Abstract

Organic solid waste poses a significant environmental threat as the globe tries to keep up with its rapid output. Composting and vermicomposting are two examples of biological waste treatment technologies typically recognized as environmentally friendly and long-term solutions for managing organic waste. This study aims to determine whether composting and vermicomposting are viable methods for recovering nutrients from organic waste and restoring them to the environment. The influences of these procedures on the environment, as well as their economic potential, were investigated. This research demonstrates that composting and vermicomposting can decompose many organic wastes, allowing them to be widely adopted. Greenhouse gases were emitting throughout the composting and vermicomposting processes, according to the current study. However, intermittent aeration, bulking agents, and a greater abundance of earthworms, on the other hand, may help to minimize greenhouse gas emissions. Economic evaluations of composting and vermicomposting technologies demonstrate that these methods are generally viable, except for a few circumstances. The variances are attributable to the vast range in market value for organic fertilizer, as well as differences in cost for the composing or vermicomposting system, both of which could affect the system's economic feasibility. If the value of organic fertilizers rises and carbon credits for nutrient recycling become accessible, this will benefit the financial feasibility.

Keywords: Biodegradation; Earthworm; Fruit waste; Organic fertilizer; Vermicompost