Efficiency of Megascolex konkanensis in Treating Kitchen Wastewater

Earthworms, generally known as environmental engineers, are versatile waste eaters, decomposers and can tolerate toxic chemicals in the environment. The present study aims to illustrate the potential of vermifilteration system using Megascolex konkanensis in treatment of kitchen wastewater. A small-scale vermifiltration unit was constructed having three layers, soil-sand-gravel along with M. konkanensis in it. The worms were given one month settling time in the soil bed to acclimatize with the new environment. Another unit without earthworms acted as an experimental control. The study was carried for 36 days and the observations on physico-chemical parameters were taken at an interval of 5 days. pH levels were brought to near neutral while Dissolved oxygen increased (14.7%) by the treatment system. Vermifiltration system significantly decreased the level of Turbidity (69.97%), Conductivity (42.54%), Total suspended solids (94.07%), Total dissolved solids (32.32%), Phosphate (60.90%), Sodium (22.72%), while the levels of Nitrate and Potassium increased. All parameters examined were within the permissible limits of WHO and BIS standards for recycled wastewater. Results thus suggest that vermifiltration system is ecofriendly, cost effective and very efficient in terms of contamination removal and wastewater purification.