We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Review on advances in toxic pollutants remediation by solid waste composting and vermicomposting
Summary
Researchers review how composting and vermicomposting — using earthworms and microbes to break down organic waste — can neutralize heavy metals and persistent chemical pollutants in solid waste streams. Notably, earthworms have been found to break microplastics down into even smaller nanoplastics during digestion, raising new questions about whether vermicomposting spreads rather than eliminates plastic contamination.
Organic solid waste loading emerges as a serious environmental threat. Vermicomposting and composting are the two biological processes having the potential to effectively treat organic waste. In composting, in a controlled environment, microorganisms are used to treat organic wastes. Vermicomposting is a low-cost waste management technique incorporates earthworms and microorganisms to produce highly nutritive vermicompost, which in turn preserves the ecosystem. In vermicomposting, earthworms are the important players, the rate of mineralization is increased and nutritive cast is produced as a byproduct. Vermicompost improves soil aeration, microbial population, soil enzyme activity, and texture while also fostering plant growth. Crop growth and yield are greatly impacted by vermicompost. Vermicast ensures sustainable agricultural practices in addition to improve soil health and plant growth. Adsorption, precipitation, redox reactions, and complexation all work together to make heavy metals unavailable during composting. Heavy metals like mercury, cadmium, lead, copper, zinc, and manganese are bioaccumulated by earthworms. When persistent organic pollutants are composted, microbes take them up and reduce their bioavailability. Through vermicast, earthworms convert microplastics into nanoplastics. This review discusses developments in composting and vermicomposting of organic wastes, the potential contribution of earthworms, presence of heavy metals in organic waste, the influence of biochar on composting and removal of toxic pollutants through composting and vermicomposting.
Sign in to start a discussion.
More Papers Like This
Vermicomposting as a potential strategy for microplastic reduction in organic waste: mini review
This review evaluates vermicomposting as a biological approach for reducing microplastic contamination in organic waste streams. Researchers found evidence that earthworms can physically fragment and partially break down certain types of microplastics during the composting process, though effects on earthworm health vary by plastic type and concentration. The study suggests that vermicomposting shows promise as a strategy for mitigating microplastic contamination in compost, but more research is needed on long-term impacts.
Removal Potential of Microplastics in Organic Solid Wastes via Biological Treatment Approaches
This review examines biological treatment approaches — including composting, anaerobic digestion, and vermicomposting — for removing microplastics from organic solid wastes, finding that while these methods can reduce microplastic abundance, significant knowledge gaps remain about fragmentation and fate during treatment.
Composting as a Sustainable Solution for Organic Solid Waste Management: Current Practices and Potential Improvements
This systematic review of composting practices finds that technological advances like microbial inoculants and in-vessel systems have improved efficiency, but managing contaminants such as heavy metals and microplastics in compost remains a significant challenge. The presence of microplastics in organic waste streams threatens compost quality and can introduce plastic pollution into agricultural soils.
Preliminary prospections on the fate of microplastics during vermicomposting of sewage sludge
Researchers tracked microplastic abundance through the vermicomposting stages of sewage sludge — from fresh sludge through aged sludge, vermicompost, and earthworm castings — finding a 52% reduction in microplastic concentration from initial sludge to vermicompost when particles were classified by size, color, and polymer type using micro-Raman spectroscopy.
Preliminary prospections on the fate of microplastics during vermicomposting of sewage sludge
Researchers tracked microplastic abundance through the vermicomposting stages of sewage sludge — from fresh sludge through aged sludge, vermicompost, and earthworm castings — finding a 52% reduction in microplastic concentration from initial sludge to vermicompost when particles were classified by size, color, and polymer type using micro-Raman spectroscopy.