Parametric study on vermicomposting of rice straw using African NightCrawler (Eudrilus euginiae).

Date

10-2012

Degree

Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering

College

College of Engineering and Agro-Industrial Technology (CEAT)

Adviser/Committee Chair

Abrigo , Casiano S. Jr.

Committee Member

Bambase , Manalito E. Jr. Bataller, Butch G.

Abstract

The vermidecomposition of rice straw was investigated using the worm Eudrilus euginiae. Parametric study was conducted on the effects of initial C:N ratio, initial moisture content and feedstock’s particle size on the final percent volatile solid (%VS) of the vermicasts. The results showed a positive correlations between final %VS in terms of the feedstock’s initial moisture content. Negative correlations were obtained between the final %VS and the initial C:N ratio of the feedstock. A 58.6% reduction in %VS was attained at 61% initial moisture content and initial C:N ratio of 33, regardless of the feedstock’s particle size. At 95% level of confidence, three-way ANOVA tests indicated that the feedstock’s initial moisture content, C:N ratio and the interaction between the two were the most significant factors influencing the final percent volatile solid of the product during vermicomposting. The test showed that the feedstock’s particle size was not a significant factor on the reduction of %VS of the product. At 61% moisture content level and initial C:N ratio equal to 33, a 61.81% weight reduction was attained. One kilogram of feedstock yields an average of 0.51 kilogram of vermicasts with an average total NPK content of 2.81%.

Language

English

Location

UPLB College of Engineering and Agro-Industrial Technology

Call Number

Thesis

Document Type

Thesis

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