Biodegradation by composting of municipal organic solid waste into organic fertilizer using the black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) (Diptera: Stratiomyidae) larvae

• DOI: 10.1007/s40093-019-0268-4
• Publication Date: 2019-05-03T11:09:05Z
• Authors: D. Sarpong; S. Oduro-Kwarteng; S. F. Gyasi; R. Buamah; E. Donkor; E. Awuah; M. K. Baah
• Keywords: Hermetia illucens; Biodegradable waste; Amendment; Organic fertilizer

The objectives of this study were to assess the black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) composting potential and analyse quality organic fertilizer produced for agricultural purposes. waste biodegradation was determined by varying feed treatment (2, 2.5, 3.0, 3.5, 4 kg) control (2 heterogeneous mixture municipal solid from market, restaurant households. Each setups received equal number viable (i.e. 2000) which 5–6 days old. To nutrient concentration compost residues with BSFL, substrate final evaluated based on levels NPK as well C:N ratio. evaluate toxic in terms heavy metals, presence As, Cd, Fe, Pb Ni investigated. analysis showed that there high percentage increase nitrogen, phosphorus potassium levels, i.e. 41.2% (SD ± 0.71%), 32.4% (SE 0.2%) 77.1% 0.19%), respectively. It found degraded more than half total within 2 weeks. a decrease metal concentrations after composting. revealed increased significantly among groups. further some metals under investigation had reduced an acceptable level according standards both local international regulatory bodies.