Effect of Different Bulking Materials and Earthworms Species on Bioremediation Potential of Municipal Sewage Sludge

Abstract

In present study the efficiency for vermiremediation of municipal sewage sludge (MSS) with different bulking materials such as Cow Dung (CD), Sheep Manure (SM) and Garden Soil (GS) in presence of Eudrilus eugeniae and Eisenia foetida was investigated. The results revealed that interaction of worm species and bulking materials had significant effect on moisture %, EC and Cl^- but it was non significant for pH and Organic Carbon (OC). At final stage of vermiremediation OC, EC and Cl^- were reduced as compare to initial stage. The highest values for EC (8804 µmohs/cm) and OC (25.63 %), were noted in the treatment SS + CD and no worm species.  While maximum Cl^- (1423 ppm) was found in treatment SS + no bulking material and no worm species. The results also indicated that the lowest EC (3424 µmohs/cm) was in treatment SS + GS + Eudrilus eugeniae, OC (13.83 %) was in treatment SS + no bulking material + Eudrilus Eugeniae and Cl^- (643.0 ppm) was noted in treatment SS + CD + Eudrilus eugeniae. It is concluded that the effective bioremediation of sewage sludge is possible with cow dung manure or garden soil along with Eudrilus eugeniae or Eisenia foetida.

Keywords: bulking, earthworm, remediation, sewage sludge