Vermicomposting of distillery sludge waste with tea leaf residues

Abstract

Studies on bioconversion of solid wastes have been performed for controlling pollution due to waste disposal. Vermicomposting has been identified as an efficient technology for this purpose. The present study aims at the management of distillery sludge waste (DSW) combined with tea leaf residues (TLR) using the eco-biological tool, vermicomposting. DSW and TLR were combined in different ratios and subject to vermicomposting for a period of 45 days using the earthworm, Eisenia fetida. The physico-chemical properties were analyzed in vermicompost samples taken on the 0, 15, 30 and 45th day. It was observed that the values of pH, total nitrogen, total phosphorus, total potassium, available nitrogen, available phosphorus, available potassium, total calcium and total magnesium were increased with a declining trend in electrical conductivity, total organic carbon and C/N ratio from its initial value. Finally, the solid wastes were successfully transformed into a nutrient-rich vermicompost.