Review on Vermicomposting Technology and Vermicompost Applications

Some species of earthworms with other microorganisms have stabilized many types of organic waste in vermicomposting process. This bioconversion occurred in physical and biochemical processes. The physical process includes aeration, mixing and grinding of materials and in biochemical process, microbial activity and enzyme secretion in earthworm gut were the main factors. Vermicompost has a high content of humic substances. This property has caused vermicompost as a biosorbent for heavy metal ions and PAH removal. Nutrient content and plant growth hormones in vermicompost are greater than soil. Vermicompost has used for soil property improvement. Odorless, normal appearance, no undesirable effect on the human health and good physical matrix are other vermicompost advantages. vermicomposting process needs less time than other conventional composting methods. This process can also be used for wastewater sludge biostabilization and converts it to environmental harmless substances.