Simultaneous biodegradation of organic (chlorophenols) and inorganic compounds from secondary sludge of pulp and paper mill by Eisenia fetida
Journal: International Journal of Recycling Organic Waste in Agriculture (Vol.4, No. 1)Publication Date: 2015-02-18
Authors : Santosh Kumar Karn; Swapan Kumar Chakrabarti;
Page : 53-62
Keywords : Eisenia fetida Chlorophenols Vermicompost Sludge Pulp and paper mill AOX EOX Metals;
Abstract
Background Present research communicates the role of Eisenia fetida in converting pulp and paper mill sludge into valuable products by removing the high concentration of different chlorophenols and metals present in the sludge. Results Pulp and paper mill sludge was toxic to Eisenia fetida and therefore, it was mixed with composted material in different ratio of experimental set up such as Set up: 1, (95:5), Set up: 2 (80:20) and Set up: 3 (50:50) on dry weight basis. We found very promising results by the application Eisenia fetida in the sludge. Eisenia fetida removed all the twelve different chlorophenols more than 95 % from the sludge which is declared as carcinogenic compounds by United States Environmental Protection Agency (US-EPA) in 90 days of incubation. Heavy metals concentration was decreased significantly during the incubation period whereas some metal concentration was also increased in the sludge due to mineralization. Carbon (C) and Nitrogen (N) were increased in the composted material, C:N ratio for Set 1 9:4 in Set 2 13:4 and Set 3 18:4 was observed which acts as soil conditioner. Whereas some other metals like (Ca, Mg, Na, K, Fe and Zn) was increased that are essential for the plant growth. There was great reduction in adsorbable organic halogen (AOX) 95 % and extractable organic halogen (EOX) 90 % as compare to control. Eisenia fetida also removed pentachlorophenol (PCP) from the sludge with artificially increased concentration about 100 mg/kg. Conclusions By observing chlorophenols concentration, metals and carbon?nitrogen ratio, Eisenia fetida is acting as a potential candidate for the reclamation of industrial sludge. The result indicated that vermicomposting with Eisenia fetida is better option to manage the sludge or convert the sludge into nutrient-rich composted material in a short span of time
Other Latest Articles
- Dynamics of chemical changes through production of various composts/vermicompost such as farm manure and sugar industry wastes
- Growth performance study of Koi fish, Anabas testudineus (Bloch) by utilization of poultry viscera, as a potential fish feed ingredient, replacing fishmeal
- Effect of gamma-irradiated textile effluent on plant growth
- Studies on the reduction of organic load from palm oil mill effluent (POME) by bacterial strains
- Aggregation stability and organic carbon fraction in a soil amended with some plant residues, nanozeolite, and natural zeolite
Last modified: 2015-11-02 17:22:39