The Effects of Agricultural Plastic Waste on the Vermicompost Process and Health Status of Eisenia fetida AGRONOMY

In this link you can access the publication about the study evaluating the effects of agricultural plastic waste (LDPE + LLDPE and EPS) (1.25% f.w.) in the vermicomposting process (45 days) in terms of earthworm health, measuring biomarker responses and enzymatic activity and the quality/stabilisation of the obtained vermicompost.

The results of the published study suggest that the presence of LDPE + LLDPE and EPS (1.25% p.f.) in biowaste allows its biotreatment by composting or vermicomposting. However, signs of slowing down of the degradation process were observed in the enzymes measured, which may lead to a delay of the hydrolytic phase. However, the final characteristics of vermicompost exposed to plastic showed no significant differences compared to the control vermicompost. Two types of plastic tested had a negative morphological effect and even mortality on E. fetida. The biomarkers measured reflected an antioxidant response through increased GST activity and a detoxification process through increased CbE in earthworm tissues. These results have furthered the RECOVER researchers’ knowledge of the effects of agricultural plastic waste in the treatment of bio-waste. 

https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4395/12/10/2547