Abstract

GONCALVES, José et al. Vermicomposting of substrates with sewage sludge: effects on Eisenia fetida. Rev. de Ciências Agrárias [online]. 2022, vol.45, n.4, pp.711-720.  Epub Dec 01, 2022. ISSN 0871-018X.  https://doi.org/10.19084/rca.28596.

The valorization of sewage sludge as a source of organic matter and nutrients in agriculture has been gaining importance. These residues, a product of wastewater treatment, can be improved through bioprocesses such as vermicomposting, overcoming limitations such as the stability of organic matter and/or the presence of contaminants. In order to better understand the viability of vermicomposting of sewage sludge, a trial was carried out with substrates containing varying proportions of this residue, of matured horse manure and of rice husk. Adult earthworms of the Eisenia fetida species were added to the different substrates, previously pre-composted for a period of 31 days. The effect of exposing the earthworms to the different mixtures was evaluated in terms of mortality, growth and reproduction. The results revealed that high amounts of sewage sludge are lethal to earthworms and exposure to the sludge inhibited this species reproduction. The pH, electrical conductivity and C/N ratio were the characteristics of the mixtures that suggest a greater impact on the results obtained and to be considered in future studies.

Keywords : vermicomposting; sewage sludge; Eisenia fetida.

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