Use of earthworms (Eisenia fetida) and vermicompost in the processing and safe management of hazardous solid and liquid wastes with high metal contents

Two feasibility studies using the earthworm (Eisenia fetida) and vermicompost in the processing and remediation of solid and liquid wastes with high metal content are presented: vermicompost as adsorbent substrate for remediation of wastewaters contaminated with metals; earthworms for remediation of arsenic (As) and mercury (Hg) in landfill soils. The feasibility of vermicompost for the remediation of nickel (Ni), chromium (Cr), vanadium (V) and lead (Pb) in wastewater is demonstrated. The earthworm (Eisenia fetida) allows the removal of As and Hg from landfill soils with an efficiency of 42-72% in 15 days for As and 7.5-30.2% for Hg.

Keywords: vermicomposting, remediation, landfill soils, Eisenia fetida, wastewater treatment, earthworms, solid waste, liquid waste, high metal content, adsorbent substrate, heavy metals, arsenic, mercury, nickel, chromium, vanadium, lead, hazardous waste, waste management