A platform for research: civil engineering, architecture and urbanism
A platform for research: civil engineering, architecture and urbanism
Effect of Heavy Metals on Earthworm Activities During Vermicomposting of Municipal Solid Waste
The effect of heavy metals on the activities of earthworm species Eudrillus eugineae was studied during vermicomposting of municipal solid waste (MSW) spiked with heavy metals. The activities of earthworms, in terms of growth and biomass production and number of cocoons produced, were monitored periodically, and the concentration of heavy metals in earthworms and substrates was determined at definite intervals. Laboratory‐scale experiments were performed by mixing individual heavy metals in MSW. Copper, cadmium, chromium, lead, and zinc were selected for the study. The study concludes that heavy metals tend to accumulate in the body of earthworms; hence, the inherent concentration of heavy metals in the substrate before vermicomposting must be considered in view of composting of MSW and its application to soil. It was observed that copper and cadmium were toxic for the worms at 1.5 and 0.1 g/kg of the waste, respectively. The studies also suggest that earthworms are susceptible to the free form of heavy metals. Cadmium is the most toxic metal, followed by copper. Based on the investigation and observation, it was also found that earthworms should be separated from castings before the use of castings in soil amendments.
Effect of Heavy Metals on Earthworm Activities During Vermicomposting of Municipal Solid Waste
The effect of heavy metals on the activities of earthworm species Eudrillus eugineae was studied during vermicomposting of municipal solid waste (MSW) spiked with heavy metals. The activities of earthworms, in terms of growth and biomass production and number of cocoons produced, were monitored periodically, and the concentration of heavy metals in earthworms and substrates was determined at definite intervals. Laboratory‐scale experiments were performed by mixing individual heavy metals in MSW. Copper, cadmium, chromium, lead, and zinc were selected for the study. The study concludes that heavy metals tend to accumulate in the body of earthworms; hence, the inherent concentration of heavy metals in the substrate before vermicomposting must be considered in view of composting of MSW and its application to soil. It was observed that copper and cadmium were toxic for the worms at 1.5 and 0.1 g/kg of the waste, respectively. The studies also suggest that earthworms are susceptible to the free form of heavy metals. Cadmium is the most toxic metal, followed by copper. Based on the investigation and observation, it was also found that earthworms should be separated from castings before the use of castings in soil amendments.
Effect of Heavy Metals on Earthworm Activities During Vermicomposting of Municipal Solid Waste
Kumar, Sunil (author) / Sharma, Vishal (author) / Bhoyar, R. V. (author) / Bhattacharyya, J. K. (author) / Chakrabarti, Tapan (author)
Water Environment Research ; 80 ; 154-161
2008-02-01
8 pages
Article (Journal)
Electronic Resource
English
biomass , earthworms , castings , absorption , cocoons , contaminants
Kitchen waste management by vermicomposting using locally available epigeic earthworm species
| BASE | 2019
Characterization of Heavy Metals in Municipal Solid Waste Incineration (MSWI) Slag
| British Library Online Contents | 2011
Effect of Magnetic Separation in Heavy Metals of Municipal Solid Waste Incineration Bottom Ash
| British Library Online Contents | 2007
Volatilization of heavy metals during incineration of municipal solid wastes
| Online Contents | 2004