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Application of Vermicompost technology for biomedical waste

Posted by DR. SANJAY DIGAMBAR JOSHI on March 19, 2012 at 8:43pm

Hi,

I have heard of experiments in which certain species of earthworms have been used to degrade the human anatomical waste from sanitary napkins. Can someone tell me whether it is possible to use earthworms for degrading the human anatomical waste component of biomedical waste? If so, which  species of earthworm would be suitable for this? Of course, there are risks involved, but if it works out well, then it can become a solution to treat BMW (anatomical, pathological waste) at least on a small scale.

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Comments

  • DR. SANJAY DIGAMBAR JOSHI March 21, 2012 at 10:35am

    Thank you all for responding to my query and opening up this discussion. Its a thought that just came to my mind and I felt that there is no harm in experimenting. If at all we go ahead with the experiment, I shall be more than happy to share the experience with you all. Thank you once again

  • Dr Suneet Dabke March 21, 2012 at 12:39am

    Hello Dr Joshi,

    We had done a pilot scale study and experimentation for anatomical waste like cornea, placental waste cotton waste and some other human waste.

    This project was supported by WHO way back in 1998 which was successful but could not get started in large scale as there was implementation of Biomedical laws in which Incineration and Autoclave of BMW was assigned to the authorized agency.

    The process we did was shredding of waste (Cotton, bandages etc) then pre-composting along with garden waste (as source of carbon) and then mixing with Vermicast or Cow dung slurry.We used earthworms  E-fetida, and P.excavatus.

    We got the vermicompost tested for virus and pathogens and was free from those. This project was done in Government hospital in Ahmedabad

    thanks

    suneet

  • Sultan Ahmed Ismail March 20, 2012 at 5:02am

    If using sanitary napkins, then the process should involve a set up where it is part of green biomass with proper bulking materials and set in such a way that the temperature of the composting unit rises to >60 degrees Celsius in a thermophilic condition... after proper cyclic degradation then Yes it can be fed to the worms. However as suggested by some writers here it s better to test for pathogens before being handled by barren hands as one may not know the source of the napkins and whether there was uniform distribution of temperature in the unit...

  • v a walavalkar March 20, 2012 at 3:49am

    Earthworms are living things. any pathogen can make earthworm a host and prospor.. it needs a thorough study .. atleast now the proper methodology is to kill the pathogens using heat of disinfectant. if u are experimenting .. pls share ur experiences...... but it is dangerous to work with this system.

  • Dr. Shailendra Kumar Yadav March 20, 2012 at 1:02am

    if u want to know more detail so i can give u Ph.d scholars id  which work on vermicompost technology  in pondicherry central university

  • SANJAY AGGARWAL March 20, 2012 at 12:08am

    Vermi-composting is very good, but has its limitations. It needs cow dung, consistent watering & sifting etc. It will not be able to handle the waste you are planing to handle with it.

  • Dr. V. K. Garg March 19, 2012 at 11:46pm

    Dear Dr. Joshi

    Earthworms are very sensitive to smell and they feed on semi-composted materials. So I presume it is very very difficult to vermicompost anatomical waste. To some extent napkins, paper waste can be converted into vermicompost by the worms but that to after degradation of the material. In addition to this, health realted risk is very high for the works. The best species of the worm is Eisenia fetida.

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