Role of Eisenia fetida in rapid recycling of nutrients from bio sludge of beverage industry.

Beverage industry bio sludge proved to be toxic when given alone to earthworms even after stabilization for 15 days, therefore, it was mixed in various proportions with cattle dung. Best suitable mixture for highest survival, maximum growth and highest population buildup of Eisenia fetida was determined by observing mortality, growth rate, rate of cocoon production, population buildup and time taken for decomposition of waste. Minimum mortality and maximum population buildup were observed in 50:50 mixture of bio sludge and cattle dung. Nitrogen, phosphorous, sodium and pH increased in all the feed mixtures, while electrical conductivity, organic carbon and potassium declined in all the samples in comparison to traditional compost (without worms). Degradation of 50:50 mixture could be achieved in 75 days when worms were inoculated at 25 g/kg feed mixture. But the best-quality product was obtained after 105-110 days with 7.5 g worms/kg feed mixture.

Beneficial effects of Rhizopus oligosporus fermentation on reduction of glucosinolates, fibre and phytic acid in rapeseed (Brassica napus) meal.

Solid state fermentation was employed using Rhizopus oligosporus to develop a fermented product from rapeseed meal (RSM). The contents of glucosinolates, thiooxazolidones, phytic acid and crude fibre declined by 43.1%, 34%, 42.4% and 25.5%, respectively, following inoculation with R. oligosporus. Fermentation also increased nitrogen and protein contents of the meal. This study may open a new prospective for a simple and cost effective technique for reduction of toxicants in RSM.