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Das D, Kalita N, Langthasa D, Faihriem V, Borah G, Chakravarty P, Deka H. Eisenia fetida for vermiconversion of waste biomass of medicinal herbs: Status of nutrients and stability parameters. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2022; 347:126391. [PMID: 34838967 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2021.126391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2021] [Revised: 11/14/2021] [Accepted: 11/16/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Vermiconversion possibility of waste biomass of two medicinal herbs Zingiber officinale and Curcuma longa has been investigated. The Eisenia fetida, an epigeic earthworm was used in the vermicomposting process. The vermicomposting caused shifting in pH towards neutral range, reduction in electrical conductivity, total organic carbon, C/N and C/P ratios whereas1.8-2.73 folds enhancement in macronutrients (TKN, AP, T Ca and T Mg) and ash contents in the substrate mixture. The heavy metals and trace elements content in the vermicompost were found within 3.25-1380 mg/kg and are under the permissible limits of compost applications. Besides, high germination index value in the vermicompost extract indicates loss of phytotoxicity and safe agricultural application potential of the end product. Finally, enhanced growth in Eisenia fetida confirms the application potential of harvested waste biomass as the raw materials for vermiconversion process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dhritashri Das
- Ecology and Environmental Remediation Laboratory, Department of Botany, Gauhati University, Guwahati 781014, Assam, India
| | - Nabajit Kalita
- Ecology and Environmental Remediation Laboratory, Department of Botany, Gauhati University, Guwahati 781014, Assam, India
| | - Dericka Langthasa
- Ecology and Environmental Remediation Laboratory, Department of Botany, Gauhati University, Guwahati 781014, Assam, India
| | - Vanlalhriet Faihriem
- Ecology and Environmental Remediation Laboratory, Department of Botany, Gauhati University, Guwahati 781014, Assam, India
| | - Glory Borah
- Ecology and Environmental Remediation Laboratory, Department of Botany, Gauhati University, Guwahati 781014, Assam, India
| | - Paramita Chakravarty
- Ecology and Environmental Remediation Laboratory, Department of Botany, Gauhati University, Guwahati 781014, Assam, India
| | - Hemen Deka
- Ecology and Environmental Remediation Laboratory, Department of Botany, Gauhati University, Guwahati 781014, Assam, India.
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Kour G, Sharma RK, Khan N, Pathak AK, Rastogi A, Sharma VK. Spent marigold flower meal as an alternate feed for goats. Trop Anim Health Prod 2021; 53:430. [PMID: 34363100 DOI: 10.1007/s11250-021-02875-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2021] [Accepted: 07/30/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
This research trial is aimed to study the nutritional qualities and significance of feeding spent marigold flower meal (SMFM) in goats. SMFM and diet containing iso-nitrogenous concentrate mixture with different levels of spent marigold flower meal (0-30%) were studied for in vitro degradation. Depending upon the in vitro results, concentrate mixture containing 15% level of SMFM was selected for in vivo trial. In vivo studies were conducted for a period of 60 days, and 12 local, non-descript, adult male goats (10-14 months age; 31.09 ± 2.91 kg body weight) were randomly assigned to two groups and were fed on ad libitum wheat straw with either conventional (control) or SMFM containing concentrate mixture (treatment). Results of the study showed that there was no variation in body weight of the goats between periods and between groups. DM and OM intake along with their digestibility were similar among the two groups. The digestibility of all other nutrients was comparable between the two groups. Nitrogen, calcium and phosphorus balance were positive in both the groups without any significant disparity. Moreover, experimental goats did not differ in biochemical parameters, without any significant difference between periods and dietary treatments except AST level which was significantly higher (P > 0.05) in treatment group. So, this study successfully demonstrates that SMFM could be incorporated in the concentrate mixture, up to 15% without any discernable difference in the performance of goats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gagandeep Kour
- Division of Animal Nutrition, F.V.Sc. & A.H., SKUAST-Jammu, Jammu, J & K, India
| | - R K Sharma
- Division of Animal Nutrition, F.V.Sc. & A.H., SKUAST-Jammu, Jammu, J & K, India
| | - Nazam Khan
- ILFC, F.V.Sc. & A.H., SKUAST-Jammu, Jammu, J & K, India
| | - A K Pathak
- Division of Animal Nutrition, F.V.Sc. & A.H., SKUAST-Jammu, Jammu, J & K, India
| | - Ankur Rastogi
- Division of Animal Nutrition, F.V.Sc. & A.H., SKUAST-Jammu, Jammu, J & K, India
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Unveiling the Efficiency of Psychrophillic Aporrectodea caliginosa in Deciphering the Nutrients from Dalweed and Cow Manure with Bio-Optimization of Coprolites. SUSTAINABILITY 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/su13105338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
There is an immense demand for vermicomposting employing psychrophilic vermiculture (Aporrectodea caliginosa) for management of wastes under the Himalayan ecosystem. Dalweed (weeds from the world-famous urban Dal Lake) and cow manure (CM) are cheaply and abundantly available bio resources in Kashmir valley. Dalweed (DW), disposed of in the heart of the city, ascribes unpleasant effects on tourism and the natural ecosystem. Initial substrate mixtures of DW and CM with different ratios (CM100, DW100, CM80:DW20, CM60:DW40, CM40:DW60 and CM20:DW80) and castings harvested were analyzed for the following parameters: pH, TOC, TN, NO3- P, K, Fe, Zn, C:N, C:P, and C:S ratio. The results of a 56day study revealed in consistency and disparity towards the bio-optimization of coprolites depending upon the type of waste residue and mixture ratio used. Treatments with medium to low dalweed residues (CM60:DW40 followed by CM80:DW20) were found to be optimum and significantly primed chemical properties of castings using A. caligenosa. C:N, C:P, and C:S ratios showed a non-linear response with maximum decrease in C:N ratio by 35%, C:P ratio by 38% in CM100, and C:S ratio by 67% in DW100. Humification ratio, humification index, and percent humic acids were changed across all the treatments with the highest respective values of 21.33 ± 1.05, 11.33 ± 0.76, and 47.83 ± 0.76 for CM60:DW40. Results also showed that the earthworm population and biomass significantly increased with the highest respective increments of 57.53% and 74.88% in CM60:DW40 over initial values. Moreover, the highest number of cocoons (95.67 ± 1.17) were recorded within CM60:DW40 and the lowest in the control (43.33 ± 1.53). Dehydrogenase and fluorescein diacetate activities were inconsistent with the highest in CM40:DW60 (64.64%) and CM20:DW80 (63.54%) respectively over the initial substrates, while highest urease activity (74.40%) was observed from CM100. The results highlight the role of A. caliginosa in sustainable transformation of CM and DW with insightful, beneficial, and priming impacts on castings for its agronomic value.
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Sharma D, Pandey AK, Yadav KD, Kumar S. Response surface methodology and artificial neural network modelling for enhancing maturity parameters during vermicomposting of floral waste. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2021; 324:124672. [PMID: 33445008 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2021.124672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2020] [Revised: 01/01/2021] [Accepted: 01/02/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
In this study, the mixture of floral waste and cattle dung in different proportions was utilised to convert into vermicompost using earthworm Eisenia fetida. In the design of the experiment, the optimum amount of floral waste (1325 g) and cattle dung (500 g) was obtained for vermicompost using central composite design (CCD) and compared with the output of artificial neural network (ANN). The optimum proportions of vermicompost showed pH of 7.10, electrical conductivity of 3.39 mS/cm, total organic carbon of 34.01%, C: N ratio of 13, phosphorous of 5.31 g/kg and potassium of 14.45 g/kg. This vermicompost was enriched with sufficient concentration of nutrients like potassium, sodium, phosphorous, and calcium, which are beneficial for the growth of the plants. The current study was based on comparing response surface methodology (RSM) and ANN for maturity parameters and the value of R2 in both the cases was near 1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dayanand Sharma
- Civil Engineering Department, National Institute of Technology Patna, Ashok Rajpath, Mahendru, Patna, Bihar 800005, India
| | - Ashutosh Kumar Pandey
- CSIR-National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI), Nehru Marg, Nagpur 440 020, India
| | - Kunwar Durg Yadav
- Civil Engineering Department, S. V. National Institute of Technology, Surat, Gujarat 395 007, India
| | - Sunil Kumar
- CSIR-National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI), Nehru Marg, Nagpur 440 020, India.
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Dubey RK, Dubey PK, Chaurasia R, Singh HB, Abhilash PC. Sustainable agronomic practices for enhancing the soil quality and yield of Cicer arietinum L. under diverse agroecosystems. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2020; 262:110284. [PMID: 32250780 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2020.110284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2019] [Revised: 02/06/2020] [Accepted: 02/12/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Sustainable agronomic practices are being implemented worldwide to promote the cleaner and planet friendly crop production. Therefore, in the present study, we investigated the effect of agro-waste derived biochar and vermicompost on soil quality and yield in Cicer arietinum L. Field experiment was carried out at three different agro-climatic regions (Varanasi, Sultanpur and Gorakhpur) of Uttar Pradesh, India and periodic soil and crop sampling were done accordingly. Experimental results proven that a significant increase (p < 0.01) in total organic carbon, available N, P and K content was observed under vermicompost followed by biochar amendment at each site. Similarly, irrespective of the experimental site, a significant increase (p < 0.01) in microbial biomass carbon was recorded under vermicompost amendment. Furthermore, the addition of vermicompost increased the grain yield (28-39%) than biochar (23-36%) addition whereas the higher microbial and soil respiration (2-6%) found in former field than the biochar added field (1-3%). Significant correlation (R2= 0.61-0.99) was found between the sustainable yield index and soil fertility factors at each site. Assessment of agricultural soil sustainability indicators (ASSI) suggests that the biochar was more effective in enhancing the soil carbon stock (21 ± 1.31 Mg C ha-1) and higher glomalin activity (62%). The study also confirmed the increased alkaline phosphatase (two fold) and β-glucosidase activity (one fold) along with enhanced urease (45%), soil dehydrogenase activity (36%) under vermicompost amendment followed by biochar. Present study highlights the significance of sustainable agronomic practices for improving the soil quality and agricultural yield while reducing adverse impact.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rama Kant Dubey
- Instiute of Environment & Sustainable Development, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, 221005, India; Agroecosystem Specialist Group, IUCN-Commission on Ecosystem Management, Gland, Switzerland
| | - Pradeep Kumar Dubey
- Instiute of Environment & Sustainable Development, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, 221005, India; Agroecosystem Specialist Group, IUCN-Commission on Ecosystem Management, Gland, Switzerland
| | - Rajan Chaurasia
- Instiute of Environment & Sustainable Development, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, 221005, India; Agroecosystem Specialist Group, IUCN-Commission on Ecosystem Management, Gland, Switzerland
| | - Harikesh Bahadhur Singh
- Dept. of Mycology & Plant Pathology, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, 221005, India
| | - Purushothaman Chirakkuzhyil Abhilash
- Instiute of Environment & Sustainable Development, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, 221005, India; Agroecosystem Specialist Group, IUCN-Commission on Ecosystem Management, Gland, Switzerland.
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Priyadarshini P, Abhilash PC. Circular economy practices within energy and waste management sectors of India: A meta-analysis. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2020; 304:123018. [PMID: 32087547 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2020.123018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2019] [Revised: 02/08/2020] [Accepted: 02/11/2020] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Adoption of circular practices within environmental management is gaining worldwide recognition owing to rapid resource depletion and detrimental effects of climate change. The present study therefore attempted to ascertain the linkages between circular economy (CE) and sustainable development (SD) by examining the role of renewable energy (RE) and waste management (WM) sectors in CE combined with policy setup and enabling frameworks boosting the influx of circularity principles in the Indian context. Results revealed that research dedicated towards energy recovery from waste in India lacks integration with SD. Findings also revealed that although India is extremely dedicated towards attainment of the SDGs, penetration of CE principles within administration requires considerable efforts especially since WM regulations for municipal, plastic and e-waste lack alignment with CE principles. Integration of WM and RE policies under an umbrella CE policy would provide further impetus to the attainment of circularity and SD within the Indian economy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priya Priyadarshini
- Institute of Environment & Sustainable Development, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi 221005, Uttar Pradesh, India
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Sharma D, Yadav KD, Kumar S. Biotransformation of flower waste composting: Optimization of waste combinations using response surface methodology. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2018; 270:198-207. [PMID: 30218936 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2018.09.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2018] [Revised: 09/04/2018] [Accepted: 09/06/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Flower waste (FW) is disposed off in the rivers or mixed with solid waste for landfilling that pollutes the environment and causes harmful effects on human health and aquatic life. It is rich in nutrient content and easily converted into the compost. Therefore, the objective of the present research was to optimize the combinations of flower waste and cow dung during agitated pile composting using response surface methodology. Thirteen different agitated piles were used for composting using the central composite design. The optimum combination from central composite design was 65 kg floral waste, 25 kg cattle dung and 10 kg sawdust having 7.10 pH, 3.31 mS cm-1 electrical conductivity, 32.98% total organic carbon and 14 Carbon to Nitrogen ratio during the end phase of the composting period. The nutrient concentrations into the final compost were within the acceptable limit and also found to be beneficial for the growth of plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dayanand Sharma
- Civil Engineering Department, Adani Institute of Infrastructure Engineering, Ahmedabad, Gujarat 382 421, India
| | - Kunwar D Yadav
- Civil Engineering Department, S. V. National Institute of Technology, Surat, Gujarat 395 007, India
| | - Sunil Kumar
- Technology Development Centre, CSIR-National Environmental Engineering, Research Institute (CSIR-NEERI), Nehru Marg, Nagpur 440 020, India.
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Singh UB, Malviya D, Khan W, Singh S, Karthikeyan N, Imran M, Rai JP, Sarma BK, Manna MC, Chaurasia R, Sharma AK, Paul D, Oh JW. Earthworm Grazed- Trichoderma harzianum Biofortified Spent Mushroom Substrates Modulate Accumulation of Natural Antioxidants and Bio-Fortification of Mineral Nutrients in Tomato. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2018; 9:1017. [PMID: 30065737 PMCID: PMC6056767 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2018.01017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2018] [Accepted: 06/22/2018] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
The present investigation was aimed at evaluating the impact of earthworm grazed and Trichoderma harzianum biofortified spent mushroom substrate (SMS) on natural antioxidant and nutritional properties of tomato. Results of the investigation reveal that earthworm grazing and T. harzianum bio-fortification led to significant improvement in the physico-chemical properties of fresh SMS and its application increased the accumulation of natural antioxidants and mineral content in tomato as compared to either T. harzianum biofortified SMS or fresh SMS. In particular, the earthworm grazed, T. harzianum biofortified SMS (EGTHB-SMS) was found to inhibit lipid peroxidation and protein oxidation with significant increase in total polyphenol and flavonoid content in tomato. Further, it increased Fe2+/Fe3+ chelating activity, superoxide anion radical scavenging activity compared to other treatments. The results thus suggest an augmented elicitation of natural antioxidant properties in tomato treated with EGTHB-SMS, resulting in a higher radical scavenging activity, that is highly desirable for human health. In addition, the use of SMS to enhance the nutritional value of tomato fruits becomes an environment friendly approach in sustainable crop production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Udai B. Singh
- Plant-Microbe Interaction and Rhizosphere Biology Lab, ICAR-National Bureau of Agriculturally Important Microorganisms (ICAR-NBAIM), Maunath Bhanjan, India
| | - Deepti Malviya
- Plant-Microbe Interaction and Rhizosphere Biology Lab, ICAR-National Bureau of Agriculturally Important Microorganisms (ICAR-NBAIM), Maunath Bhanjan, India
| | - Wasiullah Khan
- Plant-Microbe Interaction and Rhizosphere Biology Lab, ICAR-National Bureau of Agriculturally Important Microorganisms (ICAR-NBAIM), Maunath Bhanjan, India
| | - Shailendra Singh
- Plant-Microbe Interaction and Rhizosphere Biology Lab, ICAR-National Bureau of Agriculturally Important Microorganisms (ICAR-NBAIM), Maunath Bhanjan, India
| | - N. Karthikeyan
- Plant-Microbe Interaction and Rhizosphere Biology Lab, ICAR-National Bureau of Agriculturally Important Microorganisms (ICAR-NBAIM), Maunath Bhanjan, India
| | - Mohd. Imran
- Department of Biosciences, Faculty of Science, Integral University, Lucknow, India
| | - Jai P. Rai
- Department of Mycology and Plant Pathology (Krishi Vigyan Kendra), Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India
| | - B. K. Sarma
- Department of Mycology and Plant Pathology, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India
| | - M. C. Manna
- Division of Soil Biology, ICAR-Indian Institute of Soil Science, Bhopal, India
| | - Rajan Chaurasia
- Department of Botany, Faculty of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India
| | - Arun K. Sharma
- Plant-Microbe Interaction and Rhizosphere Biology Lab, ICAR-National Bureau of Agriculturally Important Microorganisms (ICAR-NBAIM), Maunath Bhanjan, India
| | - Diby Paul
- Pilgram Marpeck School of STEM, Truett McConnel University, Cleveland, GA, United States
| | - Jae-Wook Oh
- Department of Animal Biotechnology, Konkuk University, Seoul, South Korea
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Singh P, Singh R, Borthakur A, Madhav S, Singh VK, Tiwary D, Srivastava VC, Mishra PK. Exploring temple floral refuse for biochar production as a closed loop perspective for environmental management. WASTE MANAGEMENT (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2018; 77:78-86. [PMID: 30008417 DOI: 10.1016/j.wasman.2018.04.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2017] [Revised: 04/24/2018] [Accepted: 04/26/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Religious faith and ritual activities lead to significant floral offerings production and its disposal as waste to the nearby open lands and water bodies. These activities result into various social and environmental nuisances because of their high organic content. Alternatively, it can be used as valuable resources for various biochemical and thermo-chemical processes. Floral refuse has been utilized in natural dye extraction, however, the residual solid refuse is of significant environmental concern due to its nutrient rich nature. This study explores the potential utilization of solid residue of temple floral refuse after natural dye extraction by thermo-chemical decomposition of it. The slow pyrolysis of solid residue was performed at 350 °C and 500 °C, and the biochar yield of 42 and 36% was obtained, respectively. TGA-DTG analysis was performed to observe the thermo-chemical behaviour of floral refuse. The biochar products were further characterized by FTIR, SEM, EDX, BET, XRD, and RAMAN spectroscopy to observe the impact of pyrolysis temperature (PT) on the resulting material, i.e. biochar and its possible application measures. EDX results revealed the presence of various macro-nutrients such as C, N, P, K Ca and Mg in different proportions which showed its soil amelioration potential. Moreover, based on the SEM and BET results, biochar prepared at 500 °C was further explored for adsorption of methylene blue dye at various dose and pH conditions. Based on Langmuir (R2 = 0.98) and Freundlich (R2 = 0.97) isotherms, it is found as a potential adsorbent material for removal of methylene blue dye. The results revealed that biochar conversion of colour extracted floral refuse can be a vital option for quick and efficient management of it in a closed loop approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pardeep Singh
- Department of Environmental Studies, PGDAV College, University of Delhi, New Delhi 110065, India; Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology (IIT-BHU), Varanasi 221005, India.
| | - Rishikesh Singh
- Institute of Environment and Sustainable Development (IESD), Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi 221005, India
| | - Anwesha Borthakur
- Centre for Studies in Science Policy, Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), New Delhi 110067, India
| | - Sughosh Madhav
- School of Environmental Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi 110067, India
| | - Vipin Kumar Singh
- Department of Botany, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi 221005, India
| | - Dhanesh Tiwary
- Department of Environmental Studies, PGDAV College, University of Delhi, New Delhi 110065, India
| | - Vimal Chandra Srivastava
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, Roorkee 247667, India
| | - P K Mishra
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Indian Institute of Technology (IIT-BHU), Varanasi 221005, India
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Efficacy of the Vermicomposts of Different Organic Wastes as “Clean” Fertilizers: State-of-the-Art. SUSTAINABILITY 2018. [DOI: 10.3390/su10041205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Vermicomposting is a process in which earthworms are utilized to convert biodegradable organic waste into humus-like vermicast. Past work, mainly on vermicomposting of animal droppings, has shown that vermicompost is an excellent organic fertilizer and is also imbibed with pest-repellent properties. However, there is no clarity whether vermicomposts of organic wastes other than animal droppings are as plant-friendly as the manure-based vermicomposts are believed to be. It is also not clear as to whether the action of a vermicompost as a fertilizer depends on the species of plants being fertilized by it. This raises questions whether vermicomposts are beneficial (or harmful) at all levels of application or if there is a duality in their action which is a function of their rate of application. The present work is an attempt to seek answers to these questions. To that end, all hitherto published reports on the action of vermicomposts of different substrates on different species of plants have been assessed. The study reveals that, in general, vermicomposts of all animal/plant based organic wastes are highly potent fertilizers. They also possess some ability to repel plant pests. The factors that shape these properties have been assessed and the knowledge gaps that need to be bridged have been identified.
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Elango G, Govindasamy R. Analysis and utilization of temple waste flowers in Coimbatore District. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2018; 25:10688-10700. [PMID: 29392607 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-018-1259-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2017] [Accepted: 01/11/2018] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
The present work deals with collection, handling, utilization, and management of the waste flowers that are coming out of the temples in Coimbatore District, Tamilnadu, India. An attempt has been made to provide a current situation and complete analysis of temple waste flowers (TWFs) with suggestions and recommendations. As a part of Clean India, Clean and Green Kovai (Green Coimbatore) mission, this paper gives an idea to reduce the volume of temple waste flowers by converting into activated carbon by direct pyrolysis process and chemical activation with sulfuric acid and phosphoric acid process, respectively. The products were analyzed and compared based on the results of physicochemical parameters including pH, conductivity, moisture content, ash content, volatile content, fixed carbon, bulk density, porosity, specific gravity, water soluble matter, acid soluble matter, iodine number, methylene blue number, yield, and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (SBET) surface area. The structure, surface morphology, and chemical compositions of carbon were determined by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FeSEM), and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), respectively. From the comparison of results, the activated carbon produced from temple waste flowers by direct pyrolysis process is fairly better due to low moisture content, low ash content, better yield, and higher surface area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gomathi Elango
- Department of Chemistry, Jansons Institute of Technology, Coimbatore, Tamilnadu, 641 659, India
| | - Rathika Govindasamy
- Department of Chemistry, PSG College of Arts and Science, Coimbatore, Tamilnadu, 641 014, India.
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Yang G, Wu L, Xian Q, Shen F, Wu J, Zhang Y. Removal of Congo Red and Methylene Blue from Aqueous Solutions by Vermicompost-Derived Biochars. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0154562. [PMID: 27144922 PMCID: PMC4856393 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0154562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2015] [Accepted: 04/17/2016] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Biochars, produced by pyrolyzing vermicompost at 300, 500, and 700°C were characterized and their ability to adsorb the dyes Congo red (CR) and Methylene blue (MB) in an aqueous solution was investigated. The physical and chemical properties of biochars varied significantly based on the pyrolysis temperatures. Analysis of the data revealed that the aromaticity, polarity, specific surface area, pH, and ash content of the biochars increased gradually with the increase in pyrolysis temperature, while the cation exchange capacity, and carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen and oxygen contents decreased. The adsorption kinetics of CR and MB were described by pseudo-second-order kinetic models. Both of Langmuir and Temkin model could be employed to describe the adsorption behaviors of CR and MB by these biochars. The biochars generated at higher pyrolysis temperature displayed higher CR adsorption capacities and lower MB adsorption capacities than those compared with the biochars generated at lower pyrolysis temperatures. The biochar generated at the higher pyrolytic temperature displayed the higher ability to adsorb CR owing to its promoted aromaticity, and the cation exchange is the key factor that positively affects adsorption of MB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gang Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
- Institute of Ecological and Environmental Sciences, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Lin Wu
- Institute of Ecological and Environmental Sciences, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Qiming Xian
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
- * E-mail: (QX); (FS)
| | - Fei Shen
- Institute of Ecological and Environmental Sciences, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
- * E-mail: (QX); (FS)
| | - Jun Wu
- Institute of Ecological and Environmental Sciences, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yanzong Zhang
- Institute of Ecological and Environmental Sciences, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
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Zhang L, Sun X. Effects of earthworm casts and zeolite on the two-stage composting of green waste. WASTE MANAGEMENT (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2015; 39:119-129. [PMID: 25792439 DOI: 10.1016/j.wasman.2015.02.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2014] [Revised: 02/27/2015] [Accepted: 02/27/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Because it helps protect the environment and encourages economic development, composting has become a viable method for organic waste disposal. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of earthworm casts (EWCs) (at 0.0%, 0.30%, and 0.60%) and zeolite (clinoptilolite, CL) (at 0%, 15%, and 25%) on the two-stage composting of green waste. The combination of EWCs and CL improved the conditions of the composting process and the quality of the compost products in terms of the thermophilic phase, humification, nitrification, microbial numbers and enzyme activities, the degradation of cellulose and hemicellulose, and physico-chemical characteristics and nutrient contents of final composts. The compost matured in only 21days with the optimized two-stage composting method rather than in the 90-270days required for traditional composting. The optimal two-stage composting and the best quality compost were obtained with 0.30% EWCs and 25% CL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Zhang
- College of Forestry, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, PR China.
| | - Xiangyang Sun
- College of Forestry, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, PR China.
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14
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Metson GS, Bennett EM. Phosphorus cycling in Montreal's food and urban agriculture systems. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0120726. [PMID: 25826256 PMCID: PMC4380336 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0120726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2014] [Accepted: 02/06/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Cities are a key system in anthropogenic phosphorus (P) cycling because they concentrate both P demand and waste production. Urban agriculture (UA) has been proposed as a means to improve P management by recycling cities’ P-rich waste back into local food production. However, we have a limited understanding of the role UA currently plays in the P cycle of cities or its potential to recycle local P waste. Using existing data combined with surveys of local UA practitioners, we quantified the role of UA in the P cycle of Montreal, Canada to explore the potential for UA to recycle local P waste. We also used existing data to complete a substance flow analysis of P flows in the overall food system of Montreal. In 2012, Montreal imported 3.5 Gg of P in food, of which 2.63 Gg ultimately accumulated in landfills, 0.36 Gg were discharged to local waters, and only 0.09 Gg were recycled through composting. We found that UA is only a small sub-system in the overall P cycle of the city, contributing just 0.44% of the P consumed as food in the city. However, within the UA system, the rate of recycling is high: 73% of inputs applied to soil were from recycled sources. While a Quebec mandate to recycle 100% of all organic waste by 2020 might increase the role of UA in P recycling, the area of land in UA is too small to accommodate all P waste produced on the island. UA may, however, be a valuable pathway to improve urban P sustainability by acting as an activity that changes residents’ relationship to, and understanding of, the food system and increases their acceptance of composting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geneviève S. Metson
- Department of Natural Resource Sciences, McGill University, Sainte Anne de Bellevue, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- * E-mail:
| | - Elena M. Bennett
- Department of Natural Resource Sciences, McGill University, Sainte Anne de Bellevue, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- McGill School of Environment, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
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Xing M, Lv B, Zhao C, Yang J. Towards understanding the effects of additives on the vermicomposting of sewage sludge. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2015; 22:4644-4653. [PMID: 25328094 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-014-3708-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2014] [Accepted: 10/07/2014] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
This work evaluated the effects of additives on the chemical properties of the final products (vermicompost) from vermicomposting of sewage sludge and the adaptable characteristics of Eisenia fetida during the process. An experimental design with different ratios of sewage sludge and the additives (cattle dung or pig manure) was conducted. The results showed that the vermicomposting reduced total organic carbon and the quotient of total organic carbon to total nitrogen (C/N ratio) of the initial mixtures and enhanced the stability and agronomical value of the final products. Notably, principal component analysis indicated that the additives had significant effects on the characteristics of the vermicomposts. Moreover, the vermibeds containing cattle dung displayed a better earthworm growth and reproduction than those with pig manure. Additionally, redundancy analysis demonstrated that electrical conductivity (EC), pH, and C/N ratio played crucial roles on earthworm growth and reproduction. In all, the additives with high C/N ratio, pH buffering capacity, and low EC are recommended to be used for vermicomposting of sewage sludge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meiyan Xing
- Institute of Biofilm Technology, Key Laboratory of Yangtze River Water Environment, Ministry of Education, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China
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