Vermicomposting of textile sludge using perionyx excavatus and the potentials of end product as a fertilizer

Abstract

Management of textile sludge has become one of the biggest problems nowadays. Disposal of textile sludge employs means like land filling, incineration, recycling, conversion into biogas, and composting. In Vietnam, the most common method is dumping which causes not only pollution but also human diseases. Vermicomposting is one of the current researched recycling technologies which will both tackle the disposal problem and produce beneficial end product. The present study conducted a vermicomposting experiment using Perionyx excavatus. Three different treatments were created with different ratios of composted water hyacinth mixed with textile sludge as feed mixture. Treatments were put in darkness and their moisture content in was maintained at 50 – 60% by sprinkling water over it. The parameter such as pH, total Kjeldalh nitrogen, total phosphorus and Cr content were measure during initial and final period of the study. Fertilizer potential of end product would be evaluated based on the determined parameters. Key word: Textile sludge; Vermicomposting; Water hyacinth; Perionyx excavatus