Authors : S. A. Pathak1, R. V. Didolkar1 and V. K. Didolkar2
Page Nos : 1021-1029
Description :
Present work was aimed to evaluate the possible occurrence of hazardous wastes on vermicomposting and bioaccumulation using Eisenia foetida. Industrial soils contain heavy metals in variable proportions and accumulate in the body of soil organisms such as E. foetida. These heavy metals are toxic and non-degradable and cause serious effects on ecosystem. Present work focuses the effects of industrial waste on bioaccumulation of heavy metals like Manganese, Lead, Nickel and Cadmium. The experiment was conducted using garden soil (Group-I) and three other Industrial waste soils which consisted of Mahananda dairy soil (Group-II), Mahananda dairy ash(Group-III) and Western Coalfield Ltd. seepage soil (Group-IV). Fifty earthworms were introduced in each group. Experiments were run for fifty days and bioaccumulation studies were carried out following 30 days, 40 days, and 50 days respectively. Studies indicated presence of heavy metals such as Lead, Nickel and Cadmium in all the samples of soil in which the earthworms were cultured. Highest concentration of Manganese was noted in Group III soil followed by Group IV, Group I and Group II respectively. There was no bioaccumulation of Lead, Nickel, and Cadmium in earthworms in any of the groups of industrial wastes studied. Manganese was days. Key Words: Industrial waste, Vermicomposting , Bioaccumulation, Eisenia foetida, Heavy metals .
