2.5 Conclusions
Vermifiltration technology can be adopted and designed to treat wastewater from
different sources or to suit a particular wastewater. Therefore, vermifiltration is found
to be suitable technique with high efficiency. This is also a good alternative to treat
wastewater in decentralized manner. The basic mechanism of vermifilter and the role
of earthworms in treating the wastewater are explained in the paper. Although
earthworms are sensitive in nature, they are highly productive organisms, and they
play a significant role in breaking pollutants and aerating filter bed. Vermifiltration
process is carried out in aerobic condition which is possible due to the presence of
earthworms, also making it a favourable condition for aerobic decomposer microbes.
The vermifiltered water had elevated value of nitrate and phosphate concentration
which can be used for sewage farming or horticulture. The organic matter and solids
present in the wastewater were consumed by earthworms transforming these into
valuable vermicompost, and thus there is no sludge generation as seen in other
treatment technologies. Hence, no sludge disposal is required instead the
vermicompost obtained can be used as manure as it is having good content of nitrogen
and phosphate. In addition, we also get earthworm biomass which can be used as feed
for fishes and poultry. Although there are some limitations vermifilter has a huge
potential to become a reliable treatment technology for wastewaters generated from
different operations, especially for the countries facing severe challenges, such as lack
of investment and technical labour, etc. Generally, this vermifiltration system has
practical application value, although some technical details should be further
researched. The results from various studies indicate that vermifiltration can be
strongly recommended for rural settlements, small communities and small industries
producing organic wastewater as a viable alternative to conventional treatment,
provided that conditions are conducive for the growth of worms.
References
Arias CA, Brix H, Marti E (2005) Recycling of treated effluents enhances removal of total nitrogen
in vertical flow constructed wetlands. J Environ Sci Health A Tox Hazard Subst Environ Eng
40:1431–1443
Bajsa O, Nair J, Mathew K, Ho GE (2003) Vermiculture as a tool for domestic wastewater
management. Water Sci Technol 48(11–12):125–132
Bhawalkar U (1995) Vermiculture eco-technology. Bhawalkar Earthworm Research Institute
(BERI), Pune
Bhuptawat H, Folkard GK, Chaudhari S (2007) Innovative physico-chemical treatment of wastewater incorporating Moringa oleifera seed coagulant. J Hazard Mater 142:477–482
Bodhkhe SY (2009) A modified anaerobic baffled reactor for municipal wastewater treatment. J
Environ Manag 90:2488–2493
Carballeira T, Ruiz I, Soto M (2017) Aerobic and anaerobic biodegradability of accumulated solids
in horizontal subsurface flow constructed wetlands. Int Biodeterior Biodegrad 119:396–404
Chyan JM, Senoro DB, Lin CJ, Chen PJ, Chen IM (2013) A novel biofilm carrier for pollutant
removal in a constructed wetland based on waste rubber tire chips. Int Biodeterior Biodegrad
85:638–645
32
M. Khwairakpam
Vermifiltration technology can be adopted and designed to treat wastewater from
different sources or to suit a particular wastewater. Therefore, vermifiltration is found
to be suitable technique with high efficiency. This is also a good alternative to treat
wastewater in decentralized manner. The basic mechanism of vermifilter and the role
of earthworms in treating the wastewater are explained in the paper. Although
earthworms are sensitive in nature, they are highly productive organisms, and they
play a significant role in breaking pollutants and aerating filter bed. Vermifiltration
process is carried out in aerobic condition which is possible due to the presence of
earthworms, also making it a favourable condition for aerobic decomposer microbes.
The vermifiltered water had elevated value of nitrate and phosphate concentration
which can be used for sewage farming or horticulture. The organic matter and solids
present in the wastewater were consumed by earthworms transforming these into
valuable vermicompost, and thus there is no sludge generation as seen in other
treatment technologies. Hence, no sludge disposal is required instead the
vermicompost obtained can be used as manure as it is having good content of nitrogen
and phosphate. In addition, we also get earthworm biomass which can be used as feed
for fishes and poultry. Although there are some limitations vermifilter has a huge
potential to become a reliable treatment technology for wastewaters generated from
different operations, especially for the countries facing severe challenges, such as lack
of investment and technical labour, etc. Generally, this vermifiltration system has
practical application value, although some technical details should be further
researched. The results from various studies indicate that vermifiltration can be
strongly recommended for rural settlements, small communities and small industries
producing organic wastewater as a viable alternative to conventional treatment,
provided that conditions are conducive for the growth of worms.
References
Arias CA, Brix H, Marti E (2005) Recycling of treated effluents enhances removal of total nitrogen
in vertical flow constructed wetlands. J Environ Sci Health A Tox Hazard Subst Environ Eng
40:1431–1443
Bajsa O, Nair J, Mathew K, Ho GE (2003) Vermiculture as a tool for domestic wastewater
management. Water Sci Technol 48(11–12):125–132
Bhawalkar U (1995) Vermiculture eco-technology. Bhawalkar Earthworm Research Institute
(BERI), Pune
Bhuptawat H, Folkard GK, Chaudhari S (2007) Innovative physico-chemical treatment of wastewater incorporating Moringa oleifera seed coagulant. J Hazard Mater 142:477–482
Bodhkhe SY (2009) A modified anaerobic baffled reactor for municipal wastewater treatment. J
Environ Manag 90:2488–2493
Carballeira T, Ruiz I, Soto M (2017) Aerobic and anaerobic biodegradability of accumulated solids
in horizontal subsurface flow constructed wetlands. Int Biodeterior Biodegrad 119:396–404
Chyan JM, Senoro DB, Lin CJ, Chen PJ, Chen IM (2013) A novel biofilm carrier for pollutant
removal in a constructed wetland based on waste rubber tire chips. Int Biodeterior Biodegrad
85:638–645
32
M. Khwairakpam