Upscaling of communal sewage sludge vermicomposting technology

Abstract

The proper management of communal sewage sludge is a priority of environmental protection. Recently the vermicomposting technology, of using earthworm species in waste management has been increasing. Earthworms are utilizing of the bacterial components of the sludge and during of their metabolic processes, can contribute for the acceleration of full composting processes. In addition, vermicomposting increases the nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) content of the treated sludge, and might eliminate of the potential pathogens. We examined the vermicomposting processes both in pilot scale (open- and closed environmental conditions) and among industrial composting conditions, where the compost piles were: 1) uncovered and covered with 2) straw-mulch and 3) with geotextile.