Macroorganism-Assisted Bioconversion of Organic Waste by Mealworm (Tenebrio molitor): An Investigation of Process Efficiency and Sustainability

Abstract

Organic waste management is still a big challenge that still requires a solution. Currently composting is a method that is commonly used, but ordinary composting takes a long time to reduce the mass of organic waste. Utilization of bioconversion agents is one strategy that can be used in processing organic waste. Mealworm (Tenebrio molitor) is an insect that can be used as bioconversion. This study aims to determine the feed consumption rate, mealworm growth, and the physical and chemical of the compost. The results showed that feed consumption increased during the incubation period with the highest level in reactor 1 with fermented vegetables using EM4 + wheat bran as feed. While the highest weight of mealworm larvae was found in reactor 3 with a weight of 196 g. The values for water content, temperature, colour are in accordance with the Indonesian Compost Standard (SNI: Indonesian National Standard). The pH decreased with the incubation period. The pH of the compost from Reactor 1 and Reactor 2 complies with SNI. Compost content of P and C/N ratio are not in accordance with quality standards, while for K the results obtained are in accordance with SNI. Where the P value obtained ranges from 0.0007 - 0.0032%, K values range from 26 - 45% and C/N ratio values range from 0.55 to 1.99.