Vermicomposting as an effective approach to municipal sewage sludge management through optimization of the selected process variables

Water Sci Technol. 2023 Oct;88(8):1957-1973. doi: 10.2166/wst.2023.322.

Abstract

In most developing countries, municipal sewage sludge end-use practices appear unsustainable; rather, it poses environmental concerns. This study examined the potential of vermicomposting of municipal sewage sludge and its blend with other biowaste for agricultural application. Using a response surface methodology and the Box-Behnken design in Design Expert Software (Version 10.0.7), the current study optimized the moisture content (60-90%), turning frequency (1-3 turnings/week), and substrate mixing ratios (50:50 to 80:20 wt.%) to maximize the content of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. As a result, an optimal moisture content (72%), substrate mixing ratio (72.34:27.6 wt.%), and turning frequency (2 per week), producing a promising-quality vermicompost with a maximum yield of nitrogen (2.76%), phosphorus (1.80%), and potassium (1.88%) is achieved. Thus, vermicomposting can effectively turn the concerning municipal sewage sludge into useful agricultural input for its sustainable management.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Nitrogen / analysis
  • Oligochaeta* / physiology
  • Phosphorus / chemistry
  • Potassium
  • Sewage* / chemistry
  • Soil

Substances

  • Sewage
  • Soil
  • Potassium
  • Phosphorus
  • Nitrogen