Indigenous approach in organic solid waste management in Guyana (South America)

Abstract

Organic waste posses a serious environmental problem globally. This can be solved by combination of effective technologies like Biodung composting and Vermitech (incorporating earthworms for the production of vermicompost). The present work was carried out during the year 2006-2007 at University of Guyana, Georgetown to recycle grass clippings, water hyacinth and cattle dung by using Eisenia fetida the locally available surface species of earthworm. The results indicated that the organic waste (grass clipping s and water hyacinth) were successfully processed through partial biodung composting and vermicomposting during the period of 60 days. The temperature study during biodung composting showed two peak rise of temperature resulting in destruction of harmful microbes. Subsequent vermicomposting resulted in production of vermicompost confirming to the excellent nutrient status recorded in earlier experiments. The temperature study during vermicomposting showed that fluctuation was restricted to +0.83.