Study on occurrence of black soldier fly larvae in composting of kitchen waste

Abstract

Composting technology has emerged as a brilliant solution for managing the accelerated pace of waste generation. It proves to be an environment friendly and sustainable approach of converting the waste into a nutrient rich by product called as compost/manure. This process is accomplished by the combination /interaction of various physical, biological and chemical parameters. The biological parameters involve interaction of various micro and macro organisms. Several investigations on occurrence and role of microorganisms during composting have been done, but little on the occurrence a role of macro-organisms in the process of waste to energy transformation. Macro-organisms include several arthropods, particularly insects that play a pivotal role in the process of waste management. The macro-organisms enhance the composting by feeding upon decomposing organic matter, and converting it into cured compost. Among these insects soldier fly Hermetia illucens (Diptera: Stratiomyidae) was observed during the study. The larvae of black soldier fly (BSF) have been used in manure management and as a protein feed in western countries, but not much light has been shed on their role in waste management in India. The present paper investigates the occurrence, problems and benefits of BSF larvae during the composting of kitchen waste.