Application of vermitechnology in waste management: A review on mechanism and performance

As the solid waste generation rate is being increased in the world day by day, it poses serious threats to the environment. If proper care would not be taken, biodegradable pollutants will impart an obnoxious order and create an unhygienic condition. Composting and vermicomposting are two major economically affordable and environmentally sustainable technologies for the treatment of biodegradable solid waste. The focus of this review is to evaluate the feasibility of vermitechnology as a means to recover nutrients from organic waste and returning those to the environment. The review focused on mechanisms of vermicomposting process, various affecting factors and physical-microbial properties of vermicast. Apart from this, the paper also includes a brief discussion of the drilosphere concept, heavy metals uptake mechanism and physicochemical changes of raw materials during vermicomposting. Based on the reviews, recommendation has been made for future research in the field of vermicomposting.