The aim of the present study was to assess the vermicomposting process in a household vericpomoster as a way of organic fraction of municipal solid waste (OFMSW) treatment. Household bio-waste of fruit, vegetableand indoor plants origin was composted at vertical continuous feeding vermireactor for almost two years. The vermicomposter contains four boxes placed above each other; the capacity of each box was 15 dm3. Only oncea box has been filled, the waste was inserted into the following box. The dynamics of parameters pH and electrical conductivity (EC) were monitored in time. Values of pH were not modified significantly during vermicomposting and fell into the value range 6-8 as required for composts. The values of EC in case of boxes 1 and 2 were initially relatively low (4-5 mS·cm-1) corresponding to the values of home composts while the initial value of EC of box 3 and later values of boxes 1 and 2 (7-9 mS.cm-1) corresponding to the values of industrial composts. The gradual addition of bio-waste, 12-15 kg of raw bio-waste can be composted in one box. The results of the study have shown that the use of a home vermicomposter is a viable way for OFMSW treatment. ...
Vermicomposting is a completely environmentally friendly technology that converts biodegradable waste into a value-added vermicompost. The vermicomposting technology can also be utilized for generating a bioliquid termed as vermiwash. In case of vermicomposting in vertical continuous feeding vermireactor (VermiHut Worm Bin), the vermiwash can be collected separately in the lowest part of vermireactor. Then the vermiwash can be used as a liquid fertilizer.The aim of the presented study was to assess the phytotoxicity of vermiwash depending on its concentration. To assess the phytotoxicity levels of the vermiwash, the germination index (GI) was calculated according to the certified methodology (the watercress assay). Within the pilot research, the certified methodology was verified and then optimized. ...
