Technical Feasibility of Hermetia illucens in Integrated Waste Management, Renovated with Sewage Water, an Overview <s> Vermicomposting <s> Abstract The double-pronged problem of quantity, and disposal of waste streams from a myriad of industries, is becoming increasingly acute, the world over. The use of earthworms as a waste treatment technique for such wastes is gaining popularity. This method is commonly known as vermicomposting. Compared to conventional microbial composting, vermicomposting produces a product that is more or less homogenous, with desirable aesthetics, with reduced levels of contaminants and tends to hold more nutrients over a longer period, without impacting the environment. Like in other related waste treatment techniques, certain parameters need to be established for the design of efficient and economical vermicomposting systems. Specifically, the focus of this study was to investigate and establish an optimal stocking density and an optimal feeding rate for the vermicomposting of biosolids, with paper mulch provided as bedding. A stocking density of 1.60 kg-worms/m 2 (0.33 lb-worms/ft 2 ) and a feeding rate of 1.25 kg-feed/kg-worm/day resulted in the highest bioconversion of the substrate into earthworm biomass. The best vermicompost was obtained at the same stocking density and a feeding rate of 0.75 kg-feed/kg-worm/day. <s> BIB001 </s> Technical Feasibility of Hermetia illucens in Integrated Waste Management, Renovated with Sewage Water, an Overview <s> Vermicomposting <s> AbstractAn innovative discipline of vermiculture biotechnology, the breeding and propagation of earthworms and the use of its castings has become an important tool of waste recycling the world over. Epigeics like Eisenia foetida and Eudrilus euginiae have been used in converting organic wastes (agro waste and domestic refuse) into vermicompost. In FRI, the division of Ecology and Environment has started a project on vermitechnology using the earthworm species Eisenia foetida. <s> BIB002
Introduction: Vermicomposting is a sluggish degradation and stabilization mechanism which is carried out under the aerobic environment with elevated temperatures through the combined action of micro and macro-organisms. Microbial com- Open Access Library Journal munity first feed on the readily degradable waste and convert it into semi-decomposed matter and makes it ready for further decomposition with the help of earthworms. This decomposed matter prevalently known as "vermicompost" comprises a higher amount of nutrients when compared to ordinary compost BIB001 . Though the assessment of the significance of earthworms as a potential conversion agent has been claimed by Charles Darwin in ancient days  , the proper scientific research has been carried out and macro-organisms has been accredited as a renowned catalyst for bioconversion only during the early 80s' BIB002 .