Publication Type

Journal Article

Journal Name

Fate of Biological Contaminants During Recycling of Organic Wastes

Publication Date

1-1-2022

Abstract

Waste accumulation and microbial pollution are key environmental challenges in most developing countries. Land filling, the commonest waste disposal method, is not sustainable due to land scarcity and point source pollution. Thus, a large fraction of organic wastes is not properly disposed, yet the conventional methods of waste recycling are less effective. The degradation of waste using insect life stages (entomocomposting) has emerged as a novel tool that is fast, affordable, and sustainable in recycling organic wastes with maximum pathogen suppression. This bioconversion process also generates an organic fertilizer with potential to enhance soil remediation and provide additional benefits on soil health and crop productivity. This chapter provides a comprehensive review on the fate of pathogens during entomocomposting, the suppressive mechanisms involved, and the use of insect frass fertilizer to suppress soil-borne pathogens, improve soil health and crop productivity in environmentally sound, economically viable, and climate-resilient manner. Finally, we provide concluding remarks and key recommendations on sustainable utilization of insect larvae for suppression of biological contaminants in organic wastes, soil remediation, and other uses.

Keywords

Bioremediation, Entomocomposting, Frass fertilizer, Microbial pollution, Organic waste, Pathogen suppression, Soil health

ISBN

[9780323959988]

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