Earthworms – the environmental engineers: review of vermiculture technologies for environmental management and resource development

Abstract

Earthworms are being used to manage most organic wastes; treat wastewater; clean-up chemically contaminated soils; improve soil fertility and produce food crops. Their use in production of life-saving medicines and raw materials for industries are some new discoveries. We have successfully experimented in vermicomposting of 'MSW', vermifiltration of 'municipal & industrial wastewater', vermiremediation of chemically contaminated soils' and production of 'cereal & vegetables crops' with amazing results. Wastes are degraded by over 75% faster, BOD and TDSS of wastewater is reduced by over 95% and growths of crop plants are enhanced by 30–40% higher over chemical fertilisers.