms facilitated PAH-immobilization in decomposed feedstock. A marked increase in bacterial, fungal, and actinomycetes proliferation in PAH-spiked vermibeds with parallel removal of the PAHs indicated that earthworm-induced microbial enrichment plays a vital role in PAH detoxification during vermicomposting. Correlation analyses strongly implied that earthworm-driven mineralization-humification balancing and microbial enrichment could be the critical mechanism of PAH remediation under vermicomposting.